So today is the first day of my "Journey to the Half Marathon" and it started with a single step...a step to Potomac River Running.
I have to say this was a very good and pleasant first step. I was vulnerable from the moment I stepped foot into that store, not knowing ANYTHING about running and realizing that this is one area of my life I am seriously lacking in expertise. <<ENTER CHIP>> and suddenly I feel like this goal is more attainable.
The people at Potomac River Running were SO very helpful in assisting me in getting the correct shoes...and evidently socks (which I never thought would be an important asset....alas I was enlightened).
Chip, the name of the sales associate assisting me was very helpful and encouraging. First they placed me on a treadmill (and had me actually run on it) with a camera attached to the back of it. This helps the sales associates determine if you are turning your feet inward, outward, or if you run normally so they can fit you to a proper shoe. Much to my dismay, I evidently have normal feet, however they are narrow. WHO KNEW!?
I then was given a crash course on the fundamentals of running. Being a teacher I recognized and appreciated the little mental tricks to remember these fundamentals such as "Rib to Hip". This teaches you how to properly move your arms to maximize the effectiveness of your arm motion when running. (Ironically enough you are supposed to hold your hands much like you would when punching someone, thumbs resting on top of your fingers, and never cross them infront of your body) and "RICE" which stands for Relax, Ice, Compress, Elevate which apparently I will be doing for the first month of training when my calf muscles feel like they are either going to explode or disintegrate out of my legs (thanks, Chip for that visual). I also learned the importance of getting running shoes a size larger than normal street shoes.....well if you plan on keeping your toenails... (gross). To always dress for 20 degrees warmer than it actually is (to keep your core body temp. under control). Also that you SHOULD NOT wear cotton clothing/socks when running (something about chaffing....honestly this might have been slightly TOO much info for this initial trip...) So cotton, here is your official notice, you are NOT going to be the fabric of my life during this activity.
But I have to say overall I was entirely reassured that this is a goal within my physical limitations, the key to this whole process, I am told, is mental. MIND OVER MATTER! <<Houston, we may have a problem>> We shall see.....
So after $125.....one pair of good running shoes (might I also add they are super cute) and two pairs of the best quality, wetness wicking, non-cotton, poly-blend socks I am ready to start this "Journey"....now it’s just time for that first step....
Monday, October 25, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
"Yes I Am Weezy, But I Ain't Asthmatic"
I went for a trial run today, and I was quite weezy....
So after having talked to numerous people about this mission I have come to two conclusions, both of which I discovered the importance of today.
First, I need to invest in some very good shoes. I went for a run today....yes, I know technically my training doesn't start until after October 23rd, BUT it was an absolutely beautiful day and I got home early from work so I figured why not do a little trial run. I was surprisingly off to a really great start (mostly because there was a VERY attractive dude running in front of me, which I was evidentially chasing after...) and I just started to not realize that I was running.
Eventually he veered off the path and it suddenly became very clear to me that I had run MUCH farther than anticipated. Wonderful right? WRONG, because now I literally had to walk back to my apartment because I had tired myself out chasing after Mr. Hott Dude (sidenote: As I was running behind this guy all I could keep thinking was, PLEASE I hope he doesn't own any clothing with tiny embroidered animals. I mean seriously, I am aware that I don't have THE BEST taste in guys--as I have been told by my friends, I tend to select people that are...shall we say...more rough around the edges, but really... little embroidered lobsters? Flamingos? Palm trees? When you bought those did they ask for your "man card" back?)
As a result of my little adventure my knees are now killing me! I have been told that purchasing the correct pair of running shoes can remedy this and make the impact of running much less severe. We shall see....
Second, I realized the importance of a really good playlist. If you know me you understand my love of music--all types. I have THE MOST eclectic taste in music and my 3,000+ song iPod proves this. I have come to the conclusion that any of my running mixes MUST start with "Eye of the Tiger"--no exceptions. This song has the amazing ability to transport me to the top of a museum stairwell in Philadelphia, flailing my arms--punching the air with all my strength and power like Rocky. SO EMPOWERING.
However my challenge comes when I actually start running. If you have ever driven in a car with me, you know that listening to music transforms me into various artists as I start to sing their songs as if I was performing in concert. I have the ability to morph into Lil' Wayne with all his attitude and swagger, Eminem with all of his aggression and intensity, Ke$ha with her energy, Sugarland with their upbeat and perky melodies and Jack Johnson with his mellow soothing chords. Sadly, my love of singing to my favorite tunes becomes quite problematic when trying to breath at the same time.
So lesson learned today (I'm not a math person so follow me here...)
Me
+beautiful weather
+Mr. Hott Dude
+great music
-trying to sing while running
---------------------------------
Successful first attempt :)
next on the to-do list....get good shoes!
So after having talked to numerous people about this mission I have come to two conclusions, both of which I discovered the importance of today.
First, I need to invest in some very good shoes. I went for a run today....yes, I know technically my training doesn't start until after October 23rd, BUT it was an absolutely beautiful day and I got home early from work so I figured why not do a little trial run. I was surprisingly off to a really great start (mostly because there was a VERY attractive dude running in front of me, which I was evidentially chasing after...) and I just started to not realize that I was running.
Eventually he veered off the path and it suddenly became very clear to me that I had run MUCH farther than anticipated. Wonderful right? WRONG, because now I literally had to walk back to my apartment because I had tired myself out chasing after Mr. Hott Dude (sidenote: As I was running behind this guy all I could keep thinking was, PLEASE I hope he doesn't own any clothing with tiny embroidered animals. I mean seriously, I am aware that I don't have THE BEST taste in guys--as I have been told by my friends, I tend to select people that are...shall we say...more rough around the edges, but really... little embroidered lobsters? Flamingos? Palm trees? When you bought those did they ask for your "man card" back?)
