Monday, January 30, 2012
Exercise Nerd
I'm the type that likes to research anything before I do it. When Ken was job hunting, I thoroughly researched each potential city. I knew the hospitals, the safest neighborhoods, best schools, possible commute times, etc. And I've thoroughly researched running too.
Anyway, I found that when you have never run independently before in your life you are not supposed to just go out and run as far and as fast as you can and call it good. You've got to work up to it or you will seriously injure your body. For example, the program I found recommended that the first week I run for one minute and then walk for two minutes 7 times. The next week I run for one minute and then walk for one minute 10 times. From there I am going to run for longer periods of time until I can run for 20 minutes straight. That may sound silly for those of you who are "in shape," but this is hard work.
Today I just got through my run by doing math the entire time. Mostly fractions of how much of the run I had completed. That's right, I'm all kinds of nerd. I also calculated how long it would take to run the half marathon at all different kinds of speeds, factoring in bathroom breaks.
Also, I tried to smile during the running intervals. It really seemed to help.
If anyone out there has some great running or exercise tips, I'd love to hear them. My body is trying to remind me that I hate running and I'm doing what I can to ignore it. I want to enjoy this.
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9 comments:
I seriously hate running, but I feel like I could do this program!!
This makes me laugh, because I also calculate the fractions of how far I've finished on my run.
Good for you Kelsey! My favorite running tip is to add music. I have a playlist on my iPod where it plays a fast song and then a slower song. I run really fast during a fast song and then either walk or jog during the slow song. It really pumps you up and it goes by fast!
I love that you are setting a goal and making it happen! (I'm still being too chicken to commit to running a race, but thinking about it...) If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend the book Born to Run. It will change your whole perspective on running, and is a really interesting read. :)
Great Job, Kelsey!!! Tips: Invest in an MP3 player (we love our Sandisk Sansa Clip- only around $30 & you get radio on it too). You can put your own music on it from your computer or cds you already own. You can even download your running programs to it, where it'll tell you when to run & when to walk, so you don't have to keep timing yourself. :) And then run on trails & in woods whenever you can. Much prettier than roads, which makes it more interesting & the time goes by faster (and better for your knees & other joints than sidewalks- try to never run on concrete if possible... blacktop is better). ALSO: I PROMISE, it gets more fun when you start running longer distances & your body is adjusted to it. I hated running, too, when it was super painful just to fnish a mile. But once you get built up to the 2-3 mile distance, you'll find that you can go out for longer runs & around 1.5 miles, something kicks in where you're just "doing it", without even thinking about it or it hurting anymore. Kinda like going for a stroll. And then you start feeling awesome mentally, knowing you can just DO IT. :) The BEST was once I got up to around 4-5 mile runs (my 5.6 mile trail race was my favorite)! You'll get there, and it'll be AMAZING! :)
Kelsey, I have done the same exact thing when trying to get in "shape". Also, I research everything. It makes me feel better that you do that, too. Sometimes I feel like a crazy lady!!
This is my friend, Natalie's blog (http://natalienortonblog.com/category/running/). This link should take you to an article that she wrote on running. It talks about how went went from HATING running to LOVING it in 6 simple steps! Maybe it will help. :) Plus she's just awesome. :) Good luck!
I like making a playlist that has songs I run to, songs I walk to, and songs I can groove to. I also make sure the playlist is a certain length, so I know how long I've been running.
Keep the beats hot, yo.
Don't listen to yourself and give in to your excuses. Just set your schedule and do it. Running is very cathartic for me. I get in a groove and before you know it it's been an hour (or two!). those results don't come cheap. Dont give up on yourself if you have a hard day. Just get up and try again and remind yourself of where you have come not just where you want to be
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