I am a good planner, but not so good at follow through. I have gotten up at 5 a few days this week, but I did not run. What sounded so good and disciplined at 9 the night before seemed crazy the next morning. But the good news is I have gotten in my running so far this week.
Was it having a plan, even though I did not follow it, that gave me the motivation to find time to run the past two days? Monday was an optional run, so I opted out. Tuesday I ran between a half day work and a meeting. Wednesday I ran at 9:22 p.m.
Both runs were hard to start, and I did not feel like running either day. But, because of how tough last Saturday was, and the fact that I have an 18 mile run this week, I did it. Last night, in the dark, running 8- 3/4 mile loops to get in my hour run, I'm impressed I was out there. I'm impressed I didn't stop at 4 loops. I'm impressed I ran without my ipod. Just me and the cool fall evening. I did enjoy a few loops, and one time I didn't even notice the hill.
So maybe it was not the 5 am plan so much as the feed back from my body last Saturday that got me out these past two days. Maybe it is the overall plan of running a sub 10 minute mile in December to qualify for Boston that keeps me motivated. Maybe I just have to figure out a new way do this now that I'm working more.
Maybe trial and error is a great way to make a plan. Today I think I'll run after work, but before dinner. That's a plan!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Have a Plan
I like to be spontaneous, go with how I feel at the moment. Too much structure bugs me. But I have learned with running, you have to have a plan. That is why I joined the Luke's running group. I just get their running plan every week, and I follow it.
That worked well for the summer when I was not working and I had plenty of time each day to get in my runs. But now that fall is here, I don't have that luxury and I 'm missing my runs during the week. Last week I only ran one day, and the Saturday run was not good. Also, I was not getting my sleep, and that showed up on Saturday too. In fact, a lack of planning showed up the week before on my 15 mile run- I had no plan and I was very slow. I've got to run under 10 minute miles to qualify for Boston, and most my miles were 10:30 +.
SO . . . this week I have a plan. On Mondays and Wednesday, I have evening commitments and I'm working. That means on those mornings I must run early - like 5 am. It also means I have to get in bed early - like 9 p.m.
We know the motto "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail" holds true. How about the reverse motto: "If you plan, follow your plan, you won't fail."
I'll let you know how it goes.
That worked well for the summer when I was not working and I had plenty of time each day to get in my runs. But now that fall is here, I don't have that luxury and I 'm missing my runs during the week. Last week I only ran one day, and the Saturday run was not good. Also, I was not getting my sleep, and that showed up on Saturday too. In fact, a lack of planning showed up the week before on my 15 mile run- I had no plan and I was very slow. I've got to run under 10 minute miles to qualify for Boston, and most my miles were 10:30 +.
SO . . . this week I have a plan. On Mondays and Wednesday, I have evening commitments and I'm working. That means on those mornings I must run early - like 5 am. It also means I have to get in bed early - like 9 p.m.
We know the motto "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail" holds true. How about the reverse motto: "If you plan, follow your plan, you won't fail."
I'll let you know how it goes.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Perspective Changes Everything
Perspective
Tomorrow my plan is to run 15 miles. Three months ago that would be overwhelming, but since two weeks ago I ran 18 (barely, but I did it) 15 seems maybe doable. I think maybe I can run 15 and not have to go to bed the rest of the day. After a ten mile run last week at a very good pace for me, I think maybe I can run 15 miles and kind of enjoy it. Yesterday, running an 8:30 mile, I think I can maybe i can run 15 and do it well. I have a different perspective than I did in June.
Learning from great philosophers Flylady, and Bob, I have learned that taking baby steps makes many seemingly impossible things, possible, in time. So, since mid June, the people at Luke's have planned baby steps for my running group. We have gained strength, endurance, stamina, and confidence. All part of the plan to get us ready for our marathon in December.
