My first few runs on our treadmill were rough, I'm not gonna lie. I was huffing and puffing and really struggling to finish 3 miles. The second run I did I seriously had to stop 3 times to catch my breath. It left me with some major doubts about tackling a half marathon in 9 weeks. I hung in there though and last week I made myself get on there and run every other day. I slowed up my pace and took it easy and by the end of the week the 3 mile runs weren't so bad.
Then on Saturday I attempted my first "long run" which was only 5 miles, but more than I've run in a very long time. I loaded up my iPod with the soundtrack to Wicked, hopped on the treadmill and steadily jogged along as I listen to the witches of Oz belt it out. I stayed at a nice 10 minute pace for the first 3 1/2 miles then bumped it up to a 9:13 pace to finish off the last mile and a half. It was a really great run! I felt good the whole time and definitely had energy left when I finished. It was a huge boost of confidence to know that I could do that run without any trouble, and it made me realize that if I scale back to the novice training schedule I'm still totally on track for the New York Half Marathon on April 3rd.
So, with my new found confidence and motivation I got online, registered for the race and booked a hotel right where the race headquarters are set up. It's officially ON! and I'm really excited to have something to work towards for the next 2 months.
Nice! That is so exciting. I will have to experience races vicariously through you this year. Sounds like you're off to a really good start, even though I would set the bar low for the first race of the season so you can impress yourself as the summer goes on. ;) I know you'll still rock it though!
ReplyDeleteYay! That will be SO fun!
ReplyDeleteWow! I can't believe you are already signed up! But if anyone can pull it off, YOU CAN! Wish we could come and support you. I think Kevin would be ecstatic to get back to New York!
ReplyDeleteOMGoodness! April is only 9 weeks away? I'm glad I stuck to my training schedule this week then.
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you on starting all over. This is week one of training for the Country Music 1/2 marathon the end of April. I just returned from my 30 min. easy run and it was pretty good. I'm lucky the weather is good enough for me to get outside.
Keep going, and if you see me slack off, send me a virtual whap up side the head. :)
Way to go Becca! That's awesome. There is something to be said for just making the commitment and registering for an event. I've wanted to run a marathon for years, but always found excuses not to fully train or even register for one. This time I decided to pony up the cash to register so that I would have the added level of commitment to get myself out and training. SLC marathon April 17th will be my marathon debut. I'm in my early stages of training, but am looking forward to the challenge. Thanks for your inspiring updates and for keeping on it.
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