13.1 Club

I did it!

The last few weeks leading up to the race my feelings toward the event were a roller coaster. The phrase “freaking out” would be an understatement. That coupled with excitement that I’ve set a goal and I’m going to accomplish it put my emotions all over the place.

Stay Positive

My goals of posting every week ran off course, but here we go. It really feels like time is flying by and the race will be here before I know it. Yikes! Week three included a staycation so I was able to focus on my training. I also finished a book that I started months ago, a hilarious memoir called “Bitter is the New Black.” Not only did I laugh out loud many many times, it also reminded me of how much writing “freely” is important to me.

Pace Yourself

After making Sunday my day of rest for the week, the pressure was on to hit the gym or go outside to train for the next six days. On Monday I set out for a two mile walk/run on Perrin’s Path. It was about seven that evening so the sun was going down. Since most of the trail is wooded there was plenty of shade as well. I walked briskly for a few minutes then stepped up the pace to a run. It didn’t quite last as long as I had hoped.

Vickie was back. Vickie is an inner voice that tells me things like “just stop running” and “you’d much rather walk.” She first emerged earlier this year as I prepared to run a 5k race in May with my friend Mallory. That race went well and I finished a couple minutes faster than I expected. Even found a buddy during the race to help me along. I was able to run about 2 miles of it and walked the rest (intermittently).

Physically I’m fine when it comes to running but Vickie is my challenge.  So I just focused on the task at hand by running in short distances. Pace yourself. Eventually those short distances will get longer and longer. I’ve already proven I can run two miles without stopping. That may not sound like much but in January of this year I could only run about 20 feet without taking a break.

Tuesday called for stretch and strengthen plus a three mile run. Let’s do it! Sweaty, leg burning mess by the time I was done.

Still going strong by Wednesday. After a long day at work the last thing I wanted to do was to the gym. I would’ve preferred to just go home try to catch a rerun of Criminal Minds and call it a night. But I’m dedicated. Watching television is no excuse. So late night workout here I come. Plus, as the race gets closer, the stakes get higher. Since it was just before midnight there were only two other people at the gym. 30 minutes of cross training. Check!

By Saturday I was feeling a bit under the weather. I finished week two strong and walked 3.5 miles.

Note to self: Optimal exercise time is in the morning.

One week down 12 to go!

Since the beginning of this year I’ve been moving my body more by taking walks in my neighborhood. Fortunately I live just a mile from the beach so that includes putting my feet in the sand as well and feeling the ocean breeze glide across my skin. In February of this year hundreds of runners descended upon the Grand Strand to participate in the Myrtle Beach Marathon. Since it’s a big event for our area I talked to a few runners who were participating for a story I put together for work.

When you’re around a large group of people who are about to challenge their bodies physically you can literally feel the excitement and energy in the air.  At least I can.  I became so inspired and energized. If I hadn’t just started walking I would’ve signed up on the spot. Being at the runners expo reminded me of when I participated in the relay race in 2005 with co-workers for the same event (they longer allow relay teams now).

The more I talked about it with others, I decided I was going to participate in a half-marathon. Specifically the Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon being held at the end of October. Let me tell you, it was an exciting and frightening thought. I’ve never been a long distance runner, I have asthma, and well 13.1 miles is just intimidating. I also don’t have a “runner’s” physique. A few extra pounds are hanging out in my lower body. But I do have drive. I do have an incredible amount of motivation to meet this goal. My inner athlete has finally convinced the couch potato to give it a chance to break free.

 Around the same time I met Kris Kavanagh, a Holistic Health Coach with Healthy Habits Now. Today I’m happy to call her a friend and she’s helped me tremendously with my eating. With her guidance (and patience) I’m putting better fuel in my body and learning to pay attention to how my body responds to certain foods.  We’re all different and each of us has individual needs. One positive to moving more and eating better is weight loss, 12 pounds in about a month to be exact. I probably won’t weigh myself again for awhile since I don’t want to drive myself crazy. It’s also not my primary goal.

Today I finished my first official week of Hal Higdon’s half marathon training program at the novice level. The plan includes several runs, cross training, and strength conditioning six days a week. My legs are burning, my body is sore, and my mother has suggested I started taking baths with Epsom salt (she’s old school like that). It’s all worth it and I know my body is thanking me. Along with the physical, moving my body is also helping my mental health. I feel better. I’m less annoyed by problems that arise.

This week was not obstacle free. By mid-week I fell victim to the temptations of trivia, spirits, and hanging out with friends. I ended up skipping my workout the next day and the next. Oy vey. To make up for it I doubled up today. It was tough waking up but I did. And I’m glad.  A text from my gym buddy was also helpful motivation.

Note to self: if you’re really going to get yourself in good shape for the race, late nights aren’t going to help you cross the finish line (at least not as quickly as you want to).