Marathon training - week 2

[ChisJo]

Well - this week has been a hard one. I am getting used to a new schedule for school, and the 40+ hours at the hospital for my clinical rotation and then work daily on top of that and then homework is sucking the life right out of me, but I am still determined. I must admit, I was slacky this week. I skipped a couple of days, but, by golly, I will not falter. I am getting used to the changes in my routine now and can tolerate a treadmill in the evening (I get up at 5am for school, and don't get home until 6pm - then I have to do homework, so I have to run in the evening - I know it is not the prefered choice!).

Anyways, yesterday I successfully ran 4km straight, without stopping! I was very proud of myself. I follow a very strict schedule right now and must run a minumum of 3km at a time - seems weird that in the summer time I was running 8+km at a time, yet now that seems impossible. Oh well - I will do it.

Every weekend, I put on a pair of pants that I have owned for many years. I have never worn them. I have slowly gained weight over the years, excuses like I don't have time, school is too stressful, I don't really want to. Well, I put on the pants as a reminder that I need to lose weight - badly! They are such nice pants - why I have never been motivated to try to wear them before, I will never know. I see them everyday. I cannot wait to wear them again.

Anyways, quote of the week, from "Running start to finish", by John Stanton:
"We all know that feeling of coming home tired from a hard day at work or school, thinking, I can't run tonight, I'm too tired! A test I give myself is to agree to change into my running gear and run for 10 minutes. At the end of 10 minutes, if I'm still tired, I can return home. Fatigue at that point of the run is likely a sign that I am overtraining, dehydrated, hungry, or truly tired, so turn back."

Secondly:
"Do not let your current assessment of your body image be a concern. Running will not only help in your weight loss, it will help your confidence and self-esteem. Running is a great way to take control of your attitude. The sense of accomplishment and well-being that comes from a long run is all the reward that most runners look for today. Do not let anybody tell you that you will never be a runner. Time and time again, I have seen individuals make the decision to take control of their lives and succeed. Anyone who can currently run for 1 minute and walk for 1 minute can, in as little as 10 weeks, run for 20 minutes non-stop. Once you are running for 20 minutes, you will then be well on your way to a lifetime of good health and fitness."

For all of you who are interested in doing the half marathon, let me know. I am going to Calgary on July 9 and attempting to run my first 1/2 marathon. Lets keep all of us weight losers and marathon runners motivated.

Until next week
Jo

 

[Alysa]

I was planning on running the 2006 marathon at Disney but had to postphone it due to the immminent arrival of DS next week. Just signing on to say go ChisJo!!!!!!

 

[disney funseeker]

I like your determination Jo. Keep it up. Sounds like a very busy schedule. Very nice of you to keep us up to date.

The quotes are great for motivation too. for sure running and just fitness in general is a good confidence booster. You walk a little taller and feel lighter, as in more bouncy and energetic.

I decided to run around the track after my step/yoga class. thought I'd do 1K but ended up doing 3K. and felt really good about myself. So the confidence level is already going up.

Don't know how you managed to keep your old clothes. when mine don't fit, out they go. If I lose weight, then I deserve a new wardrobe

 

[lab_girl]

Way to keep it up!
Yes! I have been to multiple talks by John Stanton (I live close to Edmonton ) and I find him an AMAZING motivational speaker.

I too just had a ' break ' in my running schedule to have my DS.
And look forward to re-joining my running group.

There is NOTHING like a good run... good luck with your marathon training!!