Tuesday, July 15, 2008

"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat."
-- Malcolm Forbes

Happy Tuesday everyone!

I have an announcement to make! In 32 days, I will run my first 5k race! I took the plunge and signed up for a race here in town on Sunday August 17th! I was going to make my first race be one in Septemeber so I would have a little more time to train, but I wanted to get one under my belt, so I have an official "time to beat". So there we have it.

I have also decided (now this is a long shot, especially for a, newly aspiring runner like myself!), that on Saturday May 23rd, 2009, I am going to run in my first half marathon. It gives me a goal to work towards. I think ultimately, I would like to run a marathon, but right now, a half seems very much attainable, so that will be my goal. And the half that I intend to run in is up north in Traverse City, along the Lake, so it's suppose to be gorgeous!

So there we have it...a MAJOR goal! I'm very excited.

I figured out what my problem was last week. I do have a tendency to get into these depressive states, where I am just not happy, not feeling motivated among a variety of other things. Well normally these happen between "major things" in my life. Such as the point in my life after I got done with my undergrad, bought my house and settled in....all of a sudden no goals...enter depression.

Time # 2, After I got out of my master's program and before I started Weight Watchers, I got into a mild depression, which was helped along by a failing relationship, among other things. When I joined Weight Watchers though, that turned around, I had motivation and focus again.

Ok, well you get the drift, you see where it's going. I'm essentially done losing weight. I'm still playing with a few pounds here and there, but I'm at or under my weight watchers goal, and have been for awhile. So I lost motivation and started to get depressed, because I don't have anything to focus my time and energy on.

So enter running an half marathon....What better way to maintain my weight, and give myself goals then to set a goal to run a half marathon come spring. It's not something you can do on a whim. I've found the 10 week training program that I will follow come March (10 weeks pre-race), but in order to follow the plan, you already have to have been running 30 to 35 miles per week, for at least two to three months.

So, I've set up a plan to gradually get myself to that level. I'm increasing mileage by 4% every week, which the sources I read say this is a safe increase, which will least likely lead to injury.

So, just a few of my training plan details. I am starting running 15.5 miles a week (that is this week), and I will top out and maintain 30 miles per week in early December through March. I will be running 4 times during the week, one long run, two medium runs and one short run. I'll be keeping you guys posted.

I did have a NSV the other day! I ran a complete 2.5 miles...without stopping once! not once! Now granted, I wasn't fast....but I ran it all!

As far as eating goes, it's been going good. I've been munchy (perhaps the increase in running?), but when I'm feeling that way I'm just grabbing for carrots and not counting them, no one got heavy eating carrots right? But other than that, still avoiding the processed food, and it's going good.

Weigh in on Sunday, I think it will go fine my clothes are fitting good!

Other than that, nothing new and exciting around here, I'll be dropping in on your blogs soon :)

13 comments:

Andrew is getting fit said...

Another one joins the running side!

Way to go! I love both of your goals as they are my goals too.

:) I'll follow your progress with interest.

Kathy said...

I totally understand the need for new goals...that's what keeps us focused and moving forward! You are so smart to figure this out and act on it rather than stewing and being depressed about a few ounces on the scale! You are a wonder!

Marissa said...

Hey there! I'm new at this, and I've been reading some of your posts.

Congratulations on your decision to run a half marathon! I'd love to get there some day, myself.

Keep up the good work! :)

Unknown said...

wow, so much to congratulate you on! signing-up for a 5K, training for a half-marathon, and running for 2.5 miles straight - you are kicking some serious butt! i think it's great to have such high-goals and i know you can achieve them all! go you! :o)

Unknown said...

sorry, didn't see your comment on my blog... i've tried the fiber one bars and really like them, esp. the peanut butter flavor... not sure how many of the above items i'll try - i just like sharing info with people (okay, i'll try the yogurt probably)... :o)

still pondering the push-up challenge... i have so much going on right now so maybe when i have a chance to sit down and plan - i will! :o)

Kim L said...

Lots of good stuff going on! Good for you!

P.O.M. said...

Races are so much fun and so motivating! Way to take the plunge.
You will have a blast. My fav distance is half marathon - they are usually great races too. It's just so cool to see all the people there supporting you, the exciting expos, other runners and after running treats. It all makes me smile. I know you'll love it too.

Anonymous said...

WOW
that's exciting!

If youre in the neighborhood stop by my blog and skim the comments from today (tues).
lots of great tips about running...

M.

Erica Young said...

Great job on signing up for the marathon. At least you will have something to look forward to and get you out of that depressive state. I am kind of in that situation now. I am almost at goal weight and don't know what to do with myself. I have some other projects on my plate as you know from reading my blog that will hopefully keep me busy and food out of my mouth. I need to keep my hands busy so I'm not eating "junk".

Kim said...

Wow!! I am so excited for you!!!!! I know that you can do it!!! :)

Carolyn said...

What an awesome goal! I love it!
I have been playing aorund with signing up for a 5K as well but haven't gotten the push yet to do it. I can't wait to hear how it goes!

Fatinah said...

those are awesome goals! I can't wait to read about your journey!

Anonymous said...

"In 32 days, I will run my first 5k race! I took the plunge and signed up for a race here in town on Sunday August 17th!"

Awesome! I wish you the best. My first 5k is coming up in September.