[The above is a lyric from my fave Snow Patrol song - Run. I highly suggest you download it immediately if you've never heard of it!]
I've been thinking a lot about my running lately. It's been a SLOW process... When I was 21, picking up running was challenging, but doable. I quickly made my way to running 5ks on a regular basis, and the farthest I got in my half-marathon training was an 8-mile run. EIGHT MILES. In all honesty, I can't believe my body ever did that. And I remember that run like it was yesterday! It was done at the TCU gym (where my ex-boyfriend went to college), and I watched TV the entire time, haha. When I got back to the dorm, my then-boyfriend said, "I CANNOT believe you just ran 8 miles." My thoughts exactly... but I did it.
Do I think I'll ever be able to run 8 miles again? Honestly, I've no idea. I'm not going to try either, at least not right now. I'm taking things very slowly. My 27-year old body does not like the idea of running too far too soon too fast, so I'm not letting it. That being said, I do like having goals and have considered following a 10k training plan. We'll see... for now, I'm just taking it day by day.
Psst! Check out my new kicks!
As soon as I got news of my job offer, I immediately headed to JackRabbit, a store devoted to running. (Running shoes were #1 on my list of "Post-Offer Purchases." Yes, I made a list.) They take their time with shoe fittings! The guy who helped me was super nice. I explained that I was trying to ease my way back into running after a 5-year hiatus. He had me run on a treadmill while he observed and recorded my gait. Apparently, I'm a stable runner - holler! Then we tried on a bunch of shoes, and he had me run on the treadmill in each one. Finally, I decided between 2 pairs: Brooks and Asics. I went with the Asics (more specifically, the Asics Gel Cumulus 12) - they are roomier in the toe and tighter in the heel, which I like. Plus, my former pair of running shoes are Asics as well so I figured it was a safe choice. The shorts are also new - I needed a pair that had a place to hold my keys since I was sick of doing this. They are ADIDAS and dark fuchsia - I love 'em!
One thing I've noticed is that as much as I love running outside, I get UBER thirsty whilst doing it, especially as I increase my speed and distance. I asked my fellow tweeters for suggestions/advice, and they were so helpful! One option was to run in loops so I could keep a water bottle somewhere, but because I run along the West Side Highway, that's not really an option. Another option I considered was to bring cash and purchase a bottle of water from one of the vendors along the road, but I hate the idea of buying a plastic water bottle. Yet another option would be to get a gadget, like a water belt. But I hate the idea of something being around my waist - I fear it will slide down and/or pull down my shorts - no bueno! In the end, I decided to try the Camelbak. It's gotten great reviews, it was on sale, and it's PINK! What's not to love? I felt kinda silly buying such a "hardcore" item, seeing as I'm a completely novice runner, but eh... whatevs. If I want to run outside, I've got to have water!
I've also noticed that I need rest days between my runs, which is surprisingly hard to do. Now that I'm actually excited about my runs, I want to do them every day. Not good. My endurance significantly decreases on the 2nd of the 2 back-to-back days.
Are you a runner? How long did it take you to easily run 3 miles? 5 miles? 8 miles? 26.2 miles?? Any advice/suggestions for a novice runner?
7 comments:
Your legs are HAWT! Seriously, I wish my legs looked that good :)
You make me want to start running again! I'll have to take it slow, like 1/8 mile at a time...
Omg, wow, your legs look amazing!
I do consider myself a runner, though not in the way that some people are hardcore runners. I recently ran 8 miles which was a HUGE accomplishment for me, since I'd previously had to stop after 6 miles. My advice is just to stick with it. It's such a great mental and physical release. Don't worry so much about time and speed when you're getting back into it. Build up slowly. The increased endurance and speed will come in time!
I'm a total novice as well. Any running I ever did before was for a purpose (field hockey, tennis, rowing etc) but in the past couple of months I've tried to train myself to 'like" running just for the sake of running. My endurance is soooo shabby, and I'm really good at taking rest days...weeks even haha! Good luck!
LOVE the new shoes and shorts and seriously I am very jealous of how AMAZING your legs look!
I'm a novice runner too. I'm on week 5 of the couch to 5k app on my phone and I love it. They have a couch 2 10K one too that I might do after my 5K in December.
And I didn't get to comment before but CONGRATULATIONS ON THE JOB OFFER! Yay! I'm so excited for you Miss official New Yorker!!
I've only just started running this year and go, er once a week?
I remember back when I was in school and could do 5k in half an hour.
Now it takes me twice as long (sigh). I'm working on it. We'll get there. Gotta build up that fitness after years of slacking.
Great shoes, shorts and legs! I don't consider myself a runner, but I do run...sometimes. When I go to the gym, I usually do intervals of running and hiking on the treadmill, and in nice weather I run outside sometimes. Unfortunately, with my crazy school/work schedule I don't have time to run everyday. I'm lucky if I get in once or twice a week. But practice is key. I know I was running greater distances in shorter times before I started the PhD program and had more free time.
I hope to hear your review of the Camelbak. I have the same issue. When I'm the gym, it is no problem to keep a bottle of water, but I hate holding one when I run outside. Usually, when I ran outside I would never go out for more than 30-40 mins, and I didn't run the entire time. As soon as I got home, I drank a billion gallons of water.
Great shoes, shorts and legs! I don't consider myself a runner, but I do run...sometimes. When I go to the gym, I usually do intervals of running and hiking on the treadmill, and in nice weather I run outside sometimes. Unfortunately, with my crazy school/work schedule I don't have time to run everyday. I'm lucky if I get in once or twice a week. But practice is key. I know I was running greater distances in shorter times before I started the PhD program and had more free time.
I hope to hear your review of the Camelbak. I have the same issue. When I'm the gym, it is no problem to keep a bottle of water, but I hate holding one when I run outside. Usually, when I ran outside I would never go out for more than 30-40 mins, and I didn't run the entire time. As soon as I got home, I drank a billion gallons of water.
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