So, yes, I'm proud of myself. I have now finished my first week of running on the Couch potato to 5 k plan. Now, while I can't say I enjoy running, I do enjoy how proud I am of myself when I finish running.
Picture me: it's 5 am, still dark outside, I'm running around and around the park in the neighborhood, because I'm too chicken to run any where else because it's dark and the park is well lit and surrounded by homes. Molly and I head out, my i phone in my pocked with my interval app ready to go. I'm wearing the wonderful shoes that I got from Vaughn and Amy (that fit really well and are incredibly comfortable - Thank You!) It is windy enough today that trash cans are moving around on the curb side. I have my hands pulled up into the sleeves of my coat and I wish that my hat covered my ears more. My pants are long, but definitely not wind proof. I have the retractable dog leash in my right hand and it's a little tricky to get up in my sleeve. My dog is definitely ADHD, she is distracted by every little thing. Does pulling the dog away from all of her distractions count as exercise? It's got to be easier than pushing Amy's boys around. There is a little hill, the park is not completely level. Why do all the running intervals end up including the hill?
But the important thing is I did it. Three days in a row. Not a great accomplishment, but a start. Just another start. I have started so many exercise programs.
I don't think I will ever be a runner like Amy or Stephanie. But maybe I can be more healthy and have more stamina. It's a little scary when I start thinking, "well, if I'm going to run, I should buy......." No, new stuff until I've done it for a month. But, I need a better hat and it would be nice to have pants that were wind proof. I have to tell myself no.
Question - do you run heel to toe like you walk or do you run toe - heel? It's like I can't remember "how" to run, something I've done without thought so many times. Also, Amy, how do you find time to think and ponder while you are running? I'm just thinking when is this running part going to end so I can walk again.
Thanks to Amy, Stephanie and Scott for teaching me that I can run too!
It depends - if I'm running uphill you lift your knees high and toe it up. If I'm running on a level surface it depends on what shoes I'm wearing. If I'm wearing my big running shoes I run heel first (well, more of a midfoot strike) and if I run in my vibrams I run more on the front of my foot. Your strides (especially at slower speeds) should be short enough that your foot is falling under yourself, so do whatever is most comfortable.
ReplyDeleteWhen I'm running intervals like you're doing I spend more time thinking about when I am supposed to start and stop running. When you get to longer periods of running you have more time to think about stuff other than the actual running. It comes after your body gets used to the motion and you don't have to think about it so much anymore. Also, many of my runs are an hour or longer which helps.
You're doing a great job! Keep it up!
Good job Mom. That's awesome that you've been running for a week. Like Amy said, you get more time to think on just a distance run. I run for a half an hour and I use that time to think about my day ahead.
ReplyDeleteI run heal toe, which is what Mark taught me to do. Whatever is comfortable though.