Start From Scratch
8February 5, 2012 by CJ
It’s Sunday, January 29th and I just finished my run, 2.51 miles. Not bad, right? Yeah, if you only look at the miles. It took me 40minutes. 40 MINUTES to run 2.51 miles!!! UGH!!!!!
Ugh!! Super slow
I have many excuses as to why my run was so slow and I was so sluggish ( lack of sleep, fast food addiction, too much wine) but truth be told, I need to run more. If I am going to ever run any race, improve my pace or lose an inch, I must run more than once every other week. With that in mind, I decided to set some new goals for myself:
- Run at least 2 more times this week
- Take it slow and easy
I am going to schedule this post to publish next Sunday. If I have not run at least 2 more times by then, shame on me (click on the daily mile link on my home page to see my stats). You have every right to shake your finger at me, say shame, shame shame when you see me or write about your disappointment in me in the comments.
Tuesday Jan 31st– My alarm went off at 545a and guess what? I crawled out of my bed, got dressed and went for a run. Well…more like a run/walk. I decided my disappointment was coming from my high expectations. I lowered them a bit. I decided to kick it old school and run like I did when I just started running, many moons ago. 5 minute walk then 5 minute run. I did this for 15 minutes going away from my house, then repeated it for 15 minutes going to my house. The first 5 minutes running were tough. I kept looking at my watch and not really relaxing. The second 5 minutes went better and the last 5 minute run was fabulous! I even ran up that dreaded hill!! I’m taking Wednesday off and plan on running again Thursday. I’m actually looking forward to it. One run down, one more to go.
Not very far or very fast, but I did it!
Thursday Feb 2– I did it! I went for my walk/run Thursday afternoon. Not only did I go farther than I did on Tuesday, I walk/ran faster!! And you want to know what? I can’t wait to run again on Saturday. I have to admit it’s 7:17pm as I type this and if I wasn’t at my daughter’s basketball practice I’d be home passed out! If I could get away with curling up on top of the coats on the floor, I would. When do I begin to feel refreshed and re energized?
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Farther and Faster!
Saturday Feb 4– Guess what I did this morning? Yup, got my behind up out of bed on hit the road. I pushed myself and my pace was slightly quicker.
Just a tiny bit better than Thursday
My goal this coming week will be to walk 3 mins/run 7mins for 30 minutes at least 3 times this week. I really needed this walk/run week to jump-start my running again. My thighs hurt and most nights I’m passed out before 11p, but I feel great and I find myself looking forward to my next run. I’ve set mini-goals for myself and the day that I run for the 30 minutes straight- I’m pretty sure my entire neighborhood will hear my screams of joy! I don’t want this blog to be a running blog, so I won’t post about all my runs (maybe just the major ones). But if you want to check up on me, I will keep my Daily Run log updated.
How do you get back into running after a long hiatus?
Need Motivation? Check out:
50 Things Before I Turn 50 
Thanks for stopping by my blog! I don’t know if the Galloway method appeals to you (maybe you’re even using it, I am not sure yet) but I never would have started running without it. http://www.jeffgalloway.com/
I actually love it so much I’m afraid that I’ll drive people nuts by talking about it too much.
Good luck on your goals!
I have to admit, after I read your blog I looked up the Galloway Method 🙂
Ha, I see that you are actually doing run/walk. 🙂
I’m doing the Galloway method as well, especially as I try to ramp up to doing more than a 5K! You’re doing great, Your approach is much more measured and thoughtful than mine, which I think will pay off for you in the long run! Keep going! 🙂
Hi, CJ. I enjoyed seeing your progress! I haven’t done the Galloway method myself, but I know many others who do and who have enjoyed it. When I’ve had to take time off from running (usually due to injury), I rely a lot on cross training on the off-days. The most important thing by far, though, is to have the mindset to just stick with it. Find a route you love to run, motivate yourself with progressive goals like you’re doing now, do whatever it takes to keep running.
Hi CJ, great job this week! Thanks for stopping by my blog. Oddly enough, my post today was about my gym at work. I’m starting Couch to 5K and this post inspires me to move more.
Good to hear! I’ve had many friends find success with couch to 5k. Good luck!!
Keep up the good work CJ! Motivation isn’t easy, self motivation is even harder. There is an easy day and that day was yesterday.
http://losingthelast20elbees.wordpress.com/2012/01/10/never-give-up/