Running away...week of 11/16/08

[jesvetmed]

I got in 4.25 miles today on a rare, beautiful sunny day in the Pacific NW! (ok... it was cold AND windy, but sunny nonetheless! )

I made the mistake of committing to a half marathon. OK.. it's probably not a mistake, but the timing isn't great. It's in 8 weeks. As you see, I've been running 3-4 miles tops in the last few months, and not very consistently. So this will be a huge challenge for me!

I've sat down and worked out a schedule for every day from today until Jan 17th. I have 1 to 2 rest days a week, and at least one other cross-training day for biking or swimming (or both). My work schedule makes it tough to get in 5 go 6 days of workouts a week -- sometimes I work 50 hours in three nights, which leaves no time for any running. Barely sleeping.

Well, I have high hopes... even if I have to walk part of it, this will be good for me through the holidays. And I'm committed to doing it with a group of people so there is the guilt factor, too!

WISH ME LUCK!

MicheleM: Is it two weeks until your half? I hope you get the GI stuff figured out -- that has always been a major problem for me on 10k or more runs. Good luck to you!

[michelem]

jesvetmed,

Yes, December 7 is the date -- YIKES!!! And the GI stuff is my big sticking point at this point. Ugh.

Take it easy for your first 1/2. My longest run before my first 1/2 was 8 miles and I was HURTING for days after the race -- and not in a good way. My body just wasn't ready for all that pounding. I had the best-laid plans, but fell off my bike during a century ride the month prior to the race, so I didn't get in much running during that month. At least it sounds like you'll have consistent training up 'til your race. Just be careful not to increase your mileage more than 10% each week or you'll be setting yourself up for injury. I think your attitude is right on toward possibly walking some. Hope you have fun!

And I hear you on the work thing . . . only 25 years 'til I can retire (if there will even be such a think as retirement at that point) . . . sigh . . .