Twin Tuesday: Adventures in Running Update
By Dania In DaniaDania here.
A while ago I shared my beginners tale of an adventure in running. I started running last year, and since then have completed several 5k races, a 5 mile run, and one 10k race. I love the adrenaline of race day, and everyone knows a good run releases an endorphin high that I have become addicted to. There is nothing like the feeling of accomplishment after hitting my mile goals, and I never regret a good run.
Although I do enjoy it, running is never easy. It is a commitment that you make to yourself, pushing through the nights you want to stay home, and the runs you want to cut short.
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In my last running post, I indicated that I wanted to attempt a half marathon. Well, sticking with my “There’s nothing I can’t do” life motto, I have signed up for my first half marathon race to be held May 6, 2012. For someone who 12 months ago struggled to run 0.25 miles, the thought of running 13.1 miles, all at once, is intimidating to say the least. However, I am motivated to do it, and I know that I will.
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Having taken the plunge (with the help of my race buddy Akanksha!) I went in search of a training schedule. If you are a beginning runner I suggest checking out a training schedule. Not only can it help prepare you for a successful race, but it can also help prevent unnecessary injuries and setbacks. After looking over several (I am big on research) I found one that I thought would work well for me in my own daily schedule, as well as the timeline until my race day. Here is a copy of my 12 week training schedule. You can find the original here.
12-Week Training Schedule
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |||||||||
| Week 1 | off | 3 miles | 3 miles | 3 miles | off | 3 miles | 4 miles | ||||||||
| Week 2 | off | 3 miles | 4 miles | 3 miles | off | 3 miles | 4 miles | ||||||||
| Week 3 | off | 3 miles | 4 miles | 3 miles | off | 3 miles | 5 miles | ||||||||
| Week 4 | off | 3 miles | 5 miles | 3 miles | off | 4 miles | 6 miles | ||||||||
| Week 5 | off | 4 miles | 5 miles | 4 miles | off | 3 miles | 7 miles | ||||||||
| Week 6 | off | 4 miles | 4 miles | 4 miles | off | 4 miles | 8 miles | ||||||||
| Week 7 | off | 4 miles | 6 miles | 4 miles | off | 4 miles | 9 miles | ||||||||
| Week 8 | off | 4 miles | 6 miles | 4 miles | off | 4 miles | 10 miles | ||||||||
| Week 9 | off | 4 miles | 6 miles | 4 miles | off | 3 miles | 11 miles | ||||||||
| Week 10 | off | 4 miles | 5 miles | 4 miles | off | 4 miles | 12 miles | ||||||||
| Week 11 | off | 4 miles | 5 miles | 4 miles | off | 3 miles | 6 miles | ||||||||
| Week 12 | off | 3 miles | 5 miles | 3 miles | off | 2 miles | 13.1 miles! | ||||||||
I want to move beyond the 13.1 miles before race day, so I started this schedule a little earlier than 12 weeks pre-race. As the weeks move along, I have found the miles are coming easier. I am up to 7 miles now, which I never thought I could do. I also have noticed I am going faster all the time. The first 2.5 miles continue to be the hardest for me, the ones where I have to constantly remind myself not to stop. Once I get into my stride though, the breaths come easy and my feet keep going.
I am looking forward to race day, and I know it will be here before I know it. Although I am only halfway to my 13.1 mile goal, I am more confident now than ever that I will have a successful half marathon day.
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If you need more running inspiration check out my Running board on Pintrest. If you have any good inspiration for me, I’d love to hear/see it!! Now that I am on my way to meeting my goal, I have a new mission: get Dawn to run with me!
-Dania
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