My Magical Journey to Running the Half Marathon TR Link! p.107

[carissanboys]

I don't think so as I have been able to do it before it is just a recent problem (last two weeks). Hopefully it is just due to my sloth like behaviour over the Christmas holidays and it will disappear once my body gets back into a routine. I am hitting the school gym with my friends on Monday during our four hour break, exercise IN PUBLIC!

I know how hard that can be! When I was living in Australia, a friend dragged me to some classes at a gym. I hated it. I felt so self-conscious - especially when I was at the way back of the class and the instructor was way up front (a man) and he was coaching me on my push-ups. @@

I'm glad I'm going to start running on a treadmill where no one can see my bad form.

When you were talking about 15 minutes on the treadmill, were you talking about jogging/running straight for 15 minutes?

 

[dismagiclover]

I was looking at the C25K as well, my side keeps cramping on me though right around the 15 minute mark. Don't know what I am doing wrong? I am drinking 2.5 L of water a day and I stretch before getting on the treadmill.

Are you eating or drinking large amount right before your workout? I find that my stomach does better if I don't eat anything for at least an hour before I go run. You're probably right though that it is just your body getting over the laziness and gluttony that we all call the Christmas Holidays. I know I have to get over them every January

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I know how hard that can be! When I was living in Australia, a friend dragged me to some classes at a gym. I hated it. I felt so self-conscious - especially when I was at the way back of the class and the instructor was way up front (a man) and he was coaching me on my push-ups. @@

I'm glad I'm going to start running on a treadmill where no one can see my bad form.

When you were talking about 15 minutes on the treadmill, were you talking about jogging/running straight for 15 minutes?

No I do a modification of the C25K, a run/walk combo so it ends up being about half walking half running.

Are you eating or drinking large amount right before your workout? I find that my stomach does better if I don't eat anything for at least an hour before I go run. You're probably right though that it is just your body getting over the laziness and gluttony that we all call the Christmas Holidays. I know I have to get over them every January

Nope I always make sure to drink the water an hour ahead of time to make sure that my body is actually hydrated and I save eating until afterwards when my metabolism is kicked into gear. Hopefully by next week I can get through my workouts with the cramping. Yoga is great and all but it doesn't really burn the calories the way that running on the treadmill does.

 

[carissanboys]

So, I was really excited and inspired last night after reading Liz's journey on the C25K program. I was ready to start and didn't want to wait until Monday. But, I didn't want to say anything to anyone in case I chickened out or failed.

I've decided that for each day of the program I complete (or attempt), I will post a little journal entry here. Like this:


~ Week 1 Day 1 ~

Well, I did it! I woke up this morning after too little sleep. I've had a hard time drifting off to dream land the past two nights due to the excitement of this challenge. However, I still felt pretty good. I ate a small bowl of oatmeal with a little bit of peanut butter mixed in and drank plenty of water. After letting everything settle for a bit, it was time to tackle my first day of the program.

One thing that surprised me is that I immediately did my brisk warm up walk at a speed of 3.5. Normally, that is my faster interval speed. I've read so many people say how running is such a mental challenge and I can see that already. 3.5 was totally doable for me.

The first interval of jogging I tried at 4.5. I handled it okay except that I immediately started feeling discomfort/pain in my lower shins and the top of the inner part of my foot (draw a line from my big toe to my ankle and that's the area I mean). Now, this didn't surprise me as I've always had this pain anytime I've tried jogging/running in the past.

I decided to slow down the pace to 4.0 on the next interval. It felt really slow, but I had read others say the best way to keep shin splints away was to go slower. I'm not trying to win a race right now and I know the faster speed will come later, once I build up my endurance.

The pain/discomfort I felt immediately lessened every time I went back to walking. I just think my stumpy legs and monster feet have a LOT of weight to support right now and maybe that's part of the problem. I wonder if this kind of pain is normal in the beginning for most people? It's not something I can't deal with, but I do worry that it will get worse if I do get shin splints.

