Marathon Training

On Sunday, my principal and two other ladies went to do our long run.  We decided 11 miles would be good.  We started at 445 and I didn’t get done until three hours later!  I ran for 2.5 miles at the beginning then had to walk, run, walk the rest.  The heat started to bother me the last hour as well as my legs were starting to hurt.  It seemed like forever before we were done.  During the last part of the run, all I could think about is how the illegal immigrants must feel walking through the desert. When the heat started getting to me, I was like, Oh, my God! It was 104 at least by the time we were done.  The marathon is next week already!  I am probably going to do a 6 mile run before then. 

I have new found respect for marathon runners now.  I have always been aware that it is a lot of work to train for marathons, but now just realize how mentally and physically tiring it is! I was sore for two days!

Running along ( in my case shuffling)

I am on vacation and visting my siblings in Phoenix. When  I got here yesterday I told my brother-in-law to go running with me so I can see and feel the difference running on the pavement has on my ankle and legs.  We left the house sometime after 6 and it was warm already!  I told my brother-in-law that he does not have to wait for me because I have to go at my own pace, find my own rhythum.  I tell him this because one it’s true, two he is a good runner compare to me.  He runs 9 minute miles. 

I listened to music from my little sister’s ipod.  I focused on my breathing, in through my nose and out my mouth.  I relaxed my body, trying to keep it loose and fluid as I run, with my hands relaxed and not closed. The track we ran was along running paths and through streets.  I ran on pavement, grass and pressed down dirt.  I wore my work out pants and tank top which made me realize I would have to get comfortable and lightweight running shorts.  I’m not looking forward to wearing that because my legs are chunky, but I figure if I run fast enough nobody will be able to see it!:)

At the end of my run, I stretched and  noticed that my ankle feels okay. However, my right thigh aches a little.  My brother-in-law thinks I am leaning more on my right side more heavily.  Also, as I run I tend to pound on the front of my toes instead of going from heel to toes.  I think I need to make a conscious effort to remind myself to start from heels and then end with front of my foot. 

My brother-in-law is going to take me to a shoe store so I can get tested to see what running shoes would fit my running style.  I am definitely excited about that. 

It took me about one hour and fifteen minutes to to do two miles!  I need to increase my speed if I am going to be able to finish the half-marathon in three hours.  I have a  better understanding and sympathy for what marathon runners go through! I am in awe of runners who can sustain their pace for so many miles!  After two, I felt okay, but I need to work harder!  I will shuffle on!  This heat is a killer though!

My moment of insanity? Inspiration? Impulsiveness?

Last week I finally lost my thin grip on sanity!  At least, that’s what I’m thinking right now during my moment of quiet contemplation.  I made two important decision:  run in a half marathon and sign up to start my Masters program. Why is this crazy?  One, I hate running because I am not good at it! As for my Masters program, great idea but I would have to squeeze that in with my crazy schedule.

My brilliant idea started a couple of months ago after a conversation with two of my co-workers who I was trying to persuade to go to the gym with me. I told them it would be a great idea if we run in a marathon because then it would force us to go work out consistently and they agreed.  After speaking with them, I decided to run the idea by my principal who has done a full marathon before and she thought it was an awesome idea and that she would help us train.  She even loan us a book on running. 

Now it’s May and my principal and I and three other co-workers have all registered for the America’s Finest City Half Marathon in San Diego this August.  I can’t back out of it now since I have already made the commitment.  The idea that I am going to do a half marathon is frightening and nerve wrecking, but exciting because it will be a physical and mental challenge for me.  At least my marathon is short compared to the breast cancer walk my little sister  is going to do which is 60 miles in three days!  She is trying to raise 2200 for the Breast Cancer Society.

I am getting ready for it by cross training, doing yoga, running and biking so I can work out all my muscles.  I am going to try my hardest to finish in the three hour frame they set for us.  I hope I don’t get trample by all those professional runners!

If anybody would love to participate in this marathon in beautiful San Diego here is the link:

http://www.afchalf.com/