Greetings! Hope you all are having a wonderful week so far. We obviously survived moving weekend, and are currently still in the process of unpacking and organizing [so much fun]. Actually, I like organizing things, so it’s really not that bad. The moving up and down three then two flights of stairs was the worst part. But that’s over now; done and done. Also, James took my computer to the shop on Monday to get the LCD fixed, so I’ve been computer-less all week. It’s so strange. I keep finding myself searching the apartment for it, freaking out slightly when I can’t find it, and then remembering that it won’t be back until Friday. Anyways, I’ll be glad to have it back so I can start writing again more regularly. Really I’m just excited for the craziness of moving and computer problems to be behind us so we can get back into a more normal-ish routine.
Speaking of routines, it’s October [seriously – how?] and that’s when I told myself I could try and start running again. A few years back I had a really bad stress fracture in my shin, and while I took quite a bit of time off from running, I didn’t really let it heal up properly before diving back in. It’s hard to take so much time off from a sport you love, but I’ve learned the hard way that rest is critical to the recovery process. Since my injury I’ve had off and on shin pain, especially over the past year, and finally decided it was time to take a break and heal up so I could really start running again.
Well, the break is over! And while I’m excited to start running again, it’s been quite a while and I know that I need to take it slow so I don’t hurt myself again. This is so hard for me because I’m not really the most patient person, especially when it comes to sports, but I know it will be worth it when I can run longer distances again. I’m pretty much going to start from scratch and work my way up from zero mileage, which is something I haven’t done in a very long time. Should be interesting – I feel like it will definitely be a test of my patience 🙂
I found what looks to be a great beginners running plan on the Runners’ World website, and am planning on following it pretty rigidly. It start off super slow with just running a minute, then walking a minute x10 reps, and increases the millage slowly over eight weeks until you are able to run a full 30 minutes. I’ve only followed a running plan once before, when I was training for a 25k [which never actually happened due to the stress fracture], but I have a feeling this will be a good one.
So, if you’ve always wanted to try running but have just never gotten around to it, I want to encourage you to try this plan with me! Running is so much fun [really, I promise it is], and while it may seem difficult or scary at first, it gets much easier as you continue doing it. And it’s such a great stress reliever! Like I said, I’m going to try and follow it pretty closely, but I’m sure I’ll end up subbing in some different workouts like biking or the elliptical to switch things up a bit. Don’t feel like you have to follow it to a T – just do the best you can! The confidence you will gain from being able to run for 30 minutes straight will be worth all the effort you put in.
Have you ever followed a running/exercise plan before? How did it go?
Best Place To Run…Wish I Still Lived Closer!
I have never followed an exercise plan but I do walk or take a fitness class a few times a week and do abs, weights and stretches 2 or 3 times a week, as well.
I currently have a broken foot and it is really difficult not to be able to walk, etc. So, I feel your pain 😎 Exercise is a great stress reliever and it helps burn the calories and tone things up. Also, makes me feel less guilty about eating chocolate chip cookies, etc. !!!
Broken foot = no fun 🙁 And I hear ya on the chocolate chip cookies 🙂 So far the plan is going well! I’ve done three days, and no shin pain yet!