Sunday, July 17, 2011

SheLoves Half Marathon: Week 2 & 3

Week 2
I don't think I felt like posting about week two because it didn't go as great as I anticipated. It was just one of those weeks where most things went sour, the kid was fussy, and I was off my running goal by .03km. I forced myself to look at it from a different angle: 4.97km is the furthest I had ever run in one session, so it was actually a triumph after all. Week two taught me that:
  1. Not every run or every week is going to be a good one, and I'm glad to have learned that early on in the training.
  2. I need to look for the positive thing in what seems like a failure. 
 And that's all I'm going to say about that. Let's move on.

Week 3
Like I said, week three was better! I changed my routine. Instead of just running five days a week, which I learned from others is not a great idea as it can lead to injury faster, I now do:
  • two short run days
  • two cross training days
  • one long run day
  • two rest days
This is working much better for me, I think. The first cross training day wasn't terrific. I went on the elliptical and quickly learned I was not a fan of it. It was so awkward...so I just went on the treadmill and jogged for a bit. Next crosstraining day I did the bike, and it was much better and really worked my legs!


Where I would defeat my small giant...

Fast forward to Saturday: my long run day. I was nervous - it felt like a small giant I had to defeat. My goal was to do 6km with a run 3 minute, walk 1 minute method. In 45 minutes I not only met my goal but surpassed it by .24km! I had Wake Up by Arcade Fire playing at the time, so it felt pretty epic. I almost cried...I never thought I would ever run that far. I have not felt this good about doing something physical since I gave birth to Finn. It felt THAT good. I walked back to my car with a big smile on my face.

My kicks, 6km, and post-run face.
 
Honestly, I felt like if I can run 6km, I can run 21. If I can do something I never thought I would or could do, and I did it, what is stopping me from running 7? 10? 15? 21? Watch out next Saturday...I'm coming for you and your 7km!
Posted by at
Labels:

6 comments:

  1. KortniJuly 17, 2011 at 8:24 PM

    Fantastic B! Good job!! I feel very encouraged to know I'm not the only one who has had a bad week. Last week was my bad week and I am determined to make this one a good one.

    Thanks for sharing that,

    Kort

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJuly 17, 2011 at 10:23 PM

    Sending you a cyber high five! Can't wait till we cross that finish line. Daniela

    ReplyDelete
  3. Brandi-LeeJuly 17, 2011 at 11:37 PM

    Thanks guys. :) And I figured that it is just as important to log the not-so-great days and runs as it is logging the victories and good runs!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJuly 19, 2011 at 5:02 AM

    WOW - you should be very proud of yourself - keep it up girl! Karen/Gran in E-Town

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousJuly 19, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    Thats awesome Brandi-Lee..I hope I can keep up to you.
    leah

    ReplyDelete
  6. Tina FrancisJuly 22, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    "I almost cried...I never thought I would ever run that far. I have not felt this good about doing something physical since I gave birth to Finn. It felt THAT good. I walked back to my car with a big smile on my face."

    - Aww B. I so know the feeling of complete euphoria.

    I also know the feeling of failing. This week was NOT great for training. I had too many commitments and not enough sleep. I only managed ONE run this week! My long run tomorrow is going to be "interesting." I will let you know how it goes. I'm praying the weather is decent! I need all the help I can get!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)