This first week of "official" half-marathon training went fairly well despite my refusal to wake up for running in the morning. My days always seem to go better when I run in the morning instead of trying to squeeze in the workout after work and before bed (especially because I don't find it pleasurable to run soon after eating supper). But I still managed to do 2 45-minute runs during the weekdays, along with 2 core/strength workouts AND rest on Friday before launching in to my first speed workout Saturday.
I was blessed with a gorgeous, warm (50 F!!!) day Saturdzy, which meant the snow had melted off the Penn State track. I ran a few repeats of 800 meters at a fast pace, with the eventual goal being to train my muscles, lungs and mind to go fast for more and more repeats as the weeks go by. I was somewhat disappointed with my performance because I didn't actually make it the full 800 meters on 3 of my 4 tries, but after assessing my lap times afterwards I think it's because I was trying to run these TOO fast!
I'm chalking this up as a learning experience about how to use the track and understand itsmarkings, as well as a lesson that I need to get a better sense of how fast I am going when I start out. I remeber needing to learn how to not begin running my long distances too quickly (I know very well that I will wear out after the first 2 miles if I don't think the first half mile is painstakingly tortoise-like)...I guess I now need to learn how it should feel for shorter distances, too!
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
the 16-week countdown begins!
In sixteen weeks (May 5, 2013), I'll be running the Pittsburgh Half-Marathon!! Sixteen weeks is a good time to start training for this type of race, from what I've been taught. Since I'm using a new-to-me training technique and hope to run a little faster than my previous half-marathon time, I am happy to have the extended time to really work on endurance and pace.
The training program I'm using is based on the concepts set forth by Jeff Galloway. He suggests a deliberate, interval combination of running & walking to get through a longer-mileage race. I'm choosing this method because I want to be able to run half-marathons for Living Water International frequently, and the run-walk-run method decreases the strain put on the body and decreases the risk of injury (especially overuse injury) -- this means that I can run MORE and more often!
I've been easing in to this very different method of training over the past 6 weeks. It's been hard for me, because it involves having much slower times per mile than I am used to. But I must say -- I always feel like I can keep run-walk-running for hours and hours and hours when I reach the end of my goal for the day. That's important!! In the last week or so I've found that my times are getting faster, which I hope means my aerobic endurance is increasing a bit.
Another new thing I'm including in my training are concentrated stretching days (once a week) and strength training. When I first started running I did some strength training along with my running, but I don't particularly enjoy that kind of training...so I stopped. It has become more clear to me now that strength training is important for preventing injury as well as building an entire body that is strong to run, instead of just strong running legs. I'm looking forward to seeing how strengthening my back, arms, and core will help to stabilize and empower my body as I run!
On today's agenda: stretch and do abdominal strength training.
The training program I'm using is based on the concepts set forth by Jeff Galloway. He suggests a deliberate, interval combination of running & walking to get through a longer-mileage race. I'm choosing this method because I want to be able to run half-marathons for Living Water International frequently, and the run-walk-run method decreases the strain put on the body and decreases the risk of injury (especially overuse injury) -- this means that I can run MORE and more often!
I've been easing in to this very different method of training over the past 6 weeks. It's been hard for me, because it involves having much slower times per mile than I am used to. But I must say -- I always feel like I can keep run-walk-running for hours and hours and hours when I reach the end of my goal for the day. That's important!! In the last week or so I've found that my times are getting faster, which I hope means my aerobic endurance is increasing a bit.
Another new thing I'm including in my training are concentrated stretching days (once a week) and strength training. When I first started running I did some strength training along with my running, but I don't particularly enjoy that kind of training...so I stopped. It has become more clear to me now that strength training is important for preventing injury as well as building an entire body that is strong to run, instead of just strong running legs. I'm looking forward to seeing how strengthening my back, arms, and core will help to stabilize and empower my body as I run!
On today's agenda: stretch and do abdominal strength training.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
a new phase
Greetings! I am embarking on a new phase of my life, and specifically in my "running journey." I am signed up for the 2013 Pittsburgh Half-Marathon, and I am running it as part of Team Living Water. My goal is to use my passion for endurance running to gain awareness about the way millions around the world endure hardship EVERY DAY due to lack of access to clean water -- and hopefully inspire people to endure a little bit of their own sacrifice to help ease this burden.
An easy to way for YOU to help is to donate to Living Water International through my fundraising page for the Half-Marathon.
Stay tuned for training updates here. You can also see old posts from my personal blog, "sheep may safely graze." Not super exciting, but in case you wonder more about who I am...that's it!
An easy to way for YOU to help is to donate to Living Water International through my fundraising page for the Half-Marathon.
Stay tuned for training updates here. You can also see old posts from my personal blog, "sheep may safely graze." Not super exciting, but in case you wonder more about who I am...that's it!
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