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Filed Under life list on July 20, 2010

I finished the Couch to 5K program a few weeks back, and then immediately went on vacation for a week. But instead of slacking off, I ran almost every day we were in Florida, including one day in the pouring rain.

That was a good run.

Most of my runs that week were short — two miles or so — because that was all I had the time and energy for. I came home feeling a little disappointed that after finishing the C25K program I couldn’t run more than two miles without walking, even though I ran that same two miles every single day. I started to think that there was no way I would ever be able to run even six miles, never mind 13.1. I resigned myself to running 5Ks for the rest of my life, which isn’t bad, really, but isn’t a marathon.

I shouldn’t have worried.

On Sunday, I ran four miles; yesterday I ran three. Today, I ran just over two miles, in just under 20 minutes. Because it’s been so hot, I’ve been getting up at 5 am and leaving the house around 5:30, which means that I’m running in the dark — but that’s better than running when it’s a thousand degrees, really. Also better than running once I’m awake and actually thinking about what I’m doing, because then I start to wonder exactly when I lost my mind.

I’m gearing up to start a Bridge to 10K training program, but I have to get to a block of time where I’ll be home and on a schedule. We’re leaving town again this weekend, and then I’m heading to New York City for a few days in early August; I’m planning to run during both trips, but it’s harder when you’re on the road and sharing a hotel room with people who do not cotton to setting the alarm for a 5 am run. Chris, I’m looking at you.

This week, I left my iPhone at home and started running without music; it has made a huge difference in my pacing and energy, which is precisely the opposite of what I would have expected. I really like the silence; my neighborhood is so still in the early morning. Although today a goose honked at me — twice — and scared the living daylights out of me — twice. In the exact same spot, even. And no I was not expecting it the second time, even though I had run past that same spot not ten minutes earlier. Chalk it up to running at 5 am.

I’m starting to think that running a half marathon in February — actually running the entire thing, not running most and walking some — isn’t so crazy after all, that I will not die at mile seven and have to ride the rest of the way in the sag wagon. Because if I can run four miles then I can certainly work up to five, and then six, and then 13. Why not?

In my life list accounting, I feel like I am about one quarter of the way to a half marathon. Not bad, really.

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It’s interesting to read this because I’ve felt the same way recently. Leading up to my sprint and Olympic triathlons, I ran/biked without music since mp3 players are not allowed in the races. I commented to Kyle on what an unexpectedly positive difference it made in my pacing while running. Glad to have some external validation!

You know, at BlogHer, I’m going to start trying to convince you to try a tri.

I am completely inspired by that great picture to wake up early and go for a very fast walk. Ha!

of course you can!
i started running last August and by March ran my first half marathon. after a minor but a little scary injury and 2 months sidelined, i am running again and look forward to running at BlogHer too as well as at least 2 more half marathons before the next year.
of course you can do this and i look forward to your accounting of this adventure of yours.

I love reading your updates. It’s interesting that your pace was better w/o the music. I’ve read that many runners don’t use it (and some races don’t allow it), but I thought I’d get bored without it. I may have to try that this week.

Your run journey is one of my motivators. I’ve been keeping up with several blogging friends who are running and it’s helping me stay with it. (Usually I would have quit because I’m too inconsistent, too slow, too tired–any number of excuses.) Even though it had been 18 days since my last run, I started again last night. Tomorrow I’ll run again–maybe without music.

There’s no doubt in my mind that you’ll reach your running goals. Look at the huge improvement you’ve made in just a couple of months, you know? The steps from where you are to a 10k or 1/2 marathon aren’t as intimidating as starting from scratch and getting to a sub-10 minute mile, if you ask me.

You can do it!! It sounds like you are are being so smart and sensible about your training, and that will pay off. Just keep plugging along - that is what I am trying to do as well. I ran a 5K race last Saturday and an 84 yr. old legally blind man with 2 replaced knees (maybe bionic??) beat me - ouch. I was pretty discouraged (okay, really bummed) but I am going to stick to my plan and try to remember that this is about me and my personal goals. Keep up your good work and know that your readers are cheering you on!

You can definitely do it!! You have the right mentality and if you can run 5 miles you can run 10 and so on. I’m so happy to read this and I can just feel the positive energy you’ve got for your new goal! Fantastic and keep it up. I look forward to hearing about the 10K and half-marathon.

When I first started training, I hit that “No way am I going to do this barrier” around month 3 (December-when it was bitterly cold and we had one million obligations), but eventually I pulled through. Even though I didn’t actually run my half marathon yet, I know I can. I’m definitely running Austin with you (Although I run 5 minutes and walk 1 minute, so we may have to figure that out).

My friend is a crazy marathon runner always says that you can run at least 2 more miles than you think you can. He’s right. I think.

Of course you’ll achieve your goal. I have no doubt.

That’s wonderful! I am in awe-ful jealousy over your mad running skills. I’m proud if I get out and walk on two consecutive days.

I’ll mention this here because why not? On my trip to Houston this past week, I stopped in at Loft because I remembered you ranting and raving over it. I found 2 pairs of boyfriend pants for $10 each! I am now officially a Loft disciple. Thanks!

I’m still working up to running 3.1 miles without a walking break. I’m hoping to be there by BlogHer but HOW did it get to be the end of July already?? (The humidity is KILLER though!)

I ran yesterday without my iPod too for the first time and I totally get what you’re saying. In the beginning it distracted me from thinking I was dying, but now, I think it distracts me from focusing on the running.

Good for you!!

I started running a couple of years ago and don’t run with music either. I run on some main roads so I think it’s safer and I’ve found that it’s really a relaxing part of my day - time to think and sort things out, plan for the day/week etc… I’ve tried running on a treadmill at the gym and I’m horrible at it! I finally figured out that I missed the quiet time to myself.

Good luck with the running - keep posting updates. I love to read them.

Go, you! I salute you, not only for reaching your goals, but also for rising at 5:00 in the morning to achieve them! (I would have a hard time getting out of bed at 5am even if the house were on fire.)

You can do it! I did the couch to 5K and then the 10K app on the iphone, too. Ran my 10k in June and looking at a half in Sept. Been sick this week (actually in the hospital) so I’ve been off a few days, but it comes back. Soon, you’ll be running 8 miles and thinking, remember when I couldn’t run 4! Don’t worry about speed, you’ll need to learn to pace yourself for the long runs anyway. Slow and steady finishes the race. I like the runkeeper app for the iphone, too.

Good luck!

Yay, Susan - you’re well on the way! I love reading about your experience, as I’m just a few weeks behind you, but still slogging along (I had to take a 3 week break for an ankle injury, darnit.)

No - there won’t be a sag wagon for you - I can’t wait to hear the whole story!

Don’t sell the running with walking thing short. It’s how I finish every single race. Here’s a link to a good article about the run/walk benefits. Mind you, he does tend to do much more running than walking, but don’t beat yourself up over walking some. http://footloose.runnersworld.com/2008/05/may-28-the-many-benefits-of-the-run-walk-approach.html

A friend of mine just ran her first 5k on her 50-something-th birthday. As she put it “I’m trying to outrun my age.”

Kudos for you for going for it! It reminds me to pull the Life List back out and agin see what’s next.

I have serious back issues, so no running unless my life is in danger. However, I’m walking two miles a day in 28 minutes or less. I’m proud of myself.

You should be proud of yourself, too.

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