Running Coach Update - Week 11- Running is HARD!

[KSH]

Well, we started the meeting in the office so I could complete some drills. After about 30 minutes of that, we headed out to the running trail.

He basically gave me 80 meters to run for my tempo runs.

My focus was to keep my knees up and to push with my feet. I have a real problem with being agressive with my running and PUSHING off the ground.

When I did start to push... I WAS FAST! Or, at least I felt fast.

I was SO WINDED though. To the point where I could not even TALK! I was huffing-and-puffing. My legs felt fine, but my cardio fitness was obvious crap.

I completed 12 of those tempo runs, so basically 960 meters.

Let me tell you what though, what he has me doing... is real running. I have always struggled with running. And that was when I was doing my passive running form.

This running style... mid-foot strike/plant...driving my knee up... high cadence... pushing off the ground... IS HARD! For some odd reason I thought that when I learned how to run properly, it would easier. Boy, was I wrong!

I am going to keep plugging away and I am sure I will be able to run a 5K in a couple of months.

In the end though, I'm just proud that I am sticking with this. I could have given up when my running whet to hell because of injuries... but instead of giving up triathlons... I found a coach and I am trying to improve and fix my form.

This following week I have 3 days of my 13 running drills and 2 days of running 1 mile each day. 1 mile???? It will be in tempo run ... but I can't imagine running a mile!

[chickwhorips]

your doing it and sticking to it. that's all that matters. even if it isn't exactly easy.

maybe i can get you to give me advice once i'm 100% recovered and back to my running speed. (which isn't very fast at all)

[colby]

Running, YAY!

Maybe after you run for longer distances at better speed you'll really feel the difference more. Right now everything is such a strain since you lost a lot of your cardio ability

Progress is progress!

[Lise]

Good for you! You are a champ for sticking with it. I've learned a lot from what you've shared here.

[triathfirstimer]

wow! id LOVE to learn to REALLY run properly! I was reading an article about how when you think about it, no one ever really learns how to run, they just do it. its so absurd when most other athletics - tennis, golf, swimming, biking, boxing, etc, you really have to be taught. thats why we end up with such innefficiant strides! it also said that the reason why men from Africa end up winning so many marathons is because they learn to run barefoot, which is actually a more efficiant stride than running with sneakers. very interesting!

Anyway - good for you for pushing through. enjoy the feeling of accomplishment, and even if you dont complete the full mile on some days, give yourself a big pat on the back for getting out there and trying. thats more than many people do!

[KSH]

Well, you are right. So many people don't learn how to run. But most can just do it... and it works out just fine for them... no injuries and they run fast. Unfortunately, my body doesn't work that way! HA!


I ran for the first time on Sunday (outside of my appointments). My task was to run 400 meters (1 time around the track), 5 times. YEA! RIGHT???!!!

I tried, but couldn't make it. So, I would run the straight away's and walk the curves. Even that was so taxing on me. It was really, really hard.

Tonight I run 150 (staight away with 1/2 a curve) yards x 12. We will see how it goes.

My coach doesn't understand how poor my cardio is for running at this point.

[KSH]

Well... I went and ran my 12, 150's around the track.

WOW! I am going to be FAST ladies! I think my money on my coach has been well spent.

True, I can't run much more than 150 without walking... but once my cardio gets up to par... WATCH OUT!

My boyfriend timed me on a 150, and IF I could keep that pace, I will be running a 5:30 minute mile!

Obviously, I won't be able to keep my 150 speed... but it's looking very realistic that I will be running under 10 minute miles- EASY! (Well, easy with a whole lot of work and effort, and huffing and puffing!)

I'm suppose to run again tonight (Wed), but OMG... my muscles are sore. And I need to run Thursday with my coach.

So, I may just do drills tonight. I hate to skip my yardage though, as every workout is one step towards running a 5K by 9-17-06.

Unfortunately, the cycling is having to take a backseat to my running... but I got to focus on cycling for the past 3 months. I'm still going to be able to ride 2 days a week.