I've started my half-marathon training. Wow. Running is no joke. It is completely different than spinning and just because you excel at one does NOT mean you will excel at the other. Running has been hugely challenging for me but I am keeping at it in hopes that it gradually feels more natural and I am confident going into my first (maybe only) half-marathon.
My first group run was two Saturdays ago. My friend Kristine had invited me to a Pilates ProWorks class she was hosting later that day. I'm always game to try a new workout, and I wanted to hang out, and who are we kidding. I love a free class. So I said yes and patted myself on the back for my two-a-day.
Hard core. I still don't have one.
Big mistake. Huge mistake. Oh, I loved seeing my pal and I had a great time. But clearly I did something wrong. The hour-long class consisted of half Pilates reformer and half Barre TRX. It was hard as hell and I don't know exactly what happened, but I woke up the next morning in excruciating pain. (And I'm certain the 12 glasses of wine I'd had that night at an engagement party didn't help matters much.)
I'm still not sure what happened, but I've had a golf-ball sized knot in the spot between my lower back and right hip ever since. I've missed several workouts because of it, and will have to rework my exercise calendar accordingly. Le sigh.
Last week, I expressed my concerns to my team run coach. This past Saturday at our group run, she found me right at the start and stayed with me the whole time. We stopped every few minutes to do a stretch she showed me, and it definitely helped. She commented on my form and told me to keep going, that she is proud of me, and that I'm doing great. She's also a personal trainer and if I can scrounge up the cash when this is all said and done, I'm definitely hiring her! She's wonderful.
I'm still struggling. I'm not as strong as I thought I was. I get tired and frustrated and wonder how people do this all the time and make it look so effortless. I want so badly to love this the way that others do. I want to be good at it. I want to have the feelings post-run that I experience after a SoulCycle class. I know I have to keep at it. I just wish it came a bit easier to me.
This weekend will be our third group training. My cousin, Julie, will be in town and I'm so excited to have her along. She is the reason I am doing all of this and I know that spending time with her and experiencing this with her in person will continue to inspire me and push me forward.
Are you a runner? What keeps you going? Will I ever move past this snail's pace phase?
Teddi!
ReplyDeleteI tried spinning for the first time a week ago. How you feel about rockin' at spinning and not-so-rockin' at running is exactly how i feel...in reverse.
I was SO SURE it would be a piece of cake but I left an exhausted, hot, sweaty mess.
you got this guuuurl.
You're having a hard time because it's really hard! I am doing a ten mile race in May, but it's been several years since I've run that distance with any regularity. Essentially I am starting from square one, but much heavier than I was six years ago.
ReplyDeleteThe only way to become a runner is to run, run, run. There is no getting around the need to deposit weekly mileage into your running bank. I've learned that I needed to run at a much slower pace while I was increasing my mileage. I can see how this would be hard (for me) if I had the pressure of running/keeping up with a group, but it sounds like you have a great coach.
If you're willing to put the time and effort in, you can do it! It may be easy for some people, but it is never easy for me. That makes the accomplishment all the more gratifying. Good luck!
You don't need to be a hare, you can be a tortoise -- it's about strength and stamina and proper form and pacing. You don't need to zip through it :) I'm so proud of you for undertaking this challenge and I know you'll be great on Race Day!
ReplyDeleteLove you!
Deleterunning is HARD. i am about to run my second marathon and i have days when 2 miles feels excruciating. running is, honestly, sometimes awful.
ReplyDeleteyou really do have to keep pushing...and truthfully, it will come with time. and there is NO shame in a slow pace. I will never be one of those runners that can keep a steady 8 minute mile...I am more of a 10 minute miler myself. and if you gotta walk...WALK! It's all about you.
and invest in a foam roller...it will save your life!
YOU CAN DO IT :)
Man oh man, it really is tough. I've decided that it'll just be a very slow and steady race (no pun intended) to this 13.1. It's really my only option! I have to stay focused and try not to get frustrated. Thank you so much for your encouragement :) My run coach sent me a YouTube on foam rolling... I will be watching it tonight!
DeleteGo Teddi Go!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work!! Running is HARD when you're building up your mileage. Just remember that your pain and exhaustion are tangible evidence of your hard work and determination to reach your goal. When I trained for my first half I swore up and down that I would never put myself through that again. I've lost count of how many I've run at this point, but they always end the same way - sweaty, exhausted, and so so happy and proud of my accomplishment. The road to race day is hard, but nothing beats the feeling you get as you cross the finish line!
