First four miler!

Today was my long run workout... 4 miles! The farthest distance I've ever run!! I wanted to run the entire thing (slowly!) but there are tons of serious hills on this loop so I had to walk some. But the benefits of the hill work will be worth it. My goal is to run the whole thing in 2 weeks since I'm doing a long run once a week. I was feeling really good going into the second mile, a sign of progress I think! Looking forward to the day a 5k becomes easy and I can race it well!

I ran across this article in my search for training ideas:


http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267--12989-1-1-2,00.html

I love reading about this stuff because it is relevant to music also! I always breathe in patters when I run, usually starting at 4-4 then 3-3, 2-2 and sometimes 2-1 when I'm working really hard, but I always thought it was just the music nerd in me counting steps as beats and breathing like I would count measures. But it turns out its a good way to build lung power! Which can help prevent fatigue! This is a part of running where I struggle... when I get down to 2-2 or 2-1 my head tells me I need to stop even when my body is still going strong. Today I was able to go with it more, breathe deeply (in the music world we say breathe as if you're filling your entire body with air all the way down to your toe) and not freak out!

Tomorrow is an off-ish, cross training-ish day... teaching a step class, absolutely my favorite format!

The Starting Line

So I've wanted to do a blog since I saw Julie & Julia. Seemed fun. And a good way to give yourself accountability, I've found. And that's what I need as I begin training for a 10k (right now) and ultimately a half-marathon! And who knows, maybe I'll get the marathon itch after that. But that's a little too overwhelming to think about just yet.

The last time I ran regularly was when I ran the 2 mile in 8th grade track. Here's my starting line (haha). I'm starting with almost two years of teaching aerobics classes under my belt, so I've got a pretty good fitness foundation. I've run one race, a 5k in about 29:30 without running at all before.

Now I'm four workouts into training (plus a few aerobics classes). This morning was a 2.8 mi hill workout. Lots and lots of hills.

Here's my goal: A sub-24 5k and PR at the Peachtree City Classic on October 15 and a 10k in November. Longer distance goals TBA.

Tomorrow is a 4 mile long run.

Ready, set, go!