My first week back to running was a success! In total I ended up doing 4 days of running for a total of around 11.5 miles.
I still incorporated low intensity cross training and a few days of strength training which eventually will pick up substantially.
Here is a recap of my workouts this week:
Monday (3/3)
Running: 25 minutes (2.52 miles)
Pool Running: 60 minutes
Tuesday (3/4)
Pool Running: 36 minutes
Wednesday (3/5)
Running: 30 minutes (3.11 miles)
Pool Running: 60 minutes
Thursday (3/6)
Running: 30 minutes (3.02 miles)
Pool Running: 90 minutes
Friday (3/7)
Pool Running: 70 minutes
Saturday (3/8)
Running: 30 minutes (3.08 miles)
Sunday (3/9)
Rest day.
My “long” day this week was Thursday.
Overall I am really happy with my progress and most of the runs and workouts went really well. Starting running again after a break for whatever reason it may be can be tough.
5 months ago I ran a 10k with a PR of 47:45 (average pace of 7:42) and now my lungs and legs hurt just running at 9:40 pace. I can remember getting off the treadmill after running 16 miles and it feeling easy 6 months ago, now I get off the treadmill at 3 and feel exhausted. I could easily get frustrated and some days to be honest I am. I know had I done things correctly 6-7 months ago I could be so much further along than I am today. It would be easy to focus on that, but I know it won’t get me anywhere.
Where I want to be is going to take work, it is going to take time and I have to be patient and listen to body throughout this journey. It is going to take a new level of dedication.
This week I’ve made drastic improvements. I have finally started running again, cleaned up my diet and am slowly working on adding back in strength training to my routine. All integral parts of a healthy running body.
It has given me a new appreciation to those who are just starting their running journey. It has been so long since I first started running that I almost forgot just how frustrating it can be in the beginning. It’s a process, it takes time but you do get better.
The thing that I love about running is that it is hard. Some days I question why I am doing this again but then as I get into my run I am reminded again and again why I started. It has taught me more than I could have ever imagined and it still challenges me to this day.
Last Wednesday I participated in a twitter chat with Mizuno and FitFluential titled #IfEverybodyRan. One of the questions that was asked was:
My response (what came to me first) was:
I can’t tell you how many times I have said the exact same thing to myself this week. However, it got me thinking once it was over what I would have liked someone to tell me when I was first starting out.
1. It’s going to be hard even when you get better at it. Keep going!
2. Your body will improve but you have to take care of it.
3. Don’t forget succeeding as a runner is much more than just running itself. Don’t forget the small things.
4. It will give you confidence that you never thought you could have.
5. Even on the hard days be thankful you can run.
6. Don’t ever take it for granted.
7. Finding a running buddy. They can make all the difference!
Tell me, what would you tell a new runner?
What would you have liked someone to tell you when you first started running?
[Tweet “What I Wish I’d Been Told When I First Started Running via @LovingOnTheRun #runchat #fitfluential #run”]
All very good advice for new runners! I especially like #5 and 6:
5. Even on the hard days be thankful you can run.
6. Don’t ever take it for granted.
When I started running, I started appreciating my body more for what it is capable of. And as I started to improve, it boosted my confidence even more!
So true!! Running has done wonders for me in terms of confidence as well.
Those are all good tips, and always worth remembering!
Another couple:
– Remember that food is fuel, but also that no exercise routine can outpace a bad diet.
– 80% of running is about getting out the door (or to the gym) … once you have started, you won’t want to stop!
One thing I’m surprised you didn’t mention, that you have dealt with this year – the relentless pursuit of pace and distance is the express route to injury.
I am glad to see you back to running, and remember to use the 10% plan and be ultra slow and conservative with your progress … I know none of your readers want to see you injured again, and it can only be worse for you!
Completely agree that no exercise can replace a bad diet!
I’ve had many days where I didn’t want to get out the door but as soon as I started moving I loved every minute! Starting is definitely the hardest part.
That is a good one that I should have mentioned! Yes doing too much too fast isn’t worth it!
I wish I knew more about taking care of my body when I started running! I had no idea how important strength training and stretching are to being a strong and healthy runner. I always wonder how many injuries could have been avoided if I knew then what I know now:)
Me and you both! They are both so important and I too probably could have avoided a few injuries had I done a better job.
Great post! I’m finally getting back into it after a year battle with runners knee. I’ve been running for almost 10 years now and it has been a hard lesson to learn. I would tell them to run smarter, not harder!
A wise blogger shared the other day that pace is like age, just a number!
Love that!! Good luck getting back into your running 🙂
As someone who is interested in starting to run, I appreciate these tips. It’s interesting to see how someone who has been running for a while looks back on where they started.
That’s so exciting for you! Enjoy it! It can be so rewarding Nicole 🙂
Such great perspective, especially about not taking it for granted! Yes, it can stink to run when you are not in the mood, but nothing hurts like an injury that holds you back. Great reminders!
Very true Erin! Nothing is worse than an injury that completely takes you away from it. 🙂
I would (and do) tell new runners to find someone they can talk to who has experience. Having a sort of ‘mentor’ to help you through things can be really important. It helps to have someone to ask questions to, get advice from, and to get ideas from. While yes, running is an individual support, the running community is amazing and can really help.
Laura this is so true! The running community has been such a blessing – I’ve met great friends through it! It is so important to get involved to help motivate and encourage you along the way!
I’m glad nobody ever really told me anything! Sometimes I think people get too caught up in numbers, heart rate, garmin, training plans etc….when it’s supposed to be fun!
HA great point Lynn! If some people told me what I know now I may have never started 🙂 haha JK! Yes, it is important to remember that running should be FUN!
Great advice. I’m not a runner by any means but I always get the itch when the weather starts to turn. I’ll have to remember these tips because it’s bound to happen soon.
Thanks for linking up.
Yes there is nothing better than running in nice weather! Hoping it turns around soon 🙂