Attack of the Blah

"Off" Days

Some days running is harder than others. While I've had my good and bad days, this weekend I had my most challenging experience. 

Saturday is my go-get-em day where I can run for longer periods of time because the specters of homework and internships are a little more removed. 


I started on my run in my neighborhood, planning on running 3 miles to the best of my ability and walking another 2 with the goal of eventually building up to where I can just run 5 miles. That all came to a rather abrupt halt when I only made it to the corner of my street and my lungs felt like they were on fire. I made it a grand .65 miles before it hard to breathe at all. 

My fiance is far more experienced than I am when it comes to training for a half marathon. He told me all about the dreaded "off" days. The ones where you just can't get into your rhythm and no matter how often you run it's going to happen. But when you're faced with the off day challenge don't give up. Running may have been out for the day but I could still walk so I went for a beautiful 2 mile stroll along the trail behind our house and did some strength training. Walking and doing strengthening exercises shouldn't be underestimated. Remember, every little bit helps. 

Off days can also be caused by a more corporal factor- what you eat. I discovered that even though I was drinking high volumes of water my body wasn't absorbing it. I took a look back at my diet and found a major component was missing- salt. I found that Runners World has a great section with recipes and tips for how to stay hydrated and pack the nutrients you need into your diet. It's these little things that make a difference and by being conscious of what are are putting in your body you'll be ready to get up and go!

How do you fight off your blah days?

Miles-To-Go: 48.34

Lesson Number 1

Lesson #1: Don't Run on the Balls of your Feet

So I'm about two weeks into running outside and my current goal is to run 2 miles straight. I always jog farther than 2 miles to try and push myself. One day I want to go home, shower, and see that I actually went 3 miles. 

Does it sound like much? Nope, but I have to start somewhere and since I never ran before, except for short sprints for rugby, I need to work on my form. Desperately. How do I know this? I rolled both of my ankles. Yes, both. I have a tendency to walk and run on the balls of my feet. This puts a lot of pressure on my poor ankles and eventually they just couldn't take it anymore. I had to stop my run at my shortest distance ever, 2.2 miles. 

The good news is, Runners World has a great guide for the perfect form. They cover everything from head positioning to feet positioning. Your shoes can also effect your form and inhibit your running, but they have a basic shoe guide that will list what brands and styles are best for your feet based upon a questionnaire. The best part- it's free. 

Time Left: 28 Days

Miles To Go: 59.87

Midterms and Miles, Oh My!

How the hell do you balance midterms and running? Planning

It's all about the plan. Are you taking a thirty minute study break? Go run a mile instead of logging on to Pinterest. What about that hour of TV you smuggled in when you were supposed to be writing your paper? Cut it in half. You know you're going to break anyway so instead plan for those breaks. When I'm getting dressed in the morning I put on my t-shirt and shorts so when I break I can pick up my ipod and go right out the door. 

Also, getting up and about makes a difference when you know you're going to be sitting for 12+ hours writing/studying. It can end up making you more productive in the end, and if you HAVE to watch that episode of Say Yes to the Dress (my personal weakness) either put it on your DVR or have it playing on low while conscientiously working on your midterms after your work out. Call it a little reward for good behavior.

http://www.cafepress.com/mf/7176547/proud-to-be-a-turtle_mugs

Today was the first day I got off the elliptical and ran outside. Dear God was it hard, but I went 2.5 miles. It took me 32 minutes but at the end of the day I did it. And I kinda really want to get this turtle running mug...

A Buddy Makes a Difference

Hello, hello! So since I last posted I have achieved 7.91 miles (woo hoo!)

During that time, I discovered something very important: 
I am so much more willing to put in the effort when I'm with someone I want to spend time with. 

My fiance and I started off on a nice afternoon walk. He is going to run the half marathon with me, but (unlike me) he has been in optimum shape before and has natural athletic ability. 

Somehow we found ourselves taking a trail near our home and ended up 4 miles out in the middle of Old Town (whoops-- so much for a quick walk). And even though a little thirty minute meander ended up lasting over an hour and a half I didn't mind. Sure, I still had mounds of homework to do, but the thing was I had such a great time just spending my day active and healthy with my significant other. We both have crazy hours so whenever we get time together we always make the most of it. 

For me, this marathon has multiple facets. The first facet is my own health. I'm not large but I want to better myself and make exercise a fundamental part of my life. Secondly, I am so excited to be participating in the half marathon not only with my fiance but also with our friends. We encourage each other, tease each other, and often send e-cards like this: 

Time Left: 44 days

Miles to Go: 69.35

Centennial Challenge

http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/sphinx1.htm

To kick off my training for the half marathon, I'm entering into my sorority's Centennial Challenge. Phi Sigma Sigma is celebrating its 100th anniversary and in its honor sisters across the country (and beyond- we are international) are biking, walking, and running 100 miles by our birthday, November 26th. 

In the past two and a half weeks I've clocked in 22.74 miles, which is actually impressive if you consider the fact that I've been sick for 6 days. It's really hard to exercise when you can't breathe. My goal is to cover seven or eight miles over the weekend at the gym so wish me luck, and remember to Aim High!

Time Left: 49 days

Miles to Go: 77.26

Brand New World

I've decided to start my running career with a bang, so I'm aiming for the 

January 2015 Disney Half-Marathon. 

I've bought new Asics and I'm ready to hit the road. Part of this blog is to hold me accountable and also to track my progress. I'm really excited to get started, but first I really have to get over this cold. Once I'm back to normal then it's going to be 30-60s and a good playlist. Living in the DC area, the winters tend to be fairly mild until November/December so I have a beautiful fall ahead of me to get started!