Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Plugged Back In

The last 3 times I've run, I have worn my Garmin.  Most of the time I'm pleasantly surprised when I look down at my wrist and see a pace that is "good".  But by the end of the run, I'm struggling.  I'm still only running about 3 miles at a time.  I am frustrated that I am not progressing. 

I have decided that I'm going to join a running group that starts training in July.  They are preparing for "a fall race" that I hope is the Baltimore half marathon.  The timing of the training plan works well for that race.  I am also hoping that by joining a group, my motivation and my endurance will increase.  I am mentally committed to running...until it's time to lace up and go.  This has never been an issue for me and I'm hoping that this is a temporary phase until I get better conditioned.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Unplugged and Starting Over

I have not been running for awhile now.  Too many excuses have gotten in my way.  Too busy, work responsibilities, kids, etc.

Last Saturday I volunteered to help with the Ocean City half marathon.  I enjoyed the day but I had several moments of sadness where I realized that I was no longer one of them...I am not capable of completing 13.1 miles right now.  So I vowed to do something about that. 

Sunday morning I got up and met Lisa in Berlin.  We ran a leisurely run around the 5K loop, although we cut off the last part so it was definitely less than 3 miles.  I promised her that I would get back to running.  Really I promised myself but said it out loud to Lisa.

I have run a couple of times this week in addition to my workout with Clara.  I can honestly say that every step has been a mental battle.  It hurts, I'm tired, I feel slow and the rolling hills around my house feel like mountains.  But I've been out there running.  That feels great.

Because I'm just a bit competitive and mostly competitive with myself, I knew that if I looked at my watch and saw how slowly I'm running, that I would be discouraged.  So I have run a loop around my neighborhood that I know is roughly 3 miles.  I have not worn my Garmin once.  I am running and for now that's all that matters.  Maybe next week I'll put the watch back on but for now my goals are not time related.  I simply need to build my base and start adding miles.