novice notes

some positive things i have experienced as a novice runner:

1. body glide works.

2. as i increase my mileage in my long runs, what once seemed so long (5 miles, for example) is now not.

3. to stop means i might not restart.

4. i am learning to listen to my body. i am learning to speak to my body.

5. i am overwhelmingly proud of myself; possibly more than i have ever been before.

flying (or at least feeling like i am)

This week began our longest run to date: the infamous 7 miler. As "the day" loomed ever nearer, just thinking about running that far was making me very nervous. Not to mention my symptomatic anxiety an hour before I ran... aching stomach, sweating feet (a new one for me and quite gross), racing mind. You get the picture.

Fortunately, I got myself under control with a good mental beating. I am strong. I have been safely and slowly getting myself ready to be at this point. I can fly.

And I did.

Of course the next day the bird wasn't flying so well. I was limping around at work because I didn't stretch very well and pulled a muscle in my leg. It lasted only a day with some TLC. Lesson learned.

it's cooling off

Finally, the weather is cooling here! In honor of a somewhat cool day (high of 85), I decided to run outside for the first time. I knew of a 5 mile route which started and ended at my house that my husband had mapped out, so I thought I can add 2 to that to complete the scheduled 7 mile long run for the day.

I also used this as an opportunity to test out a piece of equipment that was given as a gift to me last Christmas - a Nike Chip. (I'm so not technical and it took this long for me to be motivated enough to learn how to use it!) The Nike Chip links up to your Ipod and can track mileage.

Well, the run was very exciting! A fresh breeze, nothing to look at but scenery and passing cars. The need to focus on each step prevented me from getting bored like I do on the treadmill. All in all it was a good run and I was tired, but really inspired when I got home. My Nike chip said I ran 7 miles. I got in the car and re-traced my steps. It turns out I only ran 5.6! Then I discovered that I needed to calibrate the chip FIRST!

Encouragment

Hello fellow runners!

I don't have any funny words today, nor do I have any pearls of wisdom. Nonetheless, I felt the need to send a few words of encouragement to my fellow runners.

We are beginning our gradual increase in distance, I believe Monday is 7 miles, and I don't know about you ladies but I am starting to wonder "how long this is going to feel on a treadmill?" One word can probably describe it, long. However, I keep telling myself "what is a mile more." I will be thinking of you ladies as I am completing this long run and know that I am not alone. I am so excited and encouraged by our motivation and dedication to this race. I am glad to have two fellow friends with whom I will be able to complete this race.

I keep thinking about what I will do after I am done training for this race, maybe a mini-triathalon is not such a bad idea!

random thoughts on gear

being the newbies to double digit mile running that we are, it goes to say that we are either going to be well-prepared for the tucson marathon or not so much. by "prepared", i mean, all the gear that one needs to complete a 13.1 mile run.

some would say you need nothing- but i have a feeling most veteran runners do run with a few stand-bys. whether that is some sort of water carrier, mp3 player, sunglasses, hat, sweatbands, etc... the list goes on.

things i have been thinking about.... gear i think i will need (having only done a 6-miler as my longest run thus far): something to wipe away my copious amounts of sweat; my burts bees chapstick (i tend to lick my lips raw as i run which means i will be miserable without it); maybe my ipod; my perfectly comfortable lucy socks.

the rest goes to be seen as i extend my long runs. from what i have researched and heard, will be needing to check into gels, body glide type substance, and maybe a watch.

definitely out of my league here.

here we go

Ok, so yesterday marked the start of our "official" 1/2 marathon training. We are on the calendar using the Smart Coach from the Runner's World website. Up to this point we have been getting comfortable running on a regular basis and becoming familiar with 5 milers as our long runs. Yesterday was our first long run of 6 miles. The run was challenging and frustrating (bathroom break at mile 3 really messed with my pace/flow), but nevertheless, worth it. If the accomplishment of 6 made me feel so good inside, how will the accomplishment of 13.1 feel? Dare I say I'm looking forward to knowing that, despite the pain to get there! Well, here's to the training plan because the next run is a 2 miler on Wed. 2 miles? No problem, this will be over quick.
P.S. After sitting down in a class last night for over an hour, I have to admit it was a little hard to get up out of my chair. A little tight/sore!