One Block at a Time – Week One
I have got to take this running thing a bit more seriously. I don’t ever see myself running every day, or running half/full marathons like the rest of the BDR crew. However, I really do need to make up for the last couple of decades of inactivity.
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 ONE: Monday 10/13/14 Well this is actually day four, but it took my lazy ass a week to actually start writing this. I went out for a run a week ago which was my first run after my first 5K. It was terrible. Unlike the weeks leading up to the race I went out with no real goal in mind, and it showed. Decided to go back to basics, start with about a 1 1/2 mile run and keep adding on from there.
Each run day has it’s own struggles, and the biggest one I have on Mondays is just getting out the door. It is too easy to want to skip it after a weekend of beers and a break from running. (my normal run days are on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday) It wasn’t super hot this morning, but there was so much humidity it just took it out of me. Very mild physical pain and my breathing was pretty good, but I was ready to quit after only one mile. Glad I pushed through, always feels good to cross that new “finish” line.
DAY TWO: Tuesday 10/14/14 Tuesday. Somehow this is always my best and worst run day of the week. I usually have the most physical pain on Tuesdays. Shins and knees are always a bit cranky after running just the day before. But at the same time I am almost always motivated and in my best form as well. Today was a pretty good day. Not too much pain, although my knees started barking after a while. My breathing (which has always been the hardest thing for me to control) was terrible, but I pushed through. Feeling pretty good today!
DAY THREE: Thursday 10/16/14 This is exactly the kind of morning that I would have quit on before. I’m really not sure I would have gotten out to run if I didn’t have to write this! I felt fine physically and the morning weather turned from warm and muggy to cool and Fall like overnight. I am just in a bit of a gloomy place right now. I’ve been feeling a bit depressed and unappreciated the past week or so, and all I really wanted to do was drink a second cup of coffee under my dark cloud. It showed at the beginning of my run too, I was sluggish and slow, head down so low I was afraid I might scrape my forehead on the ground. Funny thing thing is about a third of the way through I realized how good my breathing was. In fact I actually felt pretty good. Legs felt good, heel pain was manageable. What the hell, it seems I was having a good run.
Three blocks further this week but I’m not going to lie, I’m looking forward to my three days off. Maybe just a little to running again on Monday too, but don’t tell anyone I said that.
