oh heyyyy

So, let's establish something you already know:

I'm terrible at blogging.

Perhaps this blog should be named anti-blogging blogger. Bah. But here's an update... I'm at home (Colorado) and have begun the glorious task of adjusting to the higher altitude. One of the first items on my to-do list upon arriving home was to purchase new shoes. Friday morning my dad and I headed over to Boulder Running Company and found (after many trips between the diagnostic treadmill and a pile of size 8.5 shoes) a beautiful pair of pink, burgundy, and white Mizuno Wave Alchemy 9s. I've begun tallying miles on the soles (credit: Brenna Case).

My dad is following the Jeff Galloway Marathon Training Program which is a run/walk strategy to avoid injury and increase endurance. As I've asked around I've heard great things about this program so I'm in. Also, as a true anti-running marathoner, how can I say no to a program that demands you walk one out of every ten minutes during the long runs? And has you run at a barelyfasterthanwalking pace? Yes please. The only issue is that because this program is longer than the one I was previously following, I'm behind where I should be for mileage. But I'm not stressed... I'll catch up.

My first run last Friday was... unimpressive. My dad and I went out about 4pm and ran on the trails between our neighborhood and the next one over. My legs felt fine-- which was surprising because my runs during finals could best be called sporadic if not nonexistent-- but about fifteen minutes in I began to feel pretty nauseous and lightheaded and so we stopped and walked for a bit, ran another 7-10 minutes and then walked the rest of the way home. So our "40 minute" run turned into a 50 minute run/walk.

The run yesterday went much better. My dad was scheduled for his 9 miler and I am obviously not there yet so he went out for the first six with my cousin Philip and then I tag teamed Philip out and ran the last three. The weather was gorgeous-- I SO prefer running at night. The whole day is behind you, the air is cool, and something about the dark makes the time and miles go by faster. Our pace was nice and easy, so other than my dumb shoulder ache, the run was perfect. Things are looking up!

I'm so thankful to have this goal. (you might need to remind me of this later). It gives me an excuse to go to bed early, the motivation to exercise regularly, and the desire to be healthy-- I need all three of these desperately but find them all too often illusive.

Happy Ash Wednesday

Two days ago I went for a morning run/walk with Laura. We went down to the road halls, up Hull to Bringham and around back to Wilson. I forgot how lovely it is to run with someone else-- it makes the time go by so much quicker!

Yesterday Julia and I were planning on running in the morning but because I had a paper to write, we decided to go in the afternoon and by then it was snowing heavily. I really wanted to run in the snow (it sounded like so much fun!) but Julia wouldn't let me (something lame about falling down...) so we ran on the indoor track of Bennett. I don't really like running on tracks in general, especially not ones that take 10 laps for a mile, but it's better than a treadmill (does anybody else think treadmill running feels artificial?). SO we ran 1 mile, stopped to stretch, and then ran another 2. I felt pretty good, minus my face feeling like it was going to explode (it's pretty warm in there). I didn't struggle for the third mile at all, so I think I could have handled another mile or two, but I'm glad we didn't push it. My legs were tired afterwards but today I feel completely normal. And again, it was so much better having someone else to run with.

Fairly Pleasant

So I went for a nice little jog around campus today... back around Bringham, down Hull, down Grapevine and around the backside of campus. I was planning on going out dancing tonight (which failed... hence why I'm blogging right now and not out) so I decided to cut the run a little short cause we all know how killer clubbing is on your quads. So, all in all I ran for about 25 minutes and it was (ready for this?) fairly pleasant. I was adequately dressed and had some good tunes which I think makes a world of difference.

Delirium

Today was a no-run day... so designated because I was working off 2 hours of sleep and not feeling super with-it. But some of the girls on my floor and I did end up playing an impromptu game of basketball for a bit so I wasn't a complete bum... just a partial one :)

Run #?

Ooookay. So, it's been a while. Turns out writing this accountability blog has so far been an epic fail... but don't worry... I haven't given up.

Here is a synopsis of the last month-ish. I've been running. Inconsistently. This means I'm still in the stage of working on getting my endurance up because it would be foolish to start my distance training plan if I can't even schedule consistent runs. The good news is that the 26 week plan I'm on gives me 10 weeks to get in shape which means I still have 6 weeks to get my act together (at least that's how I see it).

Today I ran on the treadmill (that's my cop-out when it's too cold or I'm feeling particularly squeamish about running on ice on a non-existant shoulder of a curvy road) and did an hour of walk/jog hill intervals at an average of 12min miles. Nothing impressive, I know, but an hour of some variation of running is better than nothing, right?

In other news, I started researching marathons in October to register for. Right now I'm thinking The Cape Cod Marathon... it's described as "beautifully challenging"... lots of hills but runs along one of the prettiest stretches of coastline in America. I'll let you know when I officially pick one.

So here are my commitments:
I will write on this blog daily. Run or no run. And I will be honest.
I will be able to consistently run 5 miles in 50 minutes or less by March 15th. And will train accordingly. 

The First Step is the Hardest... right?

Run #1

I am not a natural runner. Plain and simple. Never have been and (probably) never will be, but nonetheless I am training to run a marathon fall of 2010. Why? Well, there are a few reasons:

1. I miss being an athlete. I grew up figure skating and swimming, as well as playing tennis, volleyball, and lacrosse for a few years here and there. This past winter I swam my final season as a swimmer for Gordon College, with intentions of focusing my attention and energy in other directions. While the replacement commitments have been exceedingly worthwhile, I do miss the feeling of accomplishment and discipline that comes with athleticism. While running a marathon will not replace the joy of participating in team athletics, it will help me regain the discipline and focus I lost when I quit swimming.
2. The list of 66 Things to Do Before You Graduate told me to. I'm interested in setting myself apart in either employment or grad school applications and interviews and running a marathon is one way to do so.
3. To get in shape. This college weight has got to go.
4. It's random and spontaneous and I think I'm capable. I like taking on challenges and I know this will test me (did I mention that I don't like running?). Plus, it's fun to accomplish these hair-brained decisions.

So, today was run numero uno. Although I feel like it's a stretch to call it that because right now I'm solely working on timed endurance, beginning with 15 minute runs and working up to 30min over 2 weeks. Then I'm switching to distance endurance, following a first-time marathon training schedule that starts with 2 mile runs and works up to an 18 mile run (woo!).

I lasted the full 15 minutes today. Okay, that's a lie. I ran for about 13minutes with a 2 minute stretch break a few minutes in. But you have to start somewhere right? I honestly would have lasted longer if I was dressed adequately. It's a balmy 9 degrees Fahrenheit currently and all I wore was underarmor leggings, running shorts, and a long sleeve T. Next time I'll be sure to wear my UA shirt, some gloves and maybe a hat.

Accomplishment: 13 minutes running around campus.

Lesson Learned: Running cold is really unpleasant.