So, I have started this long, painful journey of trying to get into shape. Even though it is embarrassing I will post that I currently am 5'7" and I weigh 170 lbs. I am in terrible shape, but I hope that in 10 weeks (after my race) I will have a much more exciting post.
I am very realistic about my abilities when it comes to running. In case you don't know me, let me share. I HATE HATE HATE running! I think that it is hard and I think that people who run in races are CRAZY!!! I am also the most uncoordinated person when it comes to running, so I often fall and really hurt my knees badly. So, why am I trying to run in a 10K race? Well, I am a big believer in goals. I LOVE to set goals for myself and accomplish them. They give me a sense of purpose, something to do and in this case it is also great for my health. I also wanted to try out the old addage that if you do something that you hate for long enough that eventually you will come to like it. So, here I am. I am 30, completely out of shape and am currently registered to run in a race on August 8th with my little sister, my brother and my sister-in-law.
I started my "training" yesterday. I thought that I would run on my mom's treadmill for an hour by running for 4 minute intervals and walking for 4 minute intervals. Sounds easy right? Well, it just about killed me and after 30 minutes I was ready to throw in the towel (or throw something) and quit because I knew that I would never be ready. Then I pushed my dramatic self aside, and logical thinking kicked in as I continued to walk. I decided that I just had to do a bit more research and switch things up a bit. So, I have. Here is what my "training" will consist of (for now):
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday - run on the treadmill at my parent's house working my way up to 1 hour with 4 minute running/walking intervals followed later in the day by doing a 3.5 K walk around the very hilly neighborhood that I live in.
Tuesday, Saturday - walk the 3.5K route around Tuscany and then later run that route in 4 minute intervals
Friday - Swim for an hour
Yeah, I know. I am getting tired just looking at it, and I am hoping that by the end of the next two weeks I can change it up a little bit. Any suggestions you wise ones have I would love to hear them.
About Me
- Megan C
- Whoa! You are actually reading my Introduction? Well then the first thing you can learn about me is that I am impressed with you! I am simply the mother of five children whom I think are pretty great. My husband, Otto, and I love to have adventures and have recently moved to Houston, TX from Canada. We have a ton of family and friends that we love and although we miss our Canadian friends and family, we are loving our Texan friends and family. Currently I am working on getting my Bachelor of Science in Business Management degree with a specialization in Entrepreneurship from BYU-Idaho. I have taught music for over 15 years, helped with musical and theatrical productions in my church and the community, owned a catering company and worked as as Executive Assistant for a boss whom I loved. I love the mechanics of business and I am always trying to teach my children to think like entrepreneurs. I am a bit long-winded, and for that I apologize, but hopefully you can read these entries with a cold refreshing can of diet coke by your side and take a sneak peek at the crazy inner workings of my little mind.
I have some suggestions...
ReplyDeleteIf you are trying to get in shape (as opposed to just training for the race) it's a good idea to do some strength training too. I have a video that I love, it's from the Biggest Loser and it's a crazy cardio workout but it also really works all your muscle groups. And it's fun!
I also think you need to start a little slower and work you way up to the one hour of running. I started running about a year and a half ago (and have since quit) but when I started, I started by just running for 15 minutes in 1 min intervals and it was amazing how quickly I was able to increase that. If you start with too much, you will get discouraged and tired out. Just take it sloooow.
I agree with everything Lahni said.
ReplyDeleteAlso, running is horrible right at first, but it doesn't take long to get more comfortable. After a couple of weeks (probably less, really), it won't feel so bad/awkward. Just stick with it - it's easy to give up too quickly.
I have a really great book for training for a 10 k. I did it last year but didn't run any races. It was great though. If you want the training let me know and you can borrow it.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Go get 'em! I'm totally with you - just add an inch and 5 pounds - and WAY more clumsiness. I'm starting to get serious too...this is really going to help me! Thanks
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