HomeMom on the Run
Member Since: September 10, 2007 Last Signed In: July 21, 2008 Blog Views: 2446 Send To A Friend Sign Guestbook Add as a Friend
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Running (Wo)man
I started running in January. It was very much against my will, at first. I was a sprinter when I ran in my younger days. Honestly, my longest run was the 440 relay (bah dum bum). And that seemed to last an eternity. I played soccer for years, but you're not constantly running. There are starts and stops. The idea of running a mile seemed ludicrous. So I started with walking.
Walking got old after week 2. So I moved up to the running group - same pace (15:00). After a couple of weeks, that seemed slow. So I moved to the 14:30. Then 14:00. Then 13:30. That's the pace I ran the half-marathon at (in May). It's slow, I know. But it's progress. So this past weekend, our training group started up again. Time to set the new pace. My goal had been to move up to a gold group - they run 4/1s (4 minutes running; 1 minute walking). I had been doing my short runs at that interval for a couple of months, so it seemed doable. I hoped it was doable. I started at the back of the pack, thinking I would be one of the slow ones. I was wrong - spent the first half-mile stuck at a very slow pace. I started to get discouraged, but quickly let it go. We moved past the bridge and I was able to get up to pace. Passing people who looked as though they were in better shape than me. I felt good. I finished the two miles in under 24 minutes. A 12:00 pace! I was stoked. I was firmly cemented in a gold group! Mission accomplished! So in a little under 5 months, I have shaved 20% off my pace. I'm impressed! No injuries, either. And most importantly - I'm having so much fun! I'm going on record now, telling you all that I am running the CIM in December. The whole thing. Not the relay, not the half marathon -- one foot in front of the other for 26.2 miles. And in another year, I hope to be at a 10:00 or lower pace. A girlfriend was telling me it took her 5 years to get to an 8:00 pace, so I hope that 10:00 at this time next year is practical. If not, maybe you more seasoned runners can set me straight. Again, if anyone wants to go running during the week, email me! It's always better to run with someone. :) 5 comments from 5 users
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posted by
creatress
on Jun 18, 2008 at 10:14 AM
posted by
kellimwheeler
on Jun 17, 2008 at 11:01 PM
You're doing the right thing by starting gradually. Remember to increase distance and intensity separately. I'd increase mileage first and as your strength and endurance builds, your time will come down. (Although I've never done a marathon, I've been a runner all my life.) I wish you the best of luck in your goal. You're already a winner for choosing a healthy lifestyle and setting a good example for your son. How great for him to see Mommy set a goal, work hard to attain it, and then see the success that follows. posted by
Jenniefromtheblock
on Jun 17, 2008 at 05:33 PM
WoW that is incredible!! Good job. You look great in your picture you got that runners glow. Congratulations & Good luck posted by
AmandaS
on Jun 16, 2008 at 10:58 PM
That is fantastic! What an inspiration! Good for you.
posted by
hmoeckli
on Jun 16, 2008 at 04:12 PM
Congrats on all your hard work! You've accomplished quite a bit. I've never run a race longer than a 10k, so I can't give you advice about getting to 10 minute miles for a marathon, but I know that there are a lot of resources out there to help you formulate a plan. Good luck!
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Well, I WOULD go running with you, but I'd hate to die before my son is grown. DANG WOMAN! I had no idea you were already up to cheeta speed! That's amazing!!!! I thought you were doing around 14-13min miles (which still impresses me!) That's shocking to me that you could get that fast... that fast! Must be good genes.
Are you still running with your dad? Or on your own? Is big man still in the "cold day in hell" camp about going with you? I'm with you, walking is booring. I've been riding my bike a lot more (did you catch all my bruises Saturday night?)
A whole marathon. That's just shocking to me. You are living proof of what you can do when you put your mind to it. I love the new profile pic too by the way. You've lost a lot of weight. I miss your chipmunk cheeks!