Becoming a Runner: Week 4 Update

I now have 4 weeks of running under my belt, and I have to say that it feels amazing!  I made an improvement from my previous two weeks, and ran 4 days last week.  My goal was to run 5 days, and while I fell short of meeting that, I’m still so happy with my progress.  We were blessed with some AMAZING weather in Louisville last week, which definitely improved my mood and my motivation.  It was sunny and so much warmer, and running in 50 degrees is, without a doubt, easier than running in those freezing temperatures I ‘d been facing!

Here’s what I did for Week 4 (January 11 – January 17):

Day 22 (1.11.15): 2 mile jog <<Make up from Original Day 16, Supposed to do a 2 mile jog>>

Day 23 (1.12.15): 1 mile jog, ¼ mile walk, 1 mile jog <<Make up from Day 17, Supposed to do a 1 mile jog, ¼ mile walk, 1 mile jog, ¼ mile walk, 1 mile jog>>

Day 24 (1.13.15): Rest <<Supposed to do a 1 ½ mile jog, ¼ mile walk, 2 mile jog>>

Day 25 (1.14.15): 2 mile jog, ¼ mile walk, ½ mile jog <<Make up from Original Day 18, Supposed to be a rest day>>

Day 26 (1.15.15): Rest <<Supposed to be a rest day>>

Day 27 (1.16.15): Rest <<Supposed to do a 2 mile jog, ¼ mile walk, 1 ½ mil jog>>

Day 28 (1.17.15): 1 ½ mile jog <<Make up from Day 19, Supposed to do a 1 ½ mile jog, ¼ mile walk, 1 ½ mile jog>>

At the end of week 4, I’m about 8 runs away from finishing my 30-Day Running Challenge.  My current goal is to have those 8 runs completed so that I can finish my challenge in 38 days or less.  That means that I’ll have to complete those 8 runs over the next 10 days.  Eeeeek!  That’s a lot of pressure!  But, it’s totally possible—especially if this gorgeous weather sticks around for a while!

Here are my notes from Week 4:

Day 22 :  This was my first run in the rain, but I didn’t mind it!  It was a light drizzle and it felt refreshing!  Two miles is my comfortable distance right now, I think.  I felt like I was in control the entire time, and didn’t feel terribly drained of energy at the end.  My knees and ankles are still causing me some discomfort, but I’m hoping that will improve with continued running.

Day 23:  This was an early run for me.  Most of my runs are in the later afternoon or evening, but I have to work 11-9 tonight, so I got my run in before work.  This run was a little tough for me.  I felt like my muscles weren’t really awake yet.  It wasn’t as cold today, so my breathing was much easier.  I still don’t like the walking breaks.

Day 24:  Rest (The previous 3 days were run days, and I had a terrible day at work.  I needed a rest.)

Day 25:  It was COLD tonight, but it felt good!  I think I’m getting over my aversion to running in the cold.  My breathing was a little tougher that it’s been in recent days, but I don’t feel like I really focused on it.  My knees are still giving me issues (my ankle and hip discomfort has improved).

Day 26: Rest

Day 27: Rest

Day 28:  Today was GORGEOUS!  It was 48 degrees when I ran, so I decided to bust out the jogging stroller and take Tilly along for the run.  HOLY COW!  That extra weight was killer, but it was so much fun having a buddy with me.  My knees ached much less today, and I’m wondering if it was because it was warmer?  I can already tell that running in warmer weather is going to be much more enjoyable for me. 

Week 4 was a big improvement for me!  I ran more days than I had the previous 2 weeks; my breathing is getting so much easier, and I feel like I could keep running even after my run is complete; I’m starting to look forward to my runs, even after I’ve had a long day at work; and I’m constantly thinking about my schedule and looking for the best time to squeeze a run in.  I’m excited to finish this challenge, and hopefully by my next post, I can say that I did!

Until next time…

Ps.  I’ve started thinking about some goals that I could set for myself to keep my running on track after my challenge is complete, and I’d love any suggestions!  What are some running goals that you’ve set for yourself in the past to help keep you on track?