But, first, I have to get
I found a wonderful app from RunKeeper that allows me to run without thinking too much about distance. It tracks my distance with the GPS capabilities of my phone and interrupts my music occasionally to tell me my mileage, average pace, and current pace. I have it set to update me every five minutes and/or every .75 miles. Since I average about a 13-14 minute mile, that means I'm getting updated at least 2-3 times per mile and it keeps me on track.
RunKeeper also has free training plans for its users to sign up for depending on their needs and goals. Everything from "Running a 5K" to "Running a Marathon" to "Run to Lose Weight" and everything in between. I signed myself up for the "Running a Half Marathon" program and then chose the option "Beginner Half Marathon to Finish." It's a 16 week program that will get me moving enough to run 13.1 miles without dying. I started the program on March 26 and it runs through July 13. The good news? The half marathon that I want to run is in January. So, I have it set to do the beginner program and then jump up to the intermediate one (which lasts 23 weeks).
The real beauty of these programs is that they keep me accountable. I don't like unfinished checklists. RunKeeper tracks whether or not you've stayed true to your plan and, if you miss a workout, that day is red instead of green. That doesn't sit well with me so I'm hoping it helps me to keep it up moving forward.
I'm pretty proud of myself and impressed with my body. Today marks two weeks since I've started the plan and I've already run a total of 33 miles. 10 of those miles were in two different 5 mile sessions. If you would have looked me in the eye two weeks ago and said, "You can run 5 miles without stopping." I would have laughed in your face. But, my schedule said to do it, so I didn't have a choice. So I did it. And it was amazing. This past Sunday I actually ended my 5 mile run at my mom's house. I stretched in her driveway and then went inside and chatted with her while she had her morning coffee. She gave me a ride back home so I could start my day with the kids, but it was a wonderful start to the morning. You'd think that I'd be exhausted after a 5 mile run before breakfast, but it's the exact opposite: I feel so energized and ready to take on the day.
Maybe it's the repetitive motion and the rythym that lets me put all my thoughts in order. Maybe it's the fact that I get an hour to myself without having to worry about my kids being hungry or needing a diaper changed or needing a referee in their argument over who gets to use the blue cup and who gets the green one. . . Whatever it is, it's magical.
My husband has been great, too. I've found that the best times for my run are first thing in the morning before the house is awake. I usually leave the house by about 5:30 am. This means that on my Tuesday and Thursday runs he's getting himself ready for work, our oldest ready for school, and potentially making a bottle for the baby (which our oldest usually feeds to him to help us out, lol). A lot of morning tasks get crammed into the 6 o'clock hour in our house, but he's so supportive. His one request? That I don't let my alarm go off more than once (no snooze!) and for no longer than a minute or so. Just because I'm up at 5:00 am doesn't mean he wants to be. And I completely understand.
So, for now, I run Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings. I eventually want to run daily and just change up the intensity of the runs. Like I said, I have a lot of goals for myself. But, first things first. I have to focus on this 16 weeks plan. I never finish anything that I start. I always start with all the motivation in the world and then I get bored. I refuse to let that happen.
Today was the first day I really had to force myself. I really didn't want to run today. The weather is dreary and overcast and I'm tired and my allergies are making me feel gross. But, I went. And I ran.
And I'm so glad that I did.
