Running Therapy

Hello.

Last night my two sisters and I were talking about how we'd love to casually (and I'm using that word loosely) run a marathon together, and how ideally we would train hard, but then not kill ourselves trying to finish it.  Before I knew what was happening, Annaca, my older sister, had printed out calendars and we were planning our running schedule.

Now before I get into the specifics about planning, let me just say that after my last marathon in 2009 I didn't run again for months. Lots of months. Probably because I started cramping halfway, and the cramps in my calves were so strong (and painful) that they knocked me over twice. I fell at mile 18, where on my way down I accidentally grabbed a lady runner's backside. The second fall took place about 300 yards or so from the finish line, and I could not for the life of me get up by myself. I had to yell to the spectators for help, and a runner that had already finished finally came to my rescue, helped me up and walked with me for a moment. By this point I've lost it emotionally, so then two bike cops show up and escort/help motivate me across the finish line. Directly after finishing I get taken straight to the medical tent where they start cleaning my knees (that are all bloody from the awesome falls that I had), which made me even more upset because my knees didn't hurt, it was my calves that were cramping and seizing! 

To say the least, I haven't wanted to run, or truly commit to running for a while now, but here I am, biting the bullet. My sisters and I are going to try to run EVERY day, and we have a plan. It's ok if we don't run every single day, but we are going to seriously try to,and I'm excited and this is why:

-For the first two months we only run 1 mile a day.  Which I feel like is doable.  

Ok. So now I'm going to report on my run from today, my first run in a LONG time.  

*I ran and walked 1 mile today. It was hard. I didn't have any shoes because we were visiting family in St. George, so I ran in my socks on a treadmill (which isn't terrible, and I've heard it's good for your natural stride or something). I also borrowed some shorts from my brother, and I had more layers on than I usually like. Also I felt like a fatty, probably because there is a HUGE mirror right next to the treadmill I was on and because I haven't exercised regularly in far too long and I'm a "happy newlywed." Despite it all, I made it through. It took me like 16 minutes, but I finished, and that's what matters today. Don't judge, I'm hoping it'll get better. No. I know it will. It felt good to be active and run, my body missed it, and even though it hurt and my face was all red and blotchy for like an hour afterward.

I'm excited about tomorrow's run, I'm still excited and motivated. I hope I can keep it up. Don't worry, I won't post this much always. I just had to get some stuff off my chest. 

-Abbie S. 

Today I was SUPER sore from yesterday's run, probably because my muscles haven't worked that hard in months. 

* 1.50 miles on the treadmill at the gym. It was hard when I first started because of the soreness, but it got better. I ran most of the mile, and walked for the last half. That's part of the plan in the first few weeks, if I can run most/all of the mile, I get to walk for a half mile. It sounds a little silly, but it totally helps motivate and focus me when I'm struggling.

I tried to eat healthy today, but dinner tends to be a weak time for me, I'm tired and lazy from the day's activities so I just do something easy and usually not so healthy. Although now that I'm running everyday, there is more incentive to eat healthier.

Tonight I'm going to bed between 10 and 11. I'm going to be well rested in the morning.

Ran tonight. It felt much better. I was so proud of myself for running the large majority of it. I'm still sore, but I think it's getting better. My body seems to loosen itself out when I get going. I tried to drink lots of water, and eat well, but I made banana bread mini muffins for an activity so I ended up eating a few of those :)

Ran just over a mile at the gym on the treadmill again, and then did a few minutes on the bike for a cool down. It has been really nice to have a gym option when it's cold and I don't feel like bundling up.

*Tonight's run felt really good, I'm still building up my lungs, legs and overall endurance but I can tell it's getting easier. I also really enjoyed being on the bike, I forget how nice cross training can be to switch it up or if you are tired. I'm really just trying to break through this not being in shape thing I've been doing for way too long, and 1 mile every day isn't mentally defeating for me. So I feel good. I'm proud of myself and my progress :)

Thanks also for all the sweet comments and fun advice! I love the running community, and how helpful and kind everyone is. I'm so glad I started this blog, you guys are the best! 

Peace & Love
-Abbie 

p.s. check out my sister's blog --> annaca.fastrunningblog.com 

Another run done!! Woot! The running felt good, and I'm running more and more and feel less sore every day. I am feeling a little sick now that I'm done running, probably because I ate a slice of chocolate cake right before running. I know, not the best idea.

Good run. The running felt good and I felt strong. I was able to run faster tonight as well. I did get nauseated at the end because I let my husband talk me into getting hot dogs right before going to the gym. I ate half and gave the rest to him, but it was enough for my stomach to want to get rid of it during and after my run. It wasn't terrible, but I'm glad I'm done for the night. 

Lesson for tonight: Don't let your spouse or guilt for not making dinner coerce you into eating hot dogs before running, unless you have positive past experience. 

Cheers!

Tonight's run went well. My right hamstring didn't want to cooperate halfway through, but I was able to push through it. It snowed a bunch last night and all day today and now that I'm feeling more confident about my running, I'm wanting to hit the out door runs more, but I don't want to run in the freezing cold and snow. I'm excited for next week because it's supposed to be warmer. No hot dogs were eaten tonight, although I probably could have been better hydrated.

Overall I'm loving how my body is feeling as I keep running, it's amazing how exercise really helps regulate your whole body and everything feels better. Lovin' it.

No run tonight. Dance party for mutual instead :) I learned how to shuffle.