Tunes Along the Way

May 24
I have completed a 2 km run/walk this afternoon in 26 degree celcius weather. I came home and then completed 20 minutes of "strength training". I feel great-just sweaty!
I am enjoying "John Stanton's" book "Running-Start to Finish" and "Running Room's Training Log".
For strength training John states that the benefits (pg. 126):
-help reduce the risk of injury
-prepares muscles for faster running
-make you stronger on the hills
-enhances the rehabilitation of skeletal and muscular injuries
That helped motivate me as I need all the help I can get!
John Stanton would have his work cut out if he was training me.
I had to laugh as I began my run session. I had my IPod strapped to my arm-turned on the music... and what song started my run.? ...."And Now the end is Near.". At first I thought, ummm ... this is the end? However, the other side of my brain took over and said, "Yes you can.. You have been able to do so much in your life and you can and will do the half marathon". "And now, the end is near....So I face the final curtain... My friends I'll say it clear I state my case of which I am certain.... I've lived a life thats full I've traveled each and every highway... but more much more than this..... I did it my way."
ok..let's just say... I used my parked car as my final curtain in the run today. As I listened to the song, I thought.... here I am, 53 years old... and training for a half marathon-which is way out of my comfort zone! I have never run in my life...except after 4 children! But... I will do it!
As Engelbert Humperdinct sang to me, "Yet there were times.... when I bit off more than I could chew.. But through it all....when there was doubt...I faced it all and I stood tall .. and did it all... my way".
A challenge, yes! But..... I am determined!

Regina

I had some time before my meeting this afternoon. I put on my new runners, socks, and running outfit and went for a walk/run for 45 minutes. If you saw how I looked you would be saying,"Glad she is in Regina!" LOL

Assessment

I have been reading John Stanton's book, "Running Room's Training Log" and have learned a few things:
-You can fall behind and still get back on track easily
(How often I have said that to patients when I talk about brushing and flossing...LOL)
-Stay at a level you can handle or back a level until you are ready to move on
(How true! Reflection: In life...we all stay at our comfort level. However, it feels good to to move forward. Try not to do that with "weight" though. We should work backwards on that)
I am walking for one minute, running 5 minutes and repeating up to 40 minutes.
Now.... assess ...... I can say... "Yes I can!"

An Unplanned Day

I am sitting at my computer wondering how to even begin to explain my day. Here goes....

I awoke early (6 am) and thought, should I stay in bed until seven or, should I get up and go for a run. My left and right sides of my brain were arguing. I finally got up, got dressed, put my new "running" sneakers on and headed to the door. I had to take Charlie and Barbie (our two golden retrievers) out as well. Their tails wagged so hard and the look in their eyes, who wouldn't give in? I drove to an open area, got the dogs out, and started running and walking. It felt great. I couldn't go for too long (30 minutes) as I had to get ready for work.
For my cool down, I did 50 sit ups. Not bad for me!
I arrived at work for 8:15 and never, and I mean never stopped until 4:00. The clinic was busy! On my way home from work, I received a message that tonite was "Go Girl Golf" night. Ouch! I quickly went home and changed out of my uniform and threw on some "wanna be golf clothes" and headed out carrying my golf shoes and one of my son's golf clubs.
Now....after 9 holes, and two in a half hours later, I knew that I probably couldn't function much more.
At home, I filled the bath with hot water, and after my long soak am now sipping on water and taking Aleve!
Just another day in the life of a "half marathon" runner in training!

I keep working at it

I looked for some "hills" to run up and down. Brian came out and walked. I ran and walked about 3 k, today. I came home did my stretches then wanted to go out again. This is beginning to get addictive. Is that a bad thing?

Marathon Prep

You will all be excited to know that I ran/walked 3.5 km this evening. I am off and running!

I am Ready!

It has been awhile since I have had the chance to "blog". I think you will be impressed. I bought new "running sneakers', running socks, nike wrist band , and four books (John Stanton's: "Running Room's Training Log", "Running Start to Finish", "Running" and Paul Van Den Bosch: "Marathon".
I have downloaded music onto my IPod Touch.
Now...all I need to do is ...."RUN". Leah told me I would be able to do a lot of "thinking" once I start to run. Can't wait.... I am ready, set.......go!