What's that you say? Goal? What goal?? Well, my goal
(and how many times can I keep saying that word?) when I finished our 10 week/10K training program was to work my way up to being able to run 5 miles before our next training program started. I know, you'd think that since I completed the 10K program, I would be running 5 miles - and I did - but that was with walking intervals. I needed to slowly work my way up to actually RUNNING the entire distance on our long run Saturdays...and I have, officially, as of this last Saturday. I think it helped me to do each "new" distance twice before moving on to the next new long distance, and by bumping it up in half-mile increments also helped to make it feel not overwhelming. Plus, the combination of my
"forward momentum" attitude along with remembering to
"run the mile you're in" has made a big difference in how I approach these longer distances...I'm just concentrating on covering a mile. And then another mile. And another, until I'm done. No worries about how fast I should be running, no comparisons to Runner Shelley Version 1.0; I just run the best that I can right now.
Saturday's 5 mile run began at 6:30 am, with running club peeps Will and Deshonda along for the fun. We set out together, and although we eventually separated a bit, we almost always could see each other and that made me feel like we were the
three four musketeers out there. I made Jeff start out even slower than we normally do, because after running with Erica twice last week, and feeling so good during those runs, I knew that slower was really working for me, and with 5 miles on tap, I definitely wanted this to work! We took a different route, which worked out great as we were in the shade quite a bit, plus there was always a slight breeze. We ran each mile and then took a few seconds to walk and drink some water, plus at mile 3 we each had a GU. I was getting a little fatigued toward the end, but that's to be expected - after all, we RAN FIVE MILES! Go us!!!
Here's a screenshot of our route - I've been using Garmin Connect lately, and it shows your run on the map, which I think is pretty cool. Also? Running 5 miles didn't seem so bad, but looking at this on the map? Dang. That's a looonnnggg way!
Five mile loop
I can tell that I'm getting into some higher mileage calorie burning lately with these long runs, because even though we eat a decent breakfast afterward, I am stomach-growling starving for lunch! Normally, I'll have lunch, but the last two Saturdays, I've wanted LUNCH. After that, I seem to get back to my usual food needs, which is a relief. I'd like to think that eventually, all this running may pay off with a more compact body, but that won't be easy if I eat like a linebacker!
P.S. In case you missed it, I'm hosting a Sweaty Bands giveaway, open to everyone!
Click here to enter; winner will be announced on Friday.
Congratulations! Five miles IS a long way - don't need a map to prove that. Your perseverance is inspiring - to have come back from injury and your long recovery. Many, many people would have given up.
ReplyDeleteit is that catch 22 too huh?
ReplyDeletethe more we workout
the more INTENSELY we workout
the more we are truly authentically HUUUNNNGRY.
smiled at the CAPS in LUNCH :)
So much of running is actually psychological and in your head that you're one smart cookie to not compare and to run only the mile you're in. Comparison to the runner I was just a few years ago is probably my biggest issue.
ReplyDeleteAlso, feeling fatigued with each 'new' distance is normal. If you think hard you'll remember that from the last time you trained for your half marathon.
ALSO, there's absolutely nothing wrong with feeding true hunger and you'll find that your recovery will be so much better because you do!
Loved seeing the word GOAL! I heart Workout Wed. Always have, always will~
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Shelley. I really feel intuitive living in your posts these days. Congrats on achieving a doable goal!
ReplyDeleteWAY TO GO!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat job on 5 miles Shelley! I love how you say that you can't compare this run with Shelley 1.0 - no worries, Shelley 2.0 will be just as good!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on that goal!! That is awesome!! :)
ReplyDeleteWay to go, Shelley! Thus far the best I can do without stopping is about 2 miles, and I hadn't put a lot of thought into how I could up my mileage. I like your idea of adding half mile increments, and repeating the new distances.
ReplyDeleteWow!!! Five miles IS a long way! I remember walking that far (oops, haven't done that in quite a while) and it is long. Plus. an hour and 6 minutes. That is FANTASTIC.
ReplyDeleteYeah for 5 miles! But, "Gu at 3" doesn't have the same ring to it, haha.
ReplyDeleteI know, I felt bad about not doing GU at TU!
DeleteGo Shelley! A half is definitely in your near future!!
ReplyDelete5 miles is awesome! Way to go. I understand the eating thing. When I take long bike rides I want to refuel, but not eat back all the calories.
ReplyDeleteYou are AMAZING Shelley!!!!! I see you running further and further...and eventually, running a marathon!!
ReplyDelete5 miles is a long way! That's why cars were invented. But you are doing amazing with your running, it must feel so good. I know every time I add a mile I feel like I have conquered a new milestone.
ReplyDeleteYes 5 miles is a LONG way! I'm so proud of you for running it all. I'm finding that setting goals is so important because you could easily do the same thing every day and not really progress. Great job. I always think about you when I'm out there and it keeps me going!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Yep. My grocery store is 5 miles away and every time I drive it I think "Really?!" Wow. Good job!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the Garmin Connect plug - I have a Garmin 305, but have never really used the Garmin Connect stuff. Cool feature. I'm sure my Garmin 305 does tons more stuff than I realize.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to thank you for your blog. It has given me the courage to work at becoming fit and not obese by the time I am 50. I have 739 days to get it done.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Well done my friend!
ReplyDelete