Runner, Runner

Despite the title of this blog, this is not a post about the movie Runner Runner.

However, this post is about running.

Recently, I've started training for a Run or Dye 5K that's coming up on November 9. This will be my first ever 5K and I thought it'd be a good one to try out first. In no way would I call myself an excellent runner. I'm definitely still a beginner and it's been challenging. I've actually always hated running, but secretly desired to love it. Too bad I was awfully unhealthy, obese and too out of shape; nor did I ever believe in myself enough to ever even try. I missed out on a lot because of that. Yet, I've always had this desire to just go out and run. I'm not even sure where that desire comes from, but it has been there for a really long time. However, any time that I've ever even attempted to run, I've always given up way too easily because of different reasons or excuses.

At the beginning of this year, I tried following a training program but gave up on it. Summer came and so did all of the gnats, mosquitoes, snakes and humidity - and even rain. It's not very enjoyable to run with all of those things. I guess I could've used a treadmill but I don't own one. I've actually never even been on one because they kind of scare me. All I envision is faceplanting and breaking my nose or something. However, now that it is Fall, it is much more enjoyable to be outdoors. I'm glad that this 5k is going to be in the Fall.

Training Schedule:

Week 1: 15 sec run/45 sec walk for 30 minutes (M/W/F) 30 minute walk (T/Th/Sat)
Week 2: 20/40 for 30 (M/W/F) 30 minute walk (T/Th/Sat)
Week 3: 30/30 for 30 (M/W/F) 30 minute walk (T/Th/Sat)
Week 4: 30/30 for 30 (M) 35/25 for 30 (W) 40/20 for 30 (F) 30 minute walk (T/Th/Sat)
Week 5: 40/20 for 30 (M) 40/20 for 30 (W) 45/15 for 30 (F) 30 minute walk (T/Th/Sat)
Week 6: 45/15 for 30 (M) 50/10 for 30 (W) 50/10 for 30 (F) 30 minute walk (T/Th/Sat)
Week 7: 30 minute run (M/W/F) 30 minute walk (T/Th/Sat)
RACE DAY: November 9

I also do other workouts and stretches to help prevent injuries and strengthen my body. I am trying to do strength workouts M/W/F prior to my runs. The following is what I've been doing post runs.

Post-Run Yoga: http://www.runnersworld.com/workouts/essential-yoga-for-runners-with-rebecca-pacheco

 

This morning my run was a 20/40 for 30 minutes. After my first week, I was feeling pretty good. However, halfway through my run this morning, I wanted to quit. I was tired, felt like I couldn't breathe and kept hearing a voice in my head saying "I can't do this". However, instead of giving up and quitting, I started speaking positivity and telling myself that I CAN and WILL do this! I prayed and kept repeating the name of Jesus. There's power in the name of Jesus!  

 

I CAN do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!