Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Running update

It’s been awhile since I blogged about running. For those of you that don’t see my Facebook updates or talk to me IRL, I would bet you think I got off my running kick. Well, you would be wrong! I am happy to report that I am still working on running. I somewhat stopped doing Couch to 5K though, so I could transition to running outside. It’s been really tough, but not impossible. I have a really great coach/motivator/amazing friend (Ali) who has really helped with everything that involves going from running on a treadmill to running outside. Without Ali I would be totally lost and frustrated. I owe her some major thanks!

Another big motivator has been the overwhelming support I have gotten from friends and family. Of course, I knew my friends would be a great rock to lean on, but I was shocked at the overwhelming support from my extended family. Once they heard I was running a 5k they were so supportive. The encouraging words and excitement from them has been awesome. They also have been the providers of almost all of my donations for Race for the Cure.

The Race for the Cure is Saturday, and even though it isn’t a timed race, I am still looking forward to completing it. My goal is to stay at a steady pace as much as possible, and not have to walk more than 5 minutes of the whole race. I may end up doing more walking than that, and that is ok in my book.

So what happens with running after the 5k is over? I have been asking myself that very question a lot the past few weeks. While I don’t think running is the greatest thing ever, I have enjoyed my personal accomplishments and getting such a killer workout. Plus, I have enjoyed having a schedule/plan through Couch to 5k.

I have also considered how lucky I am to be able to run. So many people would love to run but can’t because of injury, time, whatever. And who knows, in a year I may not have the option. With all this to consider, I have decided to start half marathon training.

Yep, you read that right. I, Teresa, am going to start the 12 week training plan for a half marathon. Now, I may not actually run a half, even though one conveniently is scheduled about 13 weeks from now, but I want to at least try the training. Unfortunately, Couch to 5k took me so long that I am thinking that a normal 12 week half marathon training will take me more like 24 weeks. But, hey, I figure it is at least worth a shot!

Crazy idea? Maybe. But will this crazy idea have awesome health and mental benefits? Absolutely!!!!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yay for you! When/where is the half-marathon? Maybe I'll start training too.

Teresa said...

It is the Lewis and Clark in St. Charles on September 13th.

Anonymous said...

Yay Teresa!! I'll be cheering you on. ;)

Ali said...

Awww, thanks for the super nice shoutout. I love our runs together. And you showing up at my house on 90 degree afternoons is wonderful motivation for me.

Jenn said...

YEAH!!! You're doing it!!! I'm so happy that you've made the commitment :)

Jennelle said...

Good luck!

Maria said...

Good for you!!!

BTW, they will have clocks set up on the race course on Saturday for those that want to time themselves.

Julia Goolia said...

You can do it, lady. I promise it will be worth it...go for the half!

Mary said...

Woot! You can do it! I'm impressed you can run in this hot weather-this is my dreaded treadmill time of the year unless I can pull my lazy ass out of bed really early. I will definitely be there to cheer you and Jenn (and Ali?) on!

Sarah said...

i stalked my way over here from angie's blog, and i'm glad i did because i wanted to say CONGRATS on your decision to go balls-out and do the half! you are seriously a bad-ass. :)