Diary of a Bad Runner:: Improvement and Setback

My last runner entry was full of high hopes to improve pace and finish a four miler. Here's the update on that.

I did successfully finish Zoom thru the Zoo with an official time of 48 minutes but my Runkeeper tracked it at 45, so we'll go with that and blame the 3 minute deficit on the starting line crowd. Either way I proved to myself I could run for 45 minutes straight and that was a big confidence booster in the way of training.

As far as improving my pace I have kinda gone in the opposite direction and it is totally working for me. I've still been training with Gipis ( I discussed in my last entry) that I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone running out there. There are countless running apps and programs out there but this one didn't just give me a set training plan, or just pace me as I trained. This app takes you where you are and factors in where you are trying to get to and makes up a plan just for you. It is straight up a personal running trainer on your phone.

So far in my training I am up to running 1:10 at a 12:00 min pace.  So I have almost made it to 6 miles. My program has me finishing a 2:11, with a 10:03 pace so obviously I have some work to do but I'm pretty excited that I went from feeling like I couldn't go on after 3 miles, to sailing through 5 and feeling fine now. The key is to worry more about how long I run instead of how far, for now. Which is something I knew all along, but still couldn't help but want to push.

The small set back is that I had some outpatient surgery last week and I am not suppose to run at all for two-four weeks depending on how I feel. This really stinks because I was making some great progress, but also totally worth it as it has to do with some good ol' family planning and we definitely want that in the near future. So the surgery did not need to be put off.

So here I am just sitting and dreaming of running like a nerd. Hope your summers are going well!

Anybody else training? What has been the biggest help? Ever had to power through an injury?

Diary of a Bad Runner:: Week 2

Week 1 went well, not great but well. I got in 3 runs and a cross train.

My first run goal was 3 miles at 11 min pace. Well, I did the 3 miles but at
11:33 pace. No biggie.

Since I started blogging this journey to the half marathon, I also looked up an official training program to get me there. If you are currently training I highly recommend the Gipis app. I put in all my info and my current running level and it created a customized program tailored to my abilities.

According to that plan I needed to slow down. It seems counter intuitive, I was so focused on getting over the 4 mile hump, and improving my pace. But this program is all about endurance and stamina. So the next two runs I was assigned to 1.82 miles at a 13:44 pace. So slow! I couldn't do it.

On Saturday I hit the Green Line and did 2 miles in 20 minutes! I was so very proud. (Thanks Melissa Wheatley, it did help to get outside!) Unfortunately, Sunday when I went back out, I was so sore, my shins were killing me and my ankles were not happy at all. Turns out I should have tried it the right way and built up slowly. I did my 1.82 on Sunday at 11:44. It was pretty hilarious because the app talks to you while you run and she kept saying "Slower!" and "Slow down" but I couldn't do it! Not because I'm so fast, but because my music had a 10-11 min paced downbeat, I can't run off beat!

So this week's goals are 3 runs at 2.5 miles around a 13 min pace. And Matt and I are doing Zoom through the Zoo on Thursday night, which is a 4 mile race. I am hoping for around 45 mins to be my finishing time.

Are you training? How are you handling the heat? 

Diary of a Bad Runner:: Week 1

Well, I am officially signed up to run my first half marathon on December 7th.

It's not just any race, it's the St. Jude Marathon series, one of the most noble causes I can think of. Helping sick children get better while simultaneously not asking families to worry about paying a dime, kinda awesome, eh?

Before I start this post, here's my quick plea for support. My goal is $500. I have already raised $210! Please consider heading over to my page and donating $5 to a beautiful cause. The money all goes to St. Jude (of course) and it has really encouraged me to train harder when people publicly and financially support me.

Ok, on with the diary.

I am the very worst at running. Like the worst. Sometimes I start panting in the first mile. Truth. Even after years of couch to 5k programs and dedicated "training." After multiple charity races and even a summer spent at Shelby Farms with running coaches. I suck. But I love running. I do. I feel powerful when I am plodding along and gasping for breath. I love being outside and playing mind games with myself to get to the next intersection. I like how I feel after making it 3 miles without passing out.

So how is the very worst runner, who is stuck at the moment at 3.25 miles per run, going to get to 13.1? With you of course. There is something to be said for accountability. No, I'm not going to be posting every run on Facebook and twitter. Although, I know why we all do that, because you should be proud if you got up and ran when you really just wanted to lay down and watch the new "Nashville" (so good, right?!?)

But no, I'm going to be honestly reporting my journey here periodically. And I'm looking for some feed back. Not unearned praise, but maybe your tips and tricks. And maybe someone else who thinks they are the worst runner ever can feel encouraged. Cause that's why I'm trying it this year, because so many of you said--hey, you're not so bad, you can do this.

Training week 1:

Today:: I will run 3 miles on the treadmill at the Kroc. The goal will be 11 minute miles. I have been stuck at 11:32 for awhile so I would love to get it down to the minute.

**Here's a pro tip for those who are slow runners like me. Embrace it. I ran Saturday and kept running out of breath and energy, only made it 2.5 miles. When I checked my splits I was running 9:30 miles. That's why I had zero stamina. I am just a slow pace runner. But I'd much rather run 4 miles in 50 minutes steady, than 2 miles in 18 mins and have to stop. Anyone disagree? What should I be pushing for if my body seems comfy at 11:07 (5.4) on the treadmill?

Wednesday:: I'm going to cross train, either elliptical or bike and then weights.

Thursday:: Going for 3 more miles, treadmill, but maybe back at the 11:32 pace to take it easy.

Saturday or Sunday my first "long run" will be 4 miles long. Preferably outside and prolly real slow, my goal will be 12 min miles.

So that's the plan. Keep me honest. And let me know if you've been here before. What helped you get over the humps the most? 

P.S. Favorite song on the run this week : "All I do is Win"