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.
