I’m just a beginner when it comes to running, but I’m still training for a half marathon.
My training for the half-marathon May 6 is in full force. I ran 5 miles last Saturday, which is the longest I’ve run since before I got married.
I’m running 3 miles on Mondays, 4 miles on Wednesdays, and 3 miles on Thursdays, with my long runs on Saturday. Tomorrow, I run 6 miles. Next week, it’s 8, and so on.
Something strange happened last week too. As I woke up at 6 am to get my run in before the sun comes out, and it was just me on the trail, I actually felt like a runner. I know, crazy, right?
A month ago, I was complaining about how hard it was and please, would it ever get easier? And people were saying “oh yeah it will, I promise!” but I just wanted to yell “Liars!” Running is hard.
I am no speed bunny by any means and I’m averaging 10-minute miles (on good days). I also realize how much more I enjoy running outside than inside, now that I’m actually doing it. I was one of those people that would never ever go running outside. In fact, besides Cross Country in high school, the first time I went running outside in my adult years was with Eric when we were dating.
Now, I haven’t stepped foot inside a gym since…early February?
In addition to running, I’m also doing Barre classes at Pure Barre. I love them and can’t get enough! I signed up for the 1-month unlimited special for newbies for $100 and go pretty much every day (I’ve missed twice in the past 3 weeks). Unfortunately, the regular classes don’t come with a pretty price tag at $25 a pop. I try to sign up for classes when they offer discounts, and I’m paying for them with my extra money.
Are you a runner?
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17 comments
I’m a novice runner too. An athletic friend told me, “It never gets easier, you just get faster.” I think that’s a pretty smart benchmark.
Nice! I am cheering for you! I barely can squeeze 2 mile runs! Five probably would have killed me! I love running though. It gives me runner’s high.
How is you weight? Did you notice any weight loss after you started running so much?
Dave & I got a month into training for a half last summer but we moved to ann arbor and I fell in love with the group classes at a gym we found. We got up to 6 miles in our training and I hear what you’re saying about feeling like a runner and actually enjoying the run. We can do a 3 mile run pretty easily, but I can’t say I ever feel like running more than that nowadays. My sister was around 160-170lbs when she started training for her first half marathon and she got down to 140-150s and has run 2 since!
All the best. If you have will you can do it. For me, I can’t think of running even a quarter marathon.
Yay for running! Cheaper than the gym. I’m in running withdrawal – 7 months pregnant! I dread the uphill battle of beginning again, but it will be worth it. A half is the longest I’ve ever run; a very ambitious goal, but I’m sure you’ll get there!
Very inspiring and motivating!
That’s awesome! Keep up the great work! It’s such a spectacular accomplishment… just be careful, you might become addicted!
Well I am married to a runner. I’ve been to quite a few cities around Europe on marathons and waited, at the finish line, waited, waited, tried to occupy our son, waited ….. and then missed her in Dublin because our son was arguing with me.
Believe me, I think this is harder than running.
So can I hear it for the support team too!
I HATE RUNNING!! I’m pretty positive there is nothing more boring to do in the entire world. lol
However, I do it. I wish I could run outside more but it gets too hot for me. Treadmills are awful but what can you do? Have to burn those calories!
I only run 1-2 miles twice a week though. I’d love to run a 10k this year. A half is a LONG WAY!! I have a client that ran a half and a marathon on back to back days a couple of weeks ago. He said the most he ran during his training was 10 miles in one day. I don’t know how he did it.
Good luck to you!! Proud to say that I won’t be joining you. lol.
I am very much not a runner, but in the past few years, I’ve kind of started wanting to try it out. It really is SO hard, especially in the beginning and I admire you for taking on the challenge of a half marathon.
I wish that I could be a runner. I can get sort-of into running (3-4 miles a few times a week) but then shin splints in my legs start killing me to the point that it hurts even to walk. This cycle happens about four or five times each year. I haven’t figured out a way to avoid or manage those…so while I’m all about hiking, I don’t know that running is in the cards for me.
I’m so glad it’s going well for you!!!
Have you had someone watch you run? Most running stores will watch you run and then recommend a shoes based on your gait. It did WONDERS for my knee problems – they completely vanished! Yes you’re going to have to pay about $100, but it is SO worth it. Cheaper than a gym. Also, say you run 3x/week, you need to replace your shoes every 1.5 years.
My brother just did a half marathon for the first time and did very well. 1:46 was his time. I have a good friend that is a triathlete which is pretty impressive. Good for you I hope you have a good time going through the process because I hear the benefits are amazing.
Yay! So glad to hear that! The longest I’ve ever run was 5 miles. I really want to do a marathon but I don’t have time right now, maybe next year! My dad was a track star…full scholarship to college for track, and I magically inherited his genes so I should put them to good use 🙂 I love running intervals on the treadmill at high inclines. I literally drip sweat. And that’s an amazing feeling for a treadmill workout!
Btw, have you tried or looked into compression sleeves for calves? I get shin splits easily and anything to limit the pain while running would be nice, but they are so pricey for the good brands! They must be tight!
Sounds like the training is going really well. Congrats girlie!!
Yay!! I am SO glad you are embracing this and loving to run outside now! The combo with barre is the best, isn’t it?? Did the oatmeal tide you over? I must know 😉
I am so not a runner. I’ve tried really hard to be one, but it just isn’t me. I love walking and I speed walk everywhere, but I just can’t run. I have a really terrible gait and I’m not sure how to fix it. On top of that, my musculature in my legs is not aligned well for running and causes a lot of rotation issues for me. I think I’m okay with being a blogger who doesn’t run, as strange as that seems to be right now.
Good luck with your training!