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Becoming a Runner: Week 1 Update


I survived “Week 1” of making myself a runner!  Woohoo!
As I mentioned in my previous post, the first goal that I set out to accomplish in my 29th year, is to make myself a runner.  While browsing Pinterest, I came across a post from Skinnyms.com called “30-day Beginner’s Running Challenge”, and I accepted the challenge as the first step in achieving my goal.  I began running the day following my 29th birthday, and am proud to say that I’ve successfully completed my first week (and then some…I’m a few days behind on posting this update)!

This is the routine that was suggested in the original post that I found:
Routine:
Day 1: 1 mile jog(Considering you’re a beginner, maybe you’ve never ran a mile before. This will help you get an idea of where your running skills are.)
Day 2: 1/2 mile jog, 1/4 mile walk, 1/2 mile jog
Day 3: Rest
Day 4: 1 mile jog
Day 5: 1/2 mile jog, 1/4 mile walk, 3/4 mile jog
Day 6: 1 mile jog
Day 7: Rest
Day 8: Rest
Day 9: 2 mile jog
Day 10: 1/2 mile jog, 1/4 mile walk, 1 mile jog
Day 11: Rest
Day 12: 2 1/2 mile jog
Day 13: 2 mile jog
Day 14: 1/2 mile jog, 1/4 mile walk, 1 mile jog, 1/4 mile walk, 1 mile jog
Day 15: Rest
Day 16: 2 mile jog
Day 17: 1 mile jog, 1/4 mile walk, 1 mile jog
Day 18: 2 mile jog, 1/4 mile walk, 1/2 mile jog
Day 19: 1 1/2 mile jog
Day 20: Rest
Day 21: 1 mile jog, 1/4 mile walk, 2 mile jog
Day 22: 2 mile jog
Day 23: 1 mile jog, 1/4 mile walk, 1 mile jog, 1/4 walk, 1 mile jog
Day 24: 1 1/2 mile jog, 1/4 mile walk, 2 mile jog
Day 25: Rest
Day 26: Rest
Day 27: 2 mile jog, 1/4 mile walk, 1 1/2 mile jog
Day 28 1 1/2 mile jog, 1/4 mile walk, 1 1/2 mile jog
Day 29: 3 mile jog
Day 30: 3 mile jog

I was excited when I found this, because I felt like the schedule and increases in distance were reasonable and definitely do-able.  My initial plan was to follow this routine exactly as it was outlined, but in reality, my work schedule and caring for a 15-month old offered some obstacles.  So, I decided to rearrange the routine a bit.  I’m following the order of days as best I can, and I'm being sure to complete each distance increase, but I’ve had to re-arrange some of the run and rest days to better fit my schedule.  So far, it’s worked out!

Here’s the schedule I followed for Week 1:

Day 1 (12.21.14): 1 mile jog
Day 2 (12.22.14): 1/2 mile jog, 1/4 mile walk, 1/2 mile jog
Day 3 (12.23.14): Rest
Day 4 (12.24.14): Rest
Day 5 (12.25.14): 1 mile jog (originally supposed to be day 4)
Day 6 (12.26.14): 1/2 mile jog, 1/4 mile walk, 3/4 mile jog
Day 7 (12.27.14): Rest

I’ve been using the MapMyRun app to track the distance and pace of my routes.   The app also has a place for me to make notes of how my run went, which I love. 

Here are some of my notes from Week 1:

Day 1: Who knew a mile could feel like forever?!? I had a VERY tough time on this run. My legs felt okay, and I felt like I could have kept running, but I had a difficult time breathing, especially in the cold air.  I definitely have to work on controlling my breathing.

Day 2: Definitely easier than Day 1!  The temperature outside was warmer, and the ¼ mile walking break between the running was helpful.  My legs and muscles felt great, but breathing was still difficult.  My muscle capacity is definitely way ahead of my lung capacity.

Day 3: Rest

Day 4: Rest

Day 5: Today felt better than the previous days.  My breathing was more controlled (I focused on this) and my muscles felt fantastic.  I pushed myself to try to complete this mile faster than I did on Day 1, but fell short by 8 seconds.  I think my focus on my breathing probably slowed my pace slightly.

Day 6: I was dreading this run today.  In the beginning my muscles were a little tight and I felt really tired, but once I got warmed up, I was loving it! I finally got smart and wore gloves and a hat tonight, which helped keep me warmer, and I think helped me survive the increase in distance.

Day 7: Rest

When I make it to Day 30, it will be nice to look back to Day 1, and see how far I’ve come.  I’m about halfway through Week 2, and will post an update next week!

Until next time…

Ps.  From my family to yours, we wish you the HAPPIEST OF NEW YEARS!  We’ll see you in 2015!


Comments

  1. KimDecember 31, 2014 at 6:59 PM

    This makes me really excited for you!!! Running in the cold has definitely been a challenge for me. I can totally relate to the breathing thing, especially with the cold! I have found that when I focus more on my breathing it actually helps the run go by "faster." Also, I learned the hard way about wearing gloves something over my ears and gloves too. I went and purchased "special" running gear to help me stay motivated. I cannot wait for you to continue your journey!

    ReplyDelete
  2. trisha.newmanJanuary 5, 2015 at 8:10 AM

    Thank you for the support and encouragement, Kim! It definitely goes a long way in helping me stay motivated!

    ReplyDelete

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