I’m glad I made the decision before this past Saturday. Before I made an attempt. Conversing with my doctor last week, he stated that completing a marathon in March ’08 is a reasonable, yet lofty goal. So upon hearing those words, I went out and purchased a new pair of running shoes. I went to a store that specializes in charging exorbitant prices, I mean educating you in-all-things-running. They really know their stuff and we're most helpful. Then I went to Borders and sorted through the wide selection of books addressing 
marathon training. I found a title most suiting for me, “The Non-Runner’s Marathon Trainer.” I used to run three miles a day back in high school. Early high school. We're talking twenty five years ago!So I had all my gear; I had done some reading; I was feeling extremely motivated; I figured all my work in recent months on the treadmill would have me ready to start running...and then Saturday came. My book has a 16-week training program to prepare for the marathon. At the start of the program, a trainee should be able to run continuously for 30 minutes comfortably. Since I'm already walking 60 minutes on the treadmill at a 14% incline, I thought, "How hard could this be?" HA HA HA! Then Saturday came. IT. WAS. HARD. I ended up running (and I use that word loosely hoping to not offend actual runners) two and a half minutes followed by the same time walking, alternating for half an hour. I was humbled. But not discouraged. I have until November 12 to get comfortable running so I can start the 16 weeks of training. If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen. But it won't be for lack of trying. My original idea was to do the L.A. Marathon in 2009 but since my weight loss has been moving along so well, I thought, "Why not try it in 2008?" So even if I work hard and am still not ready for next year, I'll still have made great progress. Lord willing, I'll be ready though.
Even though I've lost 74 pounds so far, I'm still too heavy to really run. But if I continue at this pace, I should be fine by race day. In the section on running shoes in my new book, it discusses the importance of quality shoes. "Running is classified as a "traumatic" type of exercise because of the constant pounding that occurs." And that's for runners at a normal weight! I'll continue using the treadmill and mix in short runs as I'm able. It has been two days since my first attempt and I am still SORE.
I'm anxious to see how this unfolds.
1 comment:
Well done and keep up the good effort. I understand a little of what you are going through...since I've had glandular fever I haven't been able to exercise and as a result lost all muscle tone that I had before. I find it difficult to lift things and keep up with the children. So I decided to begin a training program to get back some strength...what a joke!! I can manage simple stretches and about 5 minutes on the exercise bike...and that leaves me breathless and wobbly!! But my aim is to get back some of my fitness before October when our community pool opens...so I can actually swim and not just flail about before sinking to the bottom :D
I constantly tell myself that I can do this with God's help...He is my strength...and so can you! Look forward to hearing about your progress. God Bless!
Post a Comment