The Training Blog of CouchPatata

…which is a tremendous improvement on kind of committed. Made it out there again today in the muggy morning, but thankfully not too hot yet. For the first time ever I had hamstring pain; what the heck was that? Don’t you have to actually run to get that? I’m barely moving and I have hamstring pain? Will look that one up. On the bright side, the shins did not hurt, and my legs felt like large branches rather than complete tree trunks.

However I have taken a serious step. Tomorrow Ihave an appointment with a personal trainer. I felt better running last year, and got up to 8 miles for my long run, and I think it was because I was doing Pilates twice a week at least. The studio is out of the way for me and I took a break due to back pain and haven’t made it back. I’ll go back soon, but thought I’d try the training. Anything to energize the committment, as it’s demoralizing to get out there and not see much progress.

Good running, cycling, and general movement to all!

Workout:

• Type: Run
• Date: 06/22/2008
• Time: 09:00:00
• Total Time: 00:00:41.00

Same shin pain but legs felt better, no longer like tree trunks. Humidity is higher so I’ve got to start going out earlier. I have not tried a long run yet because the shin situation worries me. Shoes are good, taking small steps, think foot/leg position is ok, stretching pre- and post- run, posture ok. Got to bite the bullet and start Pilates again. Ok, so, get up at 3AM??

Workout:

• Type: Run
• Date: 06/04/2008
• Time: 06:45:00
• Total Time: 00:00:31.00
• Distance: 2 miles
• Average Pace: 0:15.5/mile

Ok, day 2, on Monday 6/2, same distance, slower pace to see if the shins felt better. These are not shin splints, as they don’t hurt any other time than when I run/jog. I shortened my steps, made sure to maintain centered posture, but they still get tight and painful. Shoes are new enough to be supportive. No change in route, etc. The one big diff? Last time I started this consistent training, I was doing Pilates twice a week, minimum. That may be the issue.

Workout:

• Type: Run
• Date: 06/02/2008
• Time: 06:45:00
• Total Time: 00:00:34.00
• Distance: 2 miles
• Average Pace: 0:17/mile

I’m a woman from Durham NC USA, born in 1958.

My favorite sports include: pilates walking hiking

My goals are: As a non-athlete, truly slow and steady walker, my goal is to be able to run consistently enough to improve my cardiovascular fitness, enjoy running, and finish first a 10K and then a half-marathon.

I have NO athletic skills, played on NO teams in school, and everyone I know walks faster than I jog. No matter, I am either clueless or determined, take your pick, and will keep at this run-walk thing.

This is my training blog which I am using to keep track of my fitness progress.

Please come by and read my blog. It will help me stay motivated and keep me on track as I achieve my fitness goals!

How many times will I start this process again? Actually, this is the 4th time, but the first was the best, one year ago. I use the Beginner’s Guide to Marathon and Half-Marathon training (probably not the exact name) by Marnie Caron as my guide, and last year I got up to 8 miles as my long run, of which I was incredibly proud. I really wanted to run in some kind of race before my 49th birthday, and I did a 5K so that was a goal acheived. How long did it take, you ask? To train to that point? 5 months. To run the race? 45 minutes. Please, no laughter. I thank you. For someone who was considered a handicap to any team saddled with me in PE, this is an Olympic Acheivement.

Ok, so I started again today, day one of training week one. I ran in a 5K a month ago with inadequate preparation and finished in 48 minutes just ahead of the family of four whose 6 year-old daughter threw a hissy fit after 0.5 K and had to be cajoled back on to the race course. I finished behind the lady who walked the whole way in her black and white checked running camisole and black spandex capris; I watched that rear end for 48 minutes and it is indelibly imprinted in my mind.

I need a new goal. A half marathon before my 50th birthday in September is painfully unrealistic, but another 5K in under 40 might work. Sometime after my 50th a 10K would be quite exciting, and a half?? Let’s take it a day at a time.

Anyone else use the walk-run plan in Caron’s book? It is the best I’ve seen for non-athletes.

Workout:

• Type: Other
• Date: 05/29/2008
• Time: 06:30:00
• Total Time: 00:35:00.00