Training: Check

On Monday, I mentioned to my trainer person that it was the first day of my 12 week marathon training program. He said something like "oh, I think you'll be able to do it, don't worry," and I replied with "oh, I'm going to do it, I already paid for it." I think that sort of confused him, but it is true. Even if I had to crawl it, I would probably show up for that reason alone.

Well, I might skip it if I had to crawl or it was a hurricane or something, but maybe not.

Anyhow, yesterday was the worst weather combo ever of lots of snow followed by freezing rain, so went to the gym and ran 3 miles on the treadmill, which is superduper boring. I get really distracted by all the buttons and numbers and just end up looking down all the time. Plus the tv is right there, but no subtitles, so I can't tell if my guesses on Jeopardy are right.

I'm heading back over this morning to do Day 3 which involves running about a quarter of a mile pretty fast about 5 times with walking and slow running breaks in between.

I also freakishly gained about 7 pounds in one day, so not sure what that is about. Probably all muscle, I'm sure.

12 Week Half Marathon Training Starts Today

When I was lazing around yesterday morning, I realized that while I thought I had to start my half marathon training on January 22, I actually have to start it today.

I'm going to use Hal Higdon's Intermediate Half Marathon Training Program, and if it seems like too much for me, switch down to the novice. I think my friend that is doing the half marathon with me is going to start with his walking program. I think.

Anyhow, that works out for me, because I'm supposed to meet with my trainer person this morning and the plan calls for strengthening and stretching. I have two hours to drink some coffee and stare into space first tho.

Day one: check.

Keep on Keeping On.

So. On January 1, 2011, I made all these great resolutions and then on January 2, I flew in to visit my parents. When I arrived, my mom told me that my dad was really sick. My father had Alzheimer's disease, but had been doing well and was eating well and had even gained weight. Anyhow, he stopped eating and drinking after lunch on New Year's Eve, and he passed away on January 5.

My dad was a great guy and an awesome father. I feel like I am lucky to have even known him.

Anyhow. Was not able to get out to run while at my parent's, tho I actually made the attempt a couple of times. The south was hit was a big snowstorm and the trails that I was planning to run on were closed the one day I made it out to try, and the blackjack race I wanted to enter was also cancelled. I drank lots of coffee instead.

I arrived home on Friday, January 14, and drank a lot of wine. Then on Saturday, January 15, I got up and went to a 5 mile trail run at Lewis Morris Park. I haven't really run since New Year's Eve, and this was a snow covered trail run and given the amount of wine, I had the night before, I set my goal as not falling and finishing. Success! I think my time was just over an hour and 20 minutes, but the official times haven't been posted yet.

Thank you to the good friend who gave me a ride, even tho she wasn't running and was only awake to feed her new baby. So nice.


Will still keeping think of my dad while running and keep the New York Marathon's Alzheimer's team in my mind too.

January 1, 2011

Hello!

Welcome to this running blog that will prolly turn into something about biking and food and dogs. Right now it is totally about running though.

Today is New Year’s, and I am starting John Bingham’s 100 day Challenge.

I have also committed to doing some other healthy things. I have signed up for a series of trail races until February, and in April and May, I am running half marathons.

I started running last year when my brother-in-law kept posting about the couch to 5k appfor his iphone on his facebook page. So I did that. Then I did the Bridge to 10k program, halfway and quit because it was too hot. Then I did the Bridge to 10k again.

Then I ran an 8k. And a bunch of 5ks. I ran a 10k. And a trail 5k. I am not fast, and I am totally serious when I say my fitness goal is not to hurt myself. I walk all day for my job, and I would be really screwed if I messed up my ankle or knee or whatever.

Anyhow, in the back of my mind, I am secretly thinking I want to run the New York City Marathon for the Alzheimer’s Association. I am not really sure that I am up to that, so I will just keep plugging away trying to get healthy and happy and other good stuff.