It's funny that by the end of the workout, 3.5 seemed pretty slow to me. I am so proud to say that I completed day 1 and without too much difficulty. Yes, I was breathing hard and yes, those last couple of jogs were difficult to finish. But, I DID IT!! I was surprised that I didn't struggle as much with the cardio aspect of the workout. But, then again, I was only going at a speed of 4.0.

My totals for today:

Speed: 3.5 for warm up, 4.0 for jogs, 3.0 - 2.5 for cool down
Duration: 30 minutes total
Distance: 1.75 miles

 

[dismagiclover]

Go Carissa! That is awesome! As far as aches and pains that is just a part of running as your body figures things out. However, it is always good to listen to your body if the pains start to be more severe. After you've been running for a while you'll know what is normal and what isn't. That is when it's really important to listen. I also find that the first mile or so of any run it always the toughest. (Believe it or not mile 1 is tougher than mile 10.) That sounds strange, but it just takes a while to get warmed up. Great job! Can't wait to hear about your progress.

Oh yeah! Liz is a running machine. Don't get discouraged if it's a bit harder for you.

 

[liznboys]

Way to go on Week 1 Day 1!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so happy for you, you have begun! Progress has already been made, you should be very proud of yourself today!

I just ordered my new running shoes!! The pair of New Balance that I have are about at their limit. But, I love them! Hoping the new pair will feel just as good. I bought a pair that is specially made for over-pronators.

Yay! I hope you love them!

I just finished reading through almost the entire thread for the C25K and I read every one of your posts. It was so inspiring!! Girl, you were made to be a runner! You have me so excited to get started. But, a big part of me is also very scared that it will be really hard for me, like many others on that thread. I'll never know until I try!

I definitely do not think I was made to be a runner (injuries!!!) But thanks.

OH! I was going to post the link to that new C25K thread, but I see you already found it. Posting on my C25K thread was of great importance to me. Having that support and fellowship was wonderful! So I'm glad you joined that thread, I hope it helps you as much as mine did.

Liz might have some suggestions for you, but are you maybe going too fast?

I would have asked about eating/drinking too soon before the runs as well, but I see that isn't it...hmmm.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Great job Carissa!!

 

[carissanboys]

Go Carissa! That is awesome! As far as aches and pains that is just a part of running as your body figures things out. However, it is always good to listen to your body if the pains start to be more severe. After you've been running for a while you'll know what is normal and what isn't. That is when it's really important to listen. I also find that the first mile or so of any run it always the toughest. (Believe it or not mile 1 is tougher than mile 10.) That sounds strange, but it just takes a while to get warmed up. Great job! Can't wait to hear about your progress.

Oh yeah! Liz is a running machine. Don't get discouraged if it's a bit harder for you.

Thanks so much, Jenny. I'm so lucky to have experts here to help me!

Way to go on Week 1 Day 1!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so happy for you, you have begun! Progress has already been made, you should be very proud of yourself today!

I definitely do not think I was made to be a runner (injuries!!!) But thanks.

I don't think there are very many athletes out there who are lucky enough to never have an injury.

OH! I was going to post the link to that new C25K thread, but I see you already found it. Posting on my C25K thread was of great importance to me. Having that support and fellowship was wonderful! So I'm glad you joined that thread, I hope it helps you as much as mine did.

Yeah, I found it and posted on it before you even posted the link to yours. And after reading yours, I was very glad I did.

Great job Carissa!!

Thanks Amy!

 

[ZOOMAMA]

Way to get started Carissa! I just followed your link from the C25K thread. Which New Balances did you get? I am completely flat-footed, so a severe overpronator, and I love, love, love my NB 1011s. Thanks for sharing your journey with us!

Tess

 

[carissanboys]

Way to get started Carissa! I just followed your link from the C25K thread. Which New Balances did you get? I am completely flat-footed, so a severe overpronator, and I love, love, love my NB 1011s. Thanks for sharing your journey with us!