Baby steps work in areas other than running. In May, I quit my part time teaching job in search of a full time job. Applications, up dated resume, reference letters, interviews,- all part of the baby steps to get a new job. None of which was fun. And, no job materialized. Then for substitute teaching, more baby steps: Several hour seminars, interviews, FBI finger printing, district thumb printing, filling out forms. But now, I am a substitute in four school systems: two public and two private. ( almost - still have the thumb print to go through)
But how my perspective has changed. The teaching field is different from the what I entered 12 years with my my first teaching job, and so have I. It has gotten more complicated, and surprisingly I have gained some skills In retrospect, it was not that bad: one form, one interview, one appointment at a time. I just kept doing the next thing, not all at once, but one step at a time. Break it down. Complete it, move on to the next.
Just like in running. And house cleaning. It overwhelms me too.
Monday, October 1, 2012
A Little History
Boston is Possible
Yesterday was a huge step for me. I ran a 10 mile race at a 9:08 pace. The reason this is big is that my qualifying pace for the Boston marathon is 10.00. So, if I can train to keep this pace for 26.2 miles - I'M IN!!!!!
A little background information here.
January: I learned my daughter was moving to Boston. So, I set my sights on qualifying for the Boston Marathon. At 53, can run a little slower , relatively speaking, and still qualify. First race a 5K ( 3.1 miles) at White Rock Lake on January 20. Race start was delayed over an hour, but my daughter ran with me and it was fun!!!
February: I ran in the the big Fort Worth race: Cowtown. I ran a 10k ( 6.2 miles) and I was exhausted for the rest of the day. But there was free Blue Bell ice cream at the end of the race.
March: My husband ran this 10K race with me. It was around the Texas Rangers Ball Park and the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. This was the best race so far. Not too crowded, not too many hills.
May: This race did me in. It was another 10k, but it was very hot, very crowded, and very hot.
June: I now decided that I could not do this on my own. I needed help. After searching for a marathon running plan, I changed directions and joined Luke's Marathon Training. This local running store has a 6 month training plan that meets every Saturday. Start date: June 15.
July: The running program is going great. We start at 5:30 every Saturday morning. It is still hot, but they have the course already mapped out with water stops along the way. I have found 4 running friends and a group of about 10 that run my pace. The whole program has about 100 people. Can you believe that many people are as crazy as I am? I am the oldest female in my group and I remind them all the time.
September: The 18 mile run literally killed me. It reminded me of giving birth - and I had c sections with both my precious children!! But I think it was like being in labor - only the pain did not go away when the run was finished. I was not sure I could drive home. Advil helped, but I was exhausted the rest of the day.
September 30: This brings us up to date. I ran The Great Taco Race - 7 am start. Somehow I ran the last two miles faster than the first 8. 1:32:15 for 10 miles!!! 9:15 ish pace. I think Boston qualifying is possible!!!
February: I ran in the the big Fort Worth race: Cowtown. I ran a 10k ( 6.2 miles) and I was exhausted for the rest of the day. But there was free Blue Bell ice cream at the end of the race.
March: My husband ran this 10K race with me. It was around the Texas Rangers Ball Park and the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. This was the best race so far. Not too crowded, not too many hills.
May: This race did me in. It was another 10k, but it was very hot, very crowded, and very hot.
June: I now decided that I could not do this on my own. I needed help. After searching for a marathon running plan, I changed directions and joined Luke's Marathon Training. This local running store has a 6 month training plan that meets every Saturday. Start date: June 15.
July: The running program is going great. We start at 5:30 every Saturday morning. It is still hot, but they have the course already mapped out with water stops along the way. I have found 4 running friends and a group of about 10 that run my pace. The whole program has about 100 people. Can you believe that many people are as crazy as I am? I am the oldest female in my group and I remind them all the time.
September: The 18 mile run literally killed me. It reminded me of giving birth - and I had c sections with both my precious children!! But I think it was like being in labor - only the pain did not go away when the run was finished. I was not sure I could drive home. Advil helped, but I was exhausted the rest of the day.
September 30: This brings us up to date. I ran The Great Taco Race - 7 am start. Somehow I ran the last two miles faster than the first 8. 1:32:15 for 10 miles!!! 9:15 ish pace. I think Boston qualifying is possible!!!
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