As a result of my little adventure my knees are now killing me! I have been told that purchasing the correct pair of running shoes can remedy this and make the impact of running much less severe. We shall see....
Second, I realized the importance of a really good playlist. If you know me you understand my love of music--all types. I have THE MOST eclectic taste in music and my 3,000+ song iPod proves this. I have come to the conclusion that any of my running mixes MUST start with "Eye of the Tiger"--no exceptions. This song has the amazing ability to transport me to the top of a museum stairwell in Philadelphia, flailing my arms--punching the air with all my strength and power like Rocky. SO EMPOWERING.
However my challenge comes when I actually start running. If you have ever driven in a car with me, you know that listening to music transforms me into various artists as I start to sing their songs as if I was performing in concert. I have the ability to morph into Lil' Wayne with all his attitude and swagger, Eminem with all of his aggression and intensity, Ke$ha with her energy, Sugarland with their upbeat and perky melodies and Jack Johnson with his mellow soothing chords. Sadly, my love of singing to my favorite tunes becomes quite problematic when trying to breath at the same time.
So lesson learned today (I'm not a math person so follow me here...)
Me
+beautiful weather
+Mr. Hott Dude
+great music
-trying to sing while running
---------------------------------
Successful first attempt :)
next on the to-do list....get good shoes!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
The Mission
So here is my mission, that clearly I have chosen to accept.
During my 25th year.....I will become a runner.....and successfully complete a half marathon. This may not sound like an outrageous feat, however if you knew me you would understand that the ONLY time I run is either when I'm being chased or if I'm running toward food.
Let me start this by saying I am NOT a writer. I did not take journalism classes in college nor have I written anything that has been published. This is simply a real, average persons account of a journey to complete a difficult task.
My motivation to achieve this goal is tri-fold.
First and foremost I have always been a person who was very goal oriented. When I was younger my goal was to complete high school and get into college. CHECK. Then I wanted to graduate college. CHECK. Get into graduate school and receive my Masters Degree. CHECK. Get a job (which in reality took MUCH MUCH longer then anticipated). CHECK. I have a great apartment, wonderful friends and family, and a job that I absolutely LOVE. So now what? I realized that I needed a new goal to work toward.
Secondly, everyday I go to work and tell teenagers to conquer their fears of failure and strive to be the best versions of themselves. I encourage and push them to improve upon their weaknesses, to defy the odds they may be facing outside of the classroom and realize the power they each hold to become the person they want to be. What kind of a teacher would I be if I didn't take my own advice?!
Lastly, I have always been an athletic person. I swam competitively for over 10 years, played soccer since I was in elementary school and even played Varsity Basketball in high school. Now, knowing this, you may be asking yourself, so why can't you run "Reluctant Runner"? Well.... the breathing cycle for swimming is the exact opposite of how you are supposed to breathe when running. After so many years of swimming it is very difficult for me to run long distances without hyperventilating myself. While this may look hilarious, I can assure you that it's really not fun. My soccer and basketball experience was mostly a series of short bursts of running rather than a long sustained run. Due to my athletic past, I have developed...shall we say....a competitive nature. I hate not being able to do something (i.e. running) and so I am challenging myself to change this weakness into a strength.
So here I go. I have my training schedule printed. I have signed up for two smaller races prior to the half-marathon to test my progress. I have the support and encouragement of family and friends, but most importantly I have a commitment to myself.
It's going to take lots of sweat, most likely a few tears, and hopefully not so much blood. So join me in the journey as I take 365 calendar days from my birthday (Oct. 23rd) to successfully run a half-marathon.
During my 25th year.....I will become a runner.....and successfully complete a half marathon. This may not sound like an outrageous feat, however if you knew me you would understand that the ONLY time I run is either when I'm being chased or if I'm running toward food.
Let me start this by saying I am NOT a writer. I did not take journalism classes in college nor have I written anything that has been published. This is simply a real, average persons account of a journey to complete a difficult task.
My motivation to achieve this goal is tri-fold.
First and foremost I have always been a person who was very goal oriented. When I was younger my goal was to complete high school and get into college. CHECK. Then I wanted to graduate college. CHECK. Get into graduate school and receive my Masters Degree. CHECK. Get a job (which in reality took MUCH MUCH longer then anticipated). CHECK. I have a great apartment, wonderful friends and family, and a job that I absolutely LOVE. So now what? I realized that I needed a new goal to work toward.
Secondly, everyday I go to work and tell teenagers to conquer their fears of failure and strive to be the best versions of themselves. I encourage and push them to improve upon their weaknesses, to defy the odds they may be facing outside of the classroom and realize the power they each hold to become the person they want to be. What kind of a teacher would I be if I didn't take my own advice?!
Lastly, I have always been an athletic person. I swam competitively for over 10 years, played soccer since I was in elementary school and even played Varsity Basketball in high school. Now, knowing this, you may be asking yourself, so why can't you run "Reluctant Runner"? Well.... the breathing cycle for swimming is the exact opposite of how you are supposed to breathe when running. After so many years of swimming it is very difficult for me to run long distances without hyperventilating myself. While this may look hilarious, I can assure you that it's really not fun. My soccer and basketball experience was mostly a series of short bursts of running rather than a long sustained run. Due to my athletic past, I have developed...shall we say....a competitive nature. I hate not being able to do something (i.e. running) and so I am challenging myself to change this weakness into a strength.
So here I go. I have my training schedule printed. I have signed up for two smaller races prior to the half-marathon to test my progress. I have the support and encouragement of family and friends, but most importantly I have a commitment to myself.
It's going to take lots of sweat, most likely a few tears, and hopefully not so much blood. So join me in the journey as I take 365 calendar days from my birthday (Oct. 23rd) to successfully run a half-marathon.
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