One Block At A Time – Week Sixteen
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 FORTY Monday 01/26/15 It felt really good to have a Monday that included my normal run routine. First time that has happened in a while. Apart from the calf tweak coming back a little I felt pretty good today. Very mild knee pain, and there were times when I really felt like a runner as opposed to a fat guy struggling down the road. I was running up straight, head up, good pace and breathing. It was pretty cool. One more block today.
I thought a lot about how much longer I should write this weekly blog while on my run today. I have no idea how many people actually read this, and I feel like I am not covering any new ground, each week it is pretty much the same write up. I’m not sure that really matters though, I realized early on this was really just motivation for me to not quit this time around. I do know that there are a few times I went out to run only because I would have felt I was letting “you, the reader” down, but I can only fool myself with that kind of thinking for so long. (Well, apparently for at least forty days, I guess) Eventually I have to make the running a part of my life, blog or no blog.
DAY FORTY-ONE Tuesday 01/27/15 Ran a shorter route today, but that was on purpose. Feeling like I need to change the routine a bit…
DAY FORTY-TWO Thursday 1/29/15 It was tough today, both mentally and physically. The sub freezing temps this morning made it tough to get out there. Knees were sore again, I think it might be time to hit the store for some sleeves for my knees. Do they make whole body running sleeves?
As I alluded to above, I have decided to change my routine. I have been wanting to add another day to my routine, but I don’t think running four 5K’s a week is going to be good for my knees in the long term. I’m pleased with the 9 to 10 miles I’m running each week, but I think it would be smart to spread it out a little more. So I’ve come up with a new plan for my week:
Monday: “Long run” (3 mile minimum, but I would like to keep pushing myself on this day, going a block further each week)
Tuesday: “Short run” (maybe a mile to a mile and a half)
Wednesday: No run
Thursday: “Long run”
Friday: “Short Run”
Saturday: No run (or race day)
Sunday: No run (or race day)
This does kind of make this particular blog a bit unnecessary, so I think it is time to retire One Block At A Time. Thanks to all of you have been reading. It has been a huge factor in my running, or my sticking with running. I hope I am able to keep up my new routine without the accountability of writing this post every week. If I find myself falling off you just might find a new series starting in the next few weeks! I’m hoping that spacing out a few 5K’s throughout the year will be motivation enough at this point though. Thanks again, and remember… If I can do this, so can you. Seriously, give it a shot, you only have to go one block at a time.
