I've started running since I've been here in Colorado. This might have been a really dumb idea, being a mile high in elevation. I gained something like 15 lbs between final projects, finals and moving and was just feeling yucky. I also have between 9 and 4 every day to myself, I have NO excuse not to exercise. Also, I have a friend who inspires me. She started running not long ago, after she had a baby, and now I see her facebook posts about running 10+ miles, pushing a stroller. She is incredible! I have a goal of someday running a marathon. I feel like right now, while I have free time (even when I have the kids all summer I can run while they ride bikes-- or I can ride with them and do a biathalon or a triathalon-- which would be awesome!) This is when I should do it. If I can get addicted to running maybe it will help me with stress when I'm in Grad school.
I'm starting slow, I found a 9 week training program called "Couch to 5k" last summer, started it, then moved to Alaska and was too busy/tired from working to run. As for running in Provo... I hate it. Actually I hate all running. But I'm trying to love it. I love the way it makes me feel about 20 minutes AFTER I'm done. Now I'm on week 2. I've been averaging about 2 miles in the 30 minutes, so nothing super far, but not that far from a 5k... it's achievable.
The training program is 3x/week and it's intervals. For example; week one you have a 5 minute warm up, then 20 minutes of 60 second running 90 second brisk walking, then 5 minute cool down. Week two is 5 min warm ups, then 20 minutes of 90 second running, 2 min walking, 5 minute cool down. So I'm running MWF and I'm going to try to go biking with the kids TTH for variety. We also went for a ride on Sunday night which was so nice, but we'll see how life changes when we get to Maryland.
I don't want to burn out or quit, so I've been looking up motivational quotes... Here are some of my favorites:
Paul Coffey: Nobody's a natural. You work hard to get good and then work hard to get better.
Sir Edmund Hillary: It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.
"Everyone who has run knows that its most important value is in removing tension and allowing a release from whatever other cares the day may bring."
-Jimmy Carter
-Jimmy Carter
I don't know if the person you are referring to is me or not, but if it is, I am flattered. I would also like to assure you that nine months ago I was struggling to think I could run more than a mile. I personally have found that for me it is about going as slow as I need to and about completing the distance and not worrying about the time. I am training for a half marathon right now (in less than two weeks...aaaagh) and it took me THREE HOURS to run those 12 miles. Partly because of the stroller, partly because I am slow, and partly because I (as instructed for training) took 50 ft walking breaks between each mile. But just look what persistence can do!!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I still hate running and I am not going to be running THIS much once the half is over!! But I am at a place where I can comofrtably do 3-5 miles regualrly, which is a huge accomplishment for me.
So. if I can...you DEFINITELY can!!
Go Emily! That was inspirational. You rock. There are few things better than setting goals and achieving them especially in the physical fitness realm. I am supporting you 110% from afar. You should find a 5k in Maryland once you come out here to work up towards. Once you run in a race you'll be even more inspired.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work Emily!
No way! I have started to take up running after graduation too. Actually more of jogging because I am SLOW! I can only go for a 1.5 miles before I give up. But at least I am going, right? Well you have inspired me again to be a better person. Keep being you!
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