Week 1 Training

Leading up to this week, I haven't been running long distances. After my last half marathon in February, I took the month of March completely off from running. Then, for April and May, I have run twice a week and not super long distances; it’s always been about 3 miles.

You see, running does hurt me a bit. My low back and hip areas are always somewhat sore. With that being said, I know the running has still helped me so much! I have always had a tight hip area and pain along with that. It has been hard to get up off the floor from sitting. At work, I sit on a stool—it brings my work to eye level—my hip would lock up when I went to stand up. Some say age, some say use it or lose it. All I know is, since running, I can get up off the floor easier, and my hip doesn't lock up as much when I get up from my stool at work. So, I know the running has helped. It will just be figuring out how to keep going for longer. I always push through, and it feels better moving anyways. Things always feel better later. I start getting sore on long runs, and what I mean is anything over 8 miles. I have the BEST running coach who gave me exercises to do to build up strength, and they work well, but the dull pain is always there. Not enough to stop me, though. Sometimes I don’t even notice it. I will figure it out and finish.

I have added strength training to my training since the exercises Coach gave me worked so well, and I have read that it helps you to stay injury-free.

Side note: I'm in my late 40s, so it is good for my overall health, too. Two months ago, I joined a gym. It's what’s known as a boutique gym; it’s all classes, but always about 18 people max per class. Focuses on strength training and conditioning. So, I have added two days a week for strength training. This week I went Monday and Wednesday.

OMG Thursdays! Thursdays are always so rough for me. I never want to wake up. This week was the same. Although I was tired—I mean really tired—after work yesterday, I actually wanted to go to bed at 5:00. I had planned to go to run club for Global Running Day. Yeah, that didn't happen. So, I did get up at 5:00 today, but my original plan was 4:30. Well, I did go for a 30-minute run, decided not to worry about miles. The training plan I am using has two run days during the week that are timed runs, not miles, which is actually nice. What an amazing morning run; absolutely nothing hurt! Yeah, it was humid this morning and the air was still—not the slightest breeze. I didn't see another soul this morning. No one else out running, no one walking their dog. Actually kind of strange now that I think about it. Glad I got up and went.

Long Run Morning: I'm not really following the training plan just yet—using it as a guide until I meet with Jamie to look over the plan and set it up more tailored to me. This morning will be long run day. So, first long run was 4 miles. I got up and went somewhere else so I can do something different. When I walked out the door this morning, I just felt the humidity. Did not let myself dwell on it. I wore my vest so I had everything I might need—so no need to freak out about the heat. I had water, electrolytes, and a snack. I started at about 6:30 a.m., so the sun isn't beating down on you. The run was really good, too! Beautiful morning! I set it up so that when the run ended, I'd walk back about 3 miles. (Gotta get that Garmin badge! LOL.) Total of 7 miles today. So far, so good.

Feeling good today.