The other day I had someone close to me ask if I was going to continue to talk about half marathon training excessively until it is over....the answer is yes. :)
I am Week 3 of Half Marathon training and surprisingly, I am feeling good. I am running my 3 days, doing a day of strength/stretch, and 1 to 2 days of cross training every week. It's a very busy schedule but I am really enjoying the structure and feelings of accomplishment that are coming with the training. The runs are tough and I always end up doing at least a little walking during them, but I am still completely the distances that are on my training.
The training doesn't come without it's challenges though. I am having a little foot pain on one side of my right foot. At rest it feels good, but I had a pretty rough pain in my foot today during my run. I am also having problems with my pace. Because of this, the majority of my runs have been inside on a treadmill. I know I need to change that soon, but right now I am just more focused on getting used to running at a consistent pace.
By far the biggest challenge of my training is mental. I am really having problems with getting my head in a good space during this training. I have this awful, terrible habit of comparing myself to runners. I have to keep telling myself it is ok if I run slower than them and if I walk during my runs. I am really trying to focus on my accomplishments, but it is really hard. I want to get excited that I ran 2 miles without taking a walking break, but it just seems so minor compared to what others that are training for the half marathon can do.
I desperately need to get over all that, but it is really, really hard. I mean, I am slow. In fact, I don't even know if my pace is considered running or jogging. I guess it doesn't really matter, but in the back of my mind I always have those kinds of thoughts.
Anyway, if anyone has any words of wisdom or advice for me (especially on the foot issue) I am all ears. I've gotten some awesome advice from a good friend that has totally helped, so lay it on me!
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8 comments:
I really admire you for tackling a half-marathon! I struggled with my 5K training, mainly mentally. I would just get so BORED after awhile. Running outside helped, but I'm not a fan of the hot and humid. :) Good luck, I know you can do it!
My advice on the foot - first of all, you've been fitted for shoes, right? That's most important. Second, ice it after every run for a week. After a week, if it's still bothering you, you really do need to lay off of it for a couple of days and see what happens. Not ideal during training, I know, but if you don't let it heal, you won't make it to the end anyway. Better to take a few days off than not be able to continue -been there, done that. :(
Yep, I have been fitted for shoes, so I don't think that is the issue.
For some reason I didn't even think to try the icing...I guess I will have to get really drunk so that is easier. ;)
How about insoles? I need those in addition to my very well fitted shoes. Makes big a difference (but as a word of warning, I find them HORRIBLE to break in). They do, however, last through two pairs of shoes so they have to be broken in infrequently.
I was going to say that same thing as Kristal and Lucy - ice & insoles. I've had pretty major pain radiating from the inside of my left ankle through my mid-calf and icing seems to be the only thing that helps me. Give that a try, but you may also want to go to Fleet Feet with your shoes and see about geting the insoles that I bought. They were about $30-$35 if I'm remembering correctly, but have made a huge difference in my comfort level - to the point that I'm not even bracing my ankle anymore!!!
Teresa, you're doing it. That in itself is a huge accomplishment. Sure you're struggling mentally in your training, but you're training! That is a big mental fete right there. Don't be so hard on yourself, you have so much to be proud of yourself for, and you're only going to get better.
1. Not NECESSARILY insoles. I see way too many people pop those babies in and they can end up causing more problems, since the shoe itself wasn't designed to hold it. I say get fitted and see what they say.
2. You know that for your first half you should NOT be concerned with pace whatsoever, right? I say screw the TM, get out on the pavement, and take your merry little time. Running on the TM when it's nice out is sacrilegious, first of all....and second...it's not working all the same muscles as the pavement.
3. If you are getting the beginnings of an injury with good shoes, I HIGHLY recommend taking it a bit easier with the training. Either going slower or with more walking OR cutting out a day of cross training.
So proud of you, T! Keep up the good work and don't be so hard on yourself, silly. Overdoing it is a surefire way to get hurt.
HI Teresa,
First time poster, been reading your blog for a while. I am thinking of getting into running also and was wondering how you started? Do you just go out and run? Do you follow a schedule? If so where did you get or make that schedule. It seems that getting started is my biggest hurdle.
Thanks!
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