DAILY! That's right! You have to continue both everyday!;-)
I spent the last four days (including the long weekend) finishing up some school work, Pinterest projects and some of life's chores in general. Although I managed to stay active the one thing that fell to the side was my daily run.
But today, as I lace up my Nike's I thought I would share a little laugh, motivation and get back myself back on the blacktop!
On Wednesday afternoon I took to the pavement for my final warm up run before starting to track my mileage for 2013. Although I did say "warm-up" that couldn't have been further from the truth since it was cold and had slight rain drizzle remaining from the rain showers we had that morning. I know it might seem crazy to take to the streets in these conditions but in the end the decision was made as a challenge. I wanted to push myself, my lungs, my mental clarity and really prepare myself for the road ahead. In theory this was a perfect challenge but what I didn't consider was the hazardous conditions of the sidewalks in the downtown area. Not only did I push myself physically and mentally but I also challenged my Nike's. My reaction to the outside conditions was very similar to the cartoon characters that find themselves about to fall off a cliff. Just before these characters fall over the edge they come to a screeching halt with smoke coming from their feet. Yes, that was me about two songs into my run when I hit the center of downtown where all the sidewalks are made from brick in order to give the illusion of a quaint historic location. In the bright light of a sunshiny day this illusion picturesque; however, on a rainy day it because an ice rink for runners. The upside to this experience is that I now know to take a different route when it is raining and that I finished my run without any broken bones. It did take me a little longer to complete the 3.14 miles than I would have hoped but at the end of the day I was happy with my accomplishments!
As I had mentioned in a previous post, getting back in the habit of running is hard when you take time off. The downside to my five weeks of being ill (besides being ill) is that I lost two minutes on my average mile. In October of 2012 before the coughing, sneezing, I can't breathe so therefore I can't run took over I was able to complete 3 miles in 32 minutes. The bright side to this news is that since I have fallen off the running wagon before I was prepared for the set back. I knew that if I was going to stay true to my new me resolutions I would to take my lumps when it came to the set backs and hop, skip, run or walk until I re-energized my running groove.
My goal for 2013 is to double the mileage I ran in 2012. Since I fell ill before completing 200 miles I decided I would use the "buffer miles" as a warm up plan for 2013. I will officially start tracking my miles for 2013 when I reach 200 miles and my goal would be to hit 600 before the end of the year.
Here is how my week is starting off:
Monday - Mile 193.7 to 195.7
I hit the streets Monday afternoon in order to try out my new winter weather running gear I received from Christmas. My ears, head, and hands were very warm but my lungs still knew that I was outside in the cold. based on this run I could tell how much work I was going to need to do in order to build back my endurance to run the road!
Tuesday - Mile 195.7 to 197.7
Shaking it up on Tuesday or maybe I just didn't want to bundle up to go outside so I opted for the convenience of my apartment gym. Since running on a treadmill is easier than on the pavement I decided to push myself a little harder by adding a 1 point incline. I know that doesn't make up for all the effort you get out of road running but I was airing on the side of every little bit counts. As I expected, because I didn't have the variables of the atmosphere I was able to complete my two mile run without stopping to walk and in 22 minutes.
When I first started running I didn't know there was a difference between road running and treadmill running. For me running was running. I was happy just to have one foot moving in front of the other at a faster pace than most would call walking. Once I got over the hurdle of just lacing up and running I start to inquire more about how to challenge myself, prepare for 5k races and eventually a half marathon (which is on the schedule for 2013.) There are several websites you can visit that will give you everything from technical jargon to the plain Jane information. As a beginner I found this website and explanation to be simple, to the point and it even came with a beginners schedule. http://skinnyms.com/treadmill-running-vs-street-running/
While reading the website I received a pop notice that I might also enjoy the "tips for absolute-beginners." By clicking this link I found not only the beginners tool book with terms, schedules and recommendation for strength training but I also found inspiration. The video is a MUST SEE! http://skinnyms.com/running-tips-for-absolute-beginners/
I have the video saved to my favorites on youtube for those not so motivating days. I play it to remind myself that no matter where you start if you stick to it, stay determined, stay focused in the end you will accomplish your goal. Life is hard and it wears you down each and every hour. I have days that by the time I finish with work meetings, personal appointments, planning/cooking dinner and house chores I am tired. I don't want to move another muscle let alone run. People have recommend that I get up early in the morning but anyone that really knows me understands the morning and I are not friends. So instead when I feel like "doing it tomorrow" I use my video inspirations and music selection to set off my own video reel reminding me of why I can't wait until tomorrow. Reminding me to take all my daily frustrations, tireless chores, worries, stress and pound them into the pavement at the beat of my favorite playlist!
2012 end up being the year of challenges and 2013 is going to be the year of being STRONG!
Once again we begin a new year full of new possibilities, hopes, dreams, wishes and goals. We have a renewed sense of energy and feel as if we could take on the world.
Take advantage of this energy! Write down all that you want to accomplish and go after it!
