Today I completed a 2 mile circuit. No, I did not run the whole thing. But I ran more than half, and power walked in between. It's a small step, and I struggled. But it's one more step on my journey. Even if I'm never able to run the entire 13 miles, I'll be able to complete it somehow. Even if I walk half of it, I'm going to complete it. But I've got months left of training, and I'm getting closer to my goal every day. With my daily training sessions, and healthy diet, I can feel my body growing stronger and see myself becoming more and more able.
Like the photo above says:
I may not be there yet, but I am most definitely closer than I was yesterday. And each day I get another step closer.
Time to half marathon: 3 months, 3 weeks and 5 days
Today I went for a run again. And within a minute my chest was so tight that I couldn't breathe and I could feel an asthma attack coming on. So I had to stop and walk for a while. I attempted to run again and the same thing happened. In the end I cut my run short to a mile, half of which I walked, and went home.
My lungs hate me today.
I'd taken all my asthma medication, but for some reason my airways decided to close in on me today. What if that happens the day of the race? I'll end up walking 13 miles, clutching my chest where my lungs are burning..
So today is not a good day. But not every day is going to be.
Time to Half Marathon: 4 months
Today I went on my first proper outdoors run. I did just under a mile and a half WITHOUT STOPPING! So it's the first time I've run that far in one go.. It doesn't sound like much, but its one step closer to the half marathon. And it's my first goal, to do a whole mile non-stop. My next goal is two miles. I'm taking it in baby steps...teeny weeny baby steps. But I think its the only way to stop myself feeling overwhelmed by the challenge I've taken on.
My Dad came out with me, to watch my running technique (which is terrible) and attempt to help me improve it. He'd already done a 4 mile run and did the 1.5 miles with me no problem at all. Not good for my ego really...But if he can do that at his age, I can certainly do it at the young age of 20!
The run itself I really enjoyed. I loved the feeling of my feet on the pavement pushing me forwards and onwards. It was rather liberating. And I felt amazing afterwards (except for my chest which hurt a lot...).
My aim for the next two weeks is to improve my general fitness so that in two weeks time I can run 2 miles easily (meaning not arriving home half dead like I did today).
Right now I'm feeling rather good about this challenge. It's going to be hard, but I can do it. I think.
Time to Half Marathon: 4 months, 4 days
Today I finally went shopping for running shoes. Up until this point I've been using rubbish cheap trainers that hurt my feet. Not the best thing for running in, no wonder I hurt my calf...Now I am the proud new owner of a pair of running shoes. And oh my goodness the difference is amazing. They are so comfy and lightweight and so easy to move in. I also picked up some shorts, leggings and a couple of tops from the running sections in sports direct. They all match in colour which makes me happy (I'm such a girl)! And all my new things are in a bag still, so I have a nice little bag or goodies. It's like Christmas!!
And having all this new running gear means I really want to get out and go for a run. Hello motivation, how I've missed you! I want to show off my new trainers and clothes and look all professional and stuff!
It's funny how just having the right gear or something new and shiny can motivate you to achieve your goals. I shall attempt a mile run tomorrow with Dad, although if he gets his way it's gonna be further...We'll just see how far I get.
Time to Half Marathon: 4 months, 5 days
The past week I've been far too lazy to leave the house and go running, or even go to the gym. I keep telling myself its the summer holidays so it's ok to be lazy! I've busy with end of term events and work, and in my free time I've just wanted to stay home. I'm never gonna be able to run 13 miles at this rate! I had to be creative and think of ways to exercise from home.
So I invested in a couple of aerobics DVDs. And oh my goodness they are so much fun. I did an hour of dance aerobics today. The best part of it is that I can do it at home, so nobody can see my looking like a total fool dancing around all over the place. I was so sweaty and gross by the end of it, and nobody could see, unlike at the gym... So I got really into it, throwing my arms everywhere and being really enthusiastic, and felt amazing at the end of it. I'm a rubbish dancer, which just made it all the more fun. It was high energy and a really tiring workout, so I earned myself a nice cupcake (if I'm gonna do more exercise, I'm gonna eat cake!).
Now I can do aerobics on rainy days like today or days where I don't need to leave the house, and still get my exercise done. The aim over the next month is to get into the habit of doing some sort of training 6 days out of the week.
Time to Half Marathon: 4 months and 1 week
A week into training and I've already faced an obstacle in the form of a pulled calf muscle... After my mile run this week my legs felt more sore than is normal. My fears of an injury (already) were confirmed when I attempted to go for a run this weekend whilst out in the wonderful countryside of Bromsgrove. So until that heals, training is now only going to be general fitness through swimming and cycling..
It's frustrating having an injury so early on. Especially when I've been so eager to train. I blame myself for a combination of dodgy running technique, bad running shoes and being an inexperienced runner. But if I'm facing these problems so early on, can I actually do this?
This weekend it has sunk in what I'm attempting to do..
I'm a complete beginner runner, and I'm attempting to learn to run 13 miles by October..
I'm not convinced it's actually achievable, I have to admit. I'm not sure my body can physically do it.
But I'm determined. And determination goes a long way.
"Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful."
Time to Half Marathon: 4 months, 2 weeks, 4 days
