Without the compass of C25K, I had to piece together a weekly running plan inspired by blog posts and articles all over the internet. For two weeks after finishing the program all our runs were 5k. I had some good days (no walking, no cursing lol) and a couple of bad days (walked more than I wanted, got tired sooner than I expected). The bad days were caused by a combination of things - starting out faster than I should (not pacing myself), did not properly eat or hydrate and running during the hottest part of the day. Those two weeks was when I really learned more about my body.
These past two weeks we have been working on learning pacing and speed. We have been running three days of 1.5mi distance, saving the 3.1mi (5k) for the fourth day. The variety has been good for both my brain and body. It's easier to challenge myself to run faster with the shorter distance. My best time so far for a 1.5mi is 14:29. Not bad for my 45-year-old body. My 3.1mi is currently at 42:03. My oldest is running 1.5mi in 11 minutes and 3.1mi in 31 minutes. On short run days, if I'm not completely exhausted I usually finish with either the P90x plyo or kenpo.
My current goal, other than to keep on running, is to stay injury-free. This means making sure I warm up well, run at a somewhat comfortable pace, stretch adequately and continue the strength training. My husband has also been amazing with full-body massages. He was a competitive track runner so he knows exactly how my body feels at the end of a good run. It also helps that he is a nurse. I am more spoiled than I would care to admit.
There is no finish line for me. Running is now a part of my lifestyle and my commitment to move everyday. It's the only workout that I am truly excited to lace up my shoes for. And now with Fall here I'm looking forward to the cooler temps and the lovely vista that awaits me outdoors.
Happy running!
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| true story |
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