Summer Running

Last week I registered for a 10 mile run at the end of August. For over a year now I’ve been wanting to do this. I ran a 5K for the first time when my son was a year old. I ran two more when my 2 year old was 6 mths old. Until last Tuesday, I hadn’t run since.

I waited through one of the mildest winter and spring seasons I’ve seen here and decided to start running during the week of record breaking heat. Yup, I’m a smart cookie.

I am following Hal Higdon’s guide to training for a 15K. If I stick with the program, I’ll be all set in time for my race, with even 2 weeks to spare. Good thing I had those cushions worked in there because last week I went strong on Mon and Tues and then when the power went out on Wed, I kinda got off track. I used the excuse that I didn’t want to excercise if I couldn’t shower afterwards. It made sense until Friday when the power came back on and I still didn’t go running.

So Monday, I was back to trying out week one. So far this week I’ve followed the schedule on Mon, Tues, and Thurs. I had to run 2 miles each time this week, so I am a mere 1/5 of the way toward my goal. Next week I am up to 3 miles which is pretty much the most I ever ran in my life. I am intimidated by this goal, but will feel SO great if when I accomplish it.

So far I’ve learned a few things from the process.

• You shouldn’t go running in the morning on trash days. The stink of garbage lingers in the trashcans even after the trash has been taken.
• Running with an MP3 player makes the run pass much more quickly.
• Having accountability to exercise makes a HUGE difference (Thanks Karen and Jen for registering with me!)

I’m sure as the summer progresses, I’ll have more profound wisdom to pass on to you.