It's been a crazy busy week but I wanted to wish all my running friends a
Happy National Running Day!
Also, over at Deb Runs the Wednesday word is PERSEVERANCE.
Very quickly, let me share my story of how I trained for my first half marathon. I had been running on the treadmill at the Y for quite a while. I would also occasionally run outside with my dog too. I could run 6 - 7 miles on the treadmill without pause. However, I found it extremely difficult to do that outside. It just felt so different. But, I had to learn because I was going to run a half!
I used the path in my neighborhood park. I had no idea how long it was. I had no fancy-smancy Garmin. I roughly calculated 3 laps equaled a mile (it was actually over a mile -- which came as a nice surprise). I formulated a plan to run 3 laps, walk 1, and repeat 3 times. The next week I would run 4 laps, walk 1, and repeat 3 times. The next week I would run 5 laps, walk 1, and repeat 3 times. You get the idea. I stuck to this plan until I got to a point where the "walk 1" was no longer necessary. I also got to the point where I lost count! {Oh, no!! Was that lap 27 or 28?}
This was a long process and it was NOT easy for me. After reaching double digit miles, I would be so exhausted when I returned home. There were actually a few times I remember hoping that my kids could dial 911 if necessary. Thankfully, it was never needed...it was just me being dramatic.
I have such fond memories of those days. I was so proud of myself. I was determined. I did it. I PERSEVERED. I ran my first half.
I'm linking up with Deb @ Deb Runs for the Wednesday Word.
Please visit Deb and the other participating bloggers. It's fun!
I didn't have a Garmin when I trained for my first half. I just persevered too.
ReplyDeleteYep. It's about putting your head down and doing the work. The gadgets just make it more fun.
DeleteThat's funny that you could do it without stopping o treadmill and not outside. I am completely opposite. Even now I cant fully run on the treadmill. So i usually do that when I work on intervals. I can always run outside without stopping. It feels like it goes so much faster. More to see, I thk that's why.
ReplyDeleteI haven't really run much on the TM in years because now it hurts my Achilles. I guess you get used to one way or the other.
DeleteNothing like the first half :) ... & glad 911 wasn't needed :)
ReplyDeleteMe too! I don't think I had ever experience that level of fatigue. I got used to it!
DeleteFrom your first half to almost starting training for your first marathon! You've come a long way :). I first started running on a treadmill too and had to make the same adjustment. So glad you persevered, so that we're all able to follow your marathon journey now!
ReplyDeleteI just think there are some extra muscles required for running outside. It's like the TM does a little of the work for you. You aren't required to propel yourself along like you do outside.
DeleteI just can't imagine the treadmill being easier. Every 1/10 of a mile on the treadmill takes perseverance!
ReplyDeleteIt was back then because it required less work. But, I don't run on one any longer! It bother my Achilles nowadays. I don't have time for that.
DeleteWow! Not only did you persevere by training for a half and learning to run further outside, but you persevered by running endless loops on your neighborhood path. That's some really tough mental training! I once did a 10 mile run on a quarter mile loop - so 40 laps. I was in good shape, and 10 miles was an easy run for me, if run at a long run pace, but it was still a tough run because of the loops! You learned the perseverance lesson early :) Happy National Running Day!
ReplyDeleteAt the time, the loops didn't feel tedious because I have never done it. I didn't know any different. Now, yeah those loops would drive me insane. I stick to the streets.
DeleteGreat story! I think I take simple things like my Garmin and having nice, long training routes nearby for granted. Running all those loops must have been so tough, both physically and mentally. I also remember my first double-digit run and how proud I felt. And now...here we are! Thanks for sharing and getting me to also look back on national running day!
ReplyDeleteAt the time, it wasn't bad because I didn't know any different. It was the only way to keep up with the miles too. I think we tend to forget how far we've come. It reminds me I can do more!
DeleteI actually did 13 miles a couple of times before my first half. Mentally, I had to know I could do it. I gave my TM away. It bothers my Achilles.
ReplyDeleteI always ran outside; but I feel like running outside is physically more difficult than running on the mill. The pounding takes some getting used to!
ReplyDeleteAnd look at you now....
It is physically more difficult, at least for me. I knew I couldn't expect to run a half doing all of my running on a TM. No way.
DeleteWay to PERSEVERE HoHo! I love thinking back at when I first started running. I remember wishing I could run as far as a half marathon and to this day I will never forget my first...that feeling of accomplishment is so wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI was on cloud 9 for days. I replayed that race over and over in my head!
DeleteThe first half is such a huge accomplishment! The Caveman was actually a distance runner before I was and I remember being SO impressed by the runners when I went to spectate. My how times have changed. I too was a mill-only runner when I started.
ReplyDeleteI guess it made enough of an impression for you do to it as well! That's great.
DeleteThat's so amazing and inspiring that you trained that way! I can't imagine pushing myself like that. I get tired of running a 5 mile loop twice for a long run! Let alone 27 times a few times a week...great job!!
ReplyDeleteI would definitely tire of endless loops now, but back then I didn't know any different. It felt so rewarding every time I could add one more loop.
DeleteHappy National Running Day to you too! I love hearing all the stories about how folks trained for their first major races of any distance. I didn't have a Garmin when I first started, either, or any of the fancy fueling or other tools that we all take for granted. So inspirational to see how far we have all come! Way for you to persevere!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks. It's good to look back and see how we've grown. It's a great reminder of how strong we are and a wonderful motivator to keep on challenging ourselves.
DeleteI didn't have a gps when I started running either - not sure how I managed training for a marathon without one! I really like to know how far I've run.
ReplyDeleteFor me, at the time I think ignorance was bliss. Now I can't do without all the gadgets.
DeleteYou certainly did persevere and look at you now!
ReplyDeleteAs always, thanks for linking up!
I hope I can persevere through this summer. Keep those challenging words coming!
DeleteI trained for and ran my first half marathon with a good ole Timex sports watch, LOL! You are doing amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <3
ReplyDeleteLOLOL. So did I. Seems as if it was purple or pink, or maybe just accented with those colors. HA. It worked for both of us.
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