So I have been am supposed to have been training for my first half marathon in April. According to Katie, who started training in November, spinning does not count (this is accurate, as told by our Color Run). On my day off Monday, I finally hit the pavement and set out to just run around for an hour–I knew where I needed to go (yoga), just not how I wanted to get there.
Disclaimer: this is not the most efficient way to run.
My tragic flaw of failure to plan shined brightly as I left my house without gloves; only a track jacket to keep me warm. And oh boy was it cold. More motivation to run faster, I guess. For the first two miles, all I could focus on was my mileage. Had it been a mile yet? Surely. NOPE. It had only been .3. I LOVE the Nike + app, which has a GPS to track your route, time your mileage and start competitions with friends, but it was all I could stare at. That plus the leftover ice surrounding Lincoln Park made my beginning miserable (and slippery).
Eventually, I bounded to the side (read: iceless) streets and finally found my stride. My trick? Attack running as you would spinning. Pretend you don’t know what time it is or how long you have been running. Set goals song by song. And stop looking at the damn Nike app. Sure, I didn’t run the whole time, but I did stay out for a while. And I am not my fastest, but it was my first time and I was cold and didn’t really have a plan (note the circles on my route). In an hour, I ranwalked 4.5 miles and then stretched it all out in yoga.
And then recovered with gelato. Earned it.
If anyone has any running tips, I would love to hear them! I am kind of just making things up as I go along and would love some real knowledge.
I’m doing my first half in April too!! I also started a Running Mentor Program on my blog- to pair up an experienced runner with a newbie. If you might be interested, check it out (we extended the deadline to even out the participants!) : http://jinxyjen.wordpress.com/2014/01/24/running-mentorship-program/
Most importantly- keep runnin’, have fun, and good luck!! 🙂
That is awesome! I may take you up on it 🙂
Hi Anne!
Awesome job on your run! Here’s my advice based on what I learned when I training for my first 1/2 (I couldn’t even run 6 miles at the time.) Stick with it! I started running 4-5 days per week and by week 3, I noticed a HUGE difference in my endurance. Even on days when the LAST thing I wanted to do was run, I forced myself out the door, even for a 2 mile jog.
In terms of distracting myself, I would always focus on miles in increments (usually 3 miles long.) Once I got to 3 miles, I would focus on 6 miles, etc. Also, once you hit certain mileage markers, it will work as an automatic motivator because you’ll see yourself making progress!
Also, playlists are awesome, but sometimes it’s nice to run without headphones in. You can listen to your breathing and anything else going on outside. It helps you enjoy your surroundings and helps take your mind off the ‘pain.’
Also, make sure you’re stretching and doing strength work. Training for races is so much more than just running. Spinning a lot will definitely help with the cardio aspect, but make sure you add strength training to your workout to avoid injury.
And last piece of advice…fueling before/after your runs is super important. anything over 6 miles, and you should start bringing running treats with you to help you refuel…and also, make sure you are drinking water on your runs! I bought a camelbak and love it – and you will definitely notice a difference in your training when you drink throughout the workout.
Annnnnd if you’re looking for a place to track your mileage/get inspiration, you should join Daily Mile (and friend me!)
GOOD JOB!