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing advice. Thank you!
DeleteDon't ever feel down about running - because you're going a heck of a lot faster than those who don't run! I can run about 3-4 miles without dying so I give you MAJOR PROPS!!!! Regardless of pace, you should always, on good days and bad days, feel incredibly proud that you are running a HALF MARATHON! That is no easy task, even for some seasoned runners. My trainer always says don't look at how far you have to go but at how far you've come.
ReplyDeleteYou win the race either way! And no shame in a slow pace, whether you sprint, walk or crawl across the finish line you will have accomplished something amazing and you will have the best runner's high! Don't give up and don't worry about bad days, we all have them. I have them more than most and still am trying to run a 10K without collapsing afterwards :)
And I agree, a foam roller will save your life, and so will post run cocktails!!!!
You're right... at least I lace up and I go out there, right? That's half the battle. Right now I'm honestly still working on running 1 mile straight and getting comfortable with my pace. Thank you so much for your encouragement. I am running a 10K in less than three weeks and terrified! But I just have to keep going. Every time gets a teeny bit better.
DeleteI really dislike running! I think I am scarred from field hockey practice in high school because we had timed runs every practice and it was very stressful I told myself I would never run against a clock again. This past year one of my sorority sisters talked me into signing up for a half marathon with her. The date for the half seemed so far off and even though I never had run more that 3 miles in my life I signed up. I was really busy with school work etc and during the winter I used the weather as my excuse but I did not train at all! I ran a handful of 2-3 mile runs in the months leading up to the half but that was it! I was really nervous and wanted to back out when it was the week of the race but I didn't want to let my friend down. I know this sounds crazy but running the half was easier than running a 5k. With all the people there it was so inspiring and I borrowed my bfs iPod so for me at least having new music and a play list that he made was motivation for me to keep going. I ran with my friend the entire time and cool not of done it without her. I probably will not run another (Maybe the Disney princess half) but it was so fun and memorable. Just remember running is only a little bit different than walking! You will definitely be able to do it when it comes to race day!!
ReplyDeleteRunning is SO hard for me too. Honestly, going to the chiro really helped with my running related back pain. Hope it gets better for you!
ReplyDeleteI'm a swimmer and a yogi and SO admire your aspirations to be a runner! It's hard, hard work (I can barely run a mile without wanting to WALK home), and can only get easier the more you practice! Look forward to sticking with you through your journey, and perhaps trying out running myself!! Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
DeleteYou are such an inspiration! While I'm not running half marathons any time soon, you inspired me to jump start my own fitness routine. I'm already down 25 lbs, and if I can do that, you absolutely can run your race!!! You are such a role model!!
ReplyDeleteI'm an inspiration?! Girl, YOU are an inspiration. That is incredible!!! Good for you!!! This made me so happy. You should be so proud of yourself.
DeleteA long time reader, first time commenter here but I just had to jump in on the running discourse as it's one of my favorite topics. As a self-proclaimed avid "runner" I echo the sentiments of so many other commenters here. Running is tough business and not for the faint of heart. I've run one full marathon and countless halves (and am gearing up for my second go at the NYC marathon this fall) and I still get intimidated by my training schedule all the time.
ReplyDeleteAs for my tips: 1)Practice, practice, practice! Unfortunately you can't fake it til you make it with running. When training for races you need to put in the miles to get where you need to be. And believe me - the more you run the easier it will get. These things take time...but you will get there. 2)Foam rolling and stretching! I used to skip stretching a lot but have found it's crucial in helping reduce post-run soreness. 3)Listen to your body! Some days you are just not feeling it- you're exhausted, you hurt all over. In that case, reschedule your run for a different day and take a break. Your body needs time to rest/recover. 4)Fuel and hydrate! My go to pre long run breakfast is whole wheat toast with peanut butter and sliced banana! 5)Kick ass playlist! When I'm struggling on a run I often blast "Call Me Maybe" on repeat to keep me going...
That all being said - remember you are doing this for a GREAT cause and that is so admirable! Have fun out there and enjoy the journey! Best of luck!!!
Thank you so, so, so, SO much!
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