Tess

Tess! Thanks for coming over! I bought the 587s, here. My current pair is the 844, but I don't even see those on their site (I bought them at a New Balance store). I love the look of the 1011s! The 587s look so boring. We'll see how they work for me (and yes, I've been told I'm flat-footed too). Did you find you had pain on the top of your foot when you started jogging/running? I'm thinking maybe it's because of the pronating since it's on the top/inner part of my foot. I feel fine right now, but I imagine tomorrow I'll be very sore in that area.

 

[carissanboys]

To continue on with the over-pronate conversation, after doing some research, I really do think that's the reason for the type of pain I have when I run. And I looked up the current pair of sneakers I have and they are classified as "walking" shoes. They are supposed to help with pronation stability, but I think the new ones are better in that regard (not to mention - new!).

Tess - do you use any inserts in your sneakers?

 

[ZOOMAMA]

I haven't experienced any pain in my feet but I do know that is sometimes caused by the way the shoe is laced. My husband is a Soldier and a serious runner so running is always an ongoing topic in our home. Many moons ago I was in the Army and I despised running! I didn't know anything about proper form or shoes or how to breathe-run-and call cadence at the same time. I just did it because they made me! Years (and 30lbs) later I feel born again! What a difference life experience and a good pair of shoes make. Unfortunately my amazing ability to make whole footprints at pool parties translates into ugly, remedial looking running shoes! DH's shoes all look sleek and cool, mine not so much.

 

[ZOOMAMA]

Tess - do you use any inserts in your sneakers?

I don't use any inserts. Because my feet are flat and widen when I stand up, walk, run, etc... I usually buy a wide width in "athletic shoes." However, the NB "B" (Standard) width fits me like a glove. I have tried many different motion control running shoes (Asics, Brooks, NB) and the NB 1011 is by far the perfect runner for MY feet. I have two pair that I rotate and I'm always on the lookout for a sale. I also have a pair of Asics Gel-Evolutions that I like but they don't have as much support and need inserts. But I wear the Asics as my everyday sneaks and only use the 1011s for running. "Running" by the way is a rather lofty term for what I do, it's more of a fast jog/plod!

 

[carissanboys]

I don't use any inserts. Because my feet are flat and widen when I stand up, walk, run, etc... I usually buy a wide width in "athletic shoes." However, the NB "B" (Standard) width fits me like a glove. I have tried many different motion control running shoes (Asics, Brooks, NB) and the NB 1011 is by far the perfect runner for MY feet. I have two pair that I rotate and I'm always on the lookout for a sale. I also have a pair of Asics Gel-Evolutions that I like but they don't have as much support and need inserts. But I wear the Asics as my everyday sneaks and only use the 1011s for running. "Running" by the way is a rather lofty term for what I do, it's more of a fast jog/plod!

Well, that's what I do, too and imagine I will always do!

I'm seriously thinking about ordering a pair of the 1011s and then seeing which ones I like more. That website seems to have a good return policy and I won't be trying them outdoors. I think if I'm going to actually do this half marathon, I have to find a pair of shoes that will correct my problem. Otherwise, I'm afraid I'll be dealing with this issue forever.

 

[carissanboys]

Unfortunately my amazing ability to make whole footprints at pool parties translates into ugly, remedial looking running shoes! DH's shoes all look sleek and cool, mine not so much.

What size do you wear? Not only do I have to get ugly sneaks, but I wear a honking size 10.

 

[mousescrapper]

wonderful job...hope your pace stays steady!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Great job on completing day 1!

 

[jordanyosh]

Great job!

 

[carissanboys]

wonderful job...hope your pace stays steady!

Great job on completing day 1!

Great job!

Thanks everyone! I was so excited to be able to report back here to you all. It really did help me through those final couple of jogs.

"Just...finish these...and then....you can go....brag...*gasp*... on your PTR!"

 

[jordanyosh]

Thanks everyone! I was so excited to be able to report back here to you all. It really did help me through those final couple of jogs.

"Just...finish these...and then....you can go....brag...*gasp*... on your PTR!"

you can brag if you want to!