Hey, friends! I need your help!
I am about to begin my half marathon training and I need some encouragement. I have been putting off, when I should have started early because I haven’t run a race this long in a couple years.
Why did I wait so long?!
It’s going to be hard work and I would ADORE some positive thoughts to remember as I am running Running RUNNING. I actually do love to run, but getting back into shape is going to be such a hard thing. I don’t care how many people say that it’s like ‘riding a bike’, it’s much harder than that. Plus, I have gained a significant amount of weight (it was when I was working graveyard shift) since I last ran regularly.
Why did I sign up without being in shape?!
Actually, I signed up because I NEEDED to get my butt in shape, especially since my new job has me sitting most of the time. I need a reason to get in the gym most days and have long runs outside. I know that lots of people don’t need a reason like this to go to the gym, but I did. I needed a push in the right direction. Except, I signed up with about 18 weeks left before the race and I should have started training then, but I didn’t. I am starting now, which means I will have to train the classic 12 weeks before the race.
Bleh.
Please help me! Can I get some kind words? Some positive statements you like to tell yourself while you’re working out? Even words that will kick me and get my rear in gear. I spent A LOT of my time reflecting on positive statements and reading books and articles on encouragement and motivation, but I need your experiences, people. I need some real world words and I believe you all have them.
Lastly, if you have a moment to leave me a comment, I would greatly appreciate it. I REALLY would. It will give me an opportunity to store it away for the next 12 weeks, especially race day, to push me to keep going.
(super hero race)
Thanks in advance, friends!
Until next time, friends.-the RealPositiveGirl
Looks great and looks like a lot of fun.
@realpositivegirl
It WILL be a lot of fun. I just need to get my mind right for this upcoming race.
What you are doing is absolutely awesome, keep at it! Resteemed and followed!
Thanks so much! I really appreciate it!
Hi! You're in luck! There's alot of steemians on here who like running. Including me. My love affair with running began oooohhh, like 15+years ago! I'm now 29.
The 18 weeks would've been nice, but 12 weeks is adequate especially as it sounds you have previous running experience.
My number one thing would be, since you said you've fallen out of shape and also gained weight is to not push for a super competitive goal as far as finishing time.
I only added in the piece about weight gain since because our foot strike when running is up to 3x our body weight, so we don't want to be too harsh on the ole' joints. You'll probably lose some weight during training.
I would research LOW mileage half marathon plans. I would emphasize on non run days or low mileage/ez run days doing : deep squats, lunge walks, pushups, core/ab strengthening. Since you are kind of starting from scratch you need those other muscle groups strong and activated to prevent injury.
Make sure you're doing all your correct stretches after EACH run targeting: hams, quads, hip flexors, gluts, piriformis, it band, calves!
HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE.
DON'T OVER TRAIN. QUALITY > QUANTITY
Maybe plan for one minute brisk walking per mile to conserve energy.
Invest in good shoes. Try to get your arch analyzed if possible.
Above all, have fun, be safe! ! Resteeming so maybe other runninh folk can pitch in.
Also, you are welcome to join my fb group Steemit Dreamit aimed at helping steemians gain organic quality followings. =)
Best of luck keep us posted on your progress!
Oh, man! Such GREAT advice!! Thank you so much. It absolutely feels like starting from scratch, but I totally agree with everything you have written. Thanks for the encouragement to take it easy and not try to make this a PR or something. That probably wouldn't be wise.
I've always wanted to get my foot looked at and do the whole analyzing of my strike and such. Maybe this race I can make time for that.
I appreciate the resteem. I want as much help as I can get! :)
I will go and look for that group on Facebook, for sure. Thanks, again!
Most running shoe stores will a gait analysis for free. Or you can look at the treadwear on your shoes. If its all on the outer back edge, along the outer edge midsole, mostly outer toes you high arches for instance. Or you could do the good old fashioned stand on a brown paper bag with wet feet to see what your arches are. Which race are you doing?
I am doing a women's half marathon. I wasn't really looking for something with only women, it just happened to be the event that fit best with the time of year I wanted to run.
Nothing wrong with that. :)
You should do like weekly progress updates or something for us.
That's a good idea!
You got this! Remember why you're doing it and stay focused. Enjoy the journey!
Absolutely! Thank you!
Thank you!