This week I started my running training. It has been both disheartening and exhilarating!
Firstly, I’ve decided not to go with the running schedule that I posted. I talked to a few runners I know and they all didn’t agree with it. John, a trainer at the gym, suggested the Jeff Galloway method to me. So I dove in to see what it is all about. Jeff Galloway believes in a Run-Walk-Run method to get to your target running pace. You pick how fast you want to run your miles and then follow his plan. You can read about it here.
I gotta say, I was sold when I found out I could walk! I’ve never envisioned being able to run the whole half marathon without walking. My goal is to cross the finish line knowing I gave everything I had. I don’t even really care about my time as long as I’m true to myself. So on Thursday, I set out for a run. I had just read about the Galloway method that morning and decided I would just run and see what happens. Maybe I can run longer intervals than I think?
Training Day 1 – 4 miles
When I woke up, it was cold and raining. I had already told myself that I didn’t HAVE to go while still laying in bed. However, I gathered my will power and put my shoes on. I headed down the 5K course and actually stayed on the right path this time! I ran 10:30 minute miles and stopped a lot. Took pictures…..looked around…..lollygagged. I couldn’t get myself to fall into the runner’s zone for more than a minute or two. I noticed every person that ran by me and every car that passed. After 3 miles, I ended up at the light across from my apartment building. The sun came out! As I was standing and waiting for the walk light to turn, I said to myself, “You’re not dead. You can go for another.” So I did. I ended up running 4 miles even though I only planned to run for 3.
After I got back, I felt strong and not totally dead. But when I thought back on HOW I ran, I was disappointed. I felt like I walked a lot even though I really didn’t know how much of it. I was ok with my times but devastated with my focus.
What Goes Through My Head While I Run:
“Is that goose looking at me?”
“My (blank) hurts.” (Insert ANY part of the body)
“Where did she get those shoes?”
“That guy was hot.”
“Oooo. A cloud.”
“I think that dog was giving me the stink eye.”
“Holy wedgie.”
“I hate this song.”
“God I hate running.”
“Why am I doing this to myself?”
So my first day running without the Galloway method was ok but not great. I got a good feel for how I naturally run……..which is very distracted.
Training Day 2 – 6 miles
Because I had run the course two days before, I knew exactly what to expect on today’s run. I set out knowing that I would have to run the 5K course…….twice. Today, I was going at it with a little different approach. After reading more about the Galloway method, I figured I would give it a try. It makes a lot of sense. Also, in boxing, everything is timed. I usually work at 2 minute rounds with 30 second rest. While looking at the Galloway chart, I adjusted the times a little and chose my own interval. I wanted to do 3 minute runs with 30 second rests. Why? Because if I’m consistently running for 3 minutes with rest, boxing intervals will seem shorter being only two minutes. And I know I can recover my breathing in 30 seconds and don’t need a full minute. IT WAS MAGIC.
My brain is already programmed to working at intervals from boxing. I never thought to use it for running. DUH. Today was the first day I ever visited THE RUNNER’S ZONE. I have been struggling with this for some time. I’ve even begun to think I’ll never be able to run the marathon like I want to. I want to run it focused and determined and not be thinking about geese or pedestrians or self doubt. So today I ran three apps during my run:
MapMyRun – For distance GPS tracking
Pandora – Who knew I’d love Eminem when I run?
RoundTimer – Totally customizable to how long you want your intervals
AND IT TOTALLY WORKED. Instead of worrying about how much farther I should run before I walk, instead of thinking about how bad I want to walk, instead of thinking about how long I’ve already run, I just ran. I set my timer to three minute runs with a 30 second warning and then a 30 second rest. I was able to zone out so much better just because I didn’t have to worry about when to walk. My music just told me. A knock for the warning, buzzer to walk, and a ding to start. For my brain, this was a magic cure. I’m already used to strict focus, activity and expectations for short intervals. It was like the timer gave me permission to walk. I wasn’t even strict about it. Once or twice I ran through the rest. Once or twice I rested an extra 15-20 seconds. After the first lap, I was more than ready for the second. I knew I could do it even though I’ve never run 6 miles before.
It was also easier for me to understand how much work I had left to do. I started to struggle at mile 5 because my feet were hurting (More on that tomorrow!) but then I started thinking…….3 rounds to a mile…..2 miles left…..that’s only 6 rounds! How many times have I gone 6 rounds with Jameson and didn’t die? How many times did I think I didn’t have another round in me, but I did? How many times have I been much more worn out than this and kept fighting? 6 rounds? I got this.
Today was the first day that I know I can do the marathon. Not just cross the finish line. Not just hope for the best. Today is the first day that I know I’ll be proud of how I ran. 6 weeks to go!
Favorite New Running Anthem: Eminem – Till I Collapse