Running was something I enjoyed when I did it a few years ago, actually about 4-5 years ago. I can't believe it has been that long! I didn't realize until now how much I missed it. I also didn't realize how hard it would be to build up my distance again. I did a few races but kind of "winged" them, not really properly training or taking them seriously.
I have always loved the feeling of running across a finish line and since I won't be doing my Mount Washington bike race this Summer I decided I needed to do something. I have decided to run in a few upcoming races, and am toying with the idea of a 5k in April, 10k in May and possibly a 21k in Oct. It is going to take a lot of hard work and a huge commitment to training but I finally feel like I'm ready.
I have arthritis in both my hips and my knees so I could very easily sit on the sideline and watch life pass me by, giving up on the things I really enjoy, but if I'm going to hurt either way I may as well do the stuff I enjoy and find a way to deal with any pain that it causes. At least the mental side of me, as a person, will be somewhat content. And I have a husband to rub my legs after each race! Hey, he's really good at taking care of me when I hurt. :)
Right now my run is nowhere near where it was. I used to do a 5k in about 26:30 and now it takes me almost 35-40 mins and it took me 1:15 mins to do my 8k yesterday. We all have to start somewhere though right? I'm not the same person I was back then, I weigh more (something else I'm working on and the running should certainly help with that), have more stresses in life and my schedule isn't as fixed as it was before. Having my own personal training clients means I have to pretty much go when they are free. But hey, that' s a life I have chosen and I love it! Anyway, back to running....I almost feel like I'm learning things all over again. I have to realize that it will take a while to get to where I was before. I couldn't do it right away then and this time will be no different. I have a running calendar which allows me to write my successes in it each day/week so it makes me feel really good when I can see that I met my goal for the week and it seems with each run (on the treadmill) I can see some improvements. I also have a few supportive fellow runners who are offering some great support. Support can make a huge difference too. I know in time I can get my distance and time back to where I want them to be but I have to be patient (not my strongest trait) and know that my hard work and determination will show through as I get closer to killing those goals.
My plan right now is to run 2 4km runs through the week and an 8km run sometime through the week as well. I will be following this program for a month. Hopefully now that the nice weather is coming more of my runs can be done outside. That way when I'm at work in the gym I can concentrate on weight training and making my body stronger. After March is over the plan is to increase my short runs by 1k, making them 5km, and increasing my long runs by2 kms, making it a 10k run. That will give me another month of 5 and 10k runs before the 10k race in May. The only other 10k race I did was at the same race, The Bluenose so it would be nice if that was my 10k race again. I remember that race, I was injured and taped up enough to get me through. Man, I hurt but I pushed through. My goal was to finish in 60 mins and I would like to make that my goal again. When I do my 5k run in April I'd like to finish in 30 mins or less. Only time will tell if these are reasonable goals or not. At this point I'm just happy to finish each run and to have a concrete plan to run with (no pun intended...lol).
