I have decided that I would like to run a marathon - a pretty tall order for someone who can barely plod through 1/8 of a mile at the present. You read that right, 1/8 of a mile. As in, halfway around the stinking track. I run half the track, then walk the other half, alternating for 2-3 miles. Gotta' start somewhere, right?
A couple of years ago I had started running and actually worked up to running about a mile and a half before I had to slow to a walk, so I know I can eventually get back to at least doing that much. Though it's a far cry from 1.5 to the 26.2 I will need to be able to run for a marathon. I'll definitely be starting with a 5K or two, then work up to a half-marathon, and hopefully, one day, a full marathon.
I've decided that I will run Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays each week, for 20-30 minutes at a time. Each week I will increase the distance I run at a stretch without walking, so that eventually I will be running the entire time. Then I will just work on increasing the distance. On Tuesdays I will still go to my boot camp class that I've been going to since January, and on Thursdays I plan on walking only. I will squeeze workouts into the weekends when I can, but I'm not going to stress too much about that.
So I started this little program about a week ago, and I've already learned a few little tricks. Ibuprofen before I work out is a very GOOD thing. I find that if I take it about 30 minutes to an hour before I work out (any work out, not just running), I can go harder and longer than if I don't. I'm finding that hydration is also super-important. I tend to not drink very much of anything, sometimes going all day without a drop of liquid passing my lips (except for my 2 cups of morning joe!). When I try to run after not drinking anything all day, I feel all weak and dizzy. I'm definitely making an effort to drink a lot more water every day. The only thing that I haven't quite figured out how to overcome at this point is the dreaded side stitch. Any ideas from the more experienced runners out there?
2 comments:
Anneliese - Check out the "Couch to 5K" plan. My wife just started running and she is on week 6 and doing great. It takes you from no activity to running 3 miles in 9 weeks -- but you probably wouldn't even have to start on week one since you are alreaedy doing something. It is at http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
I started with the same plan two years ago and have run two 1/2 marathons now and "completed" (running with walking) two marathons.
To avoid side stitch, take deep breaths during your run. It's weird at first because you are working harder on breathing than running but it works.
Also, the local running club website is at www.macontracks.org and they have an active online discussion forum. Good luck. - Jonathan Davis
Thanks Jonathan! Someone else actually already turned me on to that site, but I'm really happy to hear that other people have had succes with the Couch to 5K program. I'm on week 3. I'm working on the deep breathing thing, and someone else said to try chanting (like they do in the military) to help with side stitches. And I'll check out the Macon Tracks site. Thanks for the tips!!
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