One Block At A Time – Week Ten
I’ve tried many methods to kick start a regular running routine, but the only thing that really seems to work is what I call the “one block at a time” method. I plan to run 3 times a week, and go 1 block further each time. Simple as that. (Except I know myself, and it will never be as simple as that) Without a mini goal in mind, I just have a hard time committing to running. I hope that this weekly blog will help me to not quit this time, and maybe finally get into better shape! Who knows, maybe it will help motivate you too.
DAY TWENTY-FOUR: Monday 12/15/14 I’m a little surprised and a little bit impressed that I made it out to run today. We had our holiday at work last night. I didn’t get over served at the self serve bar quite like I have in years past, but I was feeling a little less than 100% this morning. I’d say I was at about 84.1%. Add the nine million things I have on the schedule today and I was very close to scrapping my run. I’m glad I didn’t though, I was actually quite pleased with it today. I was going at a very slow pace, but it was a very consistent run. Mild soreness, heel and knee pain, but all things considered I felt like I finished pretty strong today. I am going to attribute my getting out there this morning on this running blog. I find it embarrassing to have to write about not running, especially for a stupid reason like a very mild hangover! One more block.
DAY TWENTY-FIVE: Tuesday 12/16/14 Came close to putting off my run today. No real reason for it, just kind of felt like taking the day off. Thought I might run on Wednesday and Friday since I have Friday off this week, but I thought better of it. It was actually a good morning to run, upper 40’s when I left, probably just over 50 degrees when I got back. I felt like I had a really good run today too, and I also realized how far I have come. A year ago I would have quit on the run, but I am much more in tune with my body and the difference between regular pains and an injury. I am shocked at just how mentally strong I have become about (most) of my runs. Sure my knees and legs were a little bit sore, but I knew early on I was going to finish this run without much of an issue. In fact I lost track of where I was at the end of my run and was surprised to see my new “finish line” for the day when I got there. Things have gotten a lot easier in my head even if it does sometimes feel like a chore. Sadly, I am convinced I will never match some of that ease physically. I guess all I can do is just keep going for now, maybe something will change. One more block.
DAY TWENTY-SIX: Thursday 12/18/14 Tired. So tired today. After working a tap takeover last night (Beer events at work usually leave us feeling like we worked two shifts that night) I had no energy today. Slept terribly too. Wasn’t going to run, but I needed to get a run in before everything get out of whack. All things considered, I’d say I had another good run this week.
As I’ve said before, I really need routine in my running. For me the same days, time, route etc. really makes a difference. My routine is about to get pretty screwed up. My wife and daughter will be home for the Holiday break, and as much as I love seeing them both more, that will change my routine right off the bat. Add Christmas falling on a run day, holiday travel (I do not run well away from home!) and a general desire to eat, drink and be merry… I am a little worried that I will be resolving to get back in my running routine come January 1st!
One more block.
