Just a quick post today - I did indeed increase my running time to 2 minutes run + 1 minute walk when I went for a jog last night. It was tough, as I imagined it would be, but I ran (well, ran and walked) over 2 miles, which I thought was pretty impressive for someone who doesn't run for the sheer fun of it. The hardest part was when I encountered even the smallest upwards incline in the terrain - tiring work! Nevertheless, I hope as I carry on with the training, my legs will feel less stubbornly heavy by the end of the run. I'm also hoping that when I figure out how to securely strap my MP3 player securely to my arm, I can run to music, because listening to my own thoughts is getting a tad dull.
I should probably mention what the title of this post refers to; today Eva* directed me towards a handy website that allows you to, basically, map your run (or walk/bike ride/hike). It uses Google Maps to calculate how far you've travelled, which is pretty nifty. This is how I know that I travelled over 2 miles. It's a simple idea, but brilliant.
*I may end up mentioning Eva a lot. She may start charging me royalties...
30/03/2011
28/03/2011
Training Post 1 - Track Record
It's fair to say that I'm not much of a runner, or indeed a natural athlete, as my record of coming second to last in the 1500m every Sports Day attests to. My only saving grace is that I am better over long distances than sprinting, and thankfully my fitness is pretty high after being a regular at the gym. It still doesn't mean that a half marathon is going to be a breeze though. So, in order to help me run to South Shields (which, right now, seems so very very far away!), I've enlisted the help of a running programme and good old shopping:
Running programme - kindly supplied by Eva
(I should take this opportunity to mention that I wouldn't be doing the GNR if it weren't for Eva's enthusiasm and powers of persuasion!)
Week 1 - Run 1min, walk 1min (total of 20min)
Week 2 - Run 2min, walk 1min (total of 20min)
Week 3 - Run 3min, walk 1min (total of 20min)
Week 4 - Run 5min, walk 1min (total of 23min)
Week 5 - Run 8min, walk 1min (total of 26min)
Week 6 - Run 12min, walk 1min (total of 25min)
Week 7 - Run 15min, walk 1min (total of 31min)
Week 8 - Run 30min
Which looks fairly easy? I'm on Week 1 currently, which has been fine. I think the next run I go for, I'll attempt the 2min/1min strategy. Most noticeable so far has been the fact that jogging uses different muscles to those I normally use when I go to the gym. Fortunately there have not been any twinges or aches yet, apart from the very first run I went on, which lead to aching shins for a week...probably due to not wearing the right trainers, which leads me smoothly onto...
Running gear
I think the most significant step so far in my training has been buying a proper pair of running shoes. These are the trainers I wear to the gym. They're roughly 7 years old, and the label 'trainers' can only be used in the loosest of senses:
And here are my lovely new running shoes!
They're Asics, and they have supportive padding to prevent over-pronation. The difference they made was, to put mildly, astonishing. They also contain gel cushioning, which make them incredibly comfortable and reduce the impact on my shins.
Other important purchases include a breathable running top, a pair of shorts (ready for the summer months), some special running socks, a new sports bra, and an all important retro-90's stopwatch...
Running programme - kindly supplied by Eva
(I should take this opportunity to mention that I wouldn't be doing the GNR if it weren't for Eva's enthusiasm and powers of persuasion!)
Week 1 - Run 1min, walk 1min (total of 20min)
Week 2 - Run 2min, walk 1min (total of 20min)
Week 3 - Run 3min, walk 1min (total of 20min)
Week 4 - Run 5min, walk 1min (total of 23min)
Week 5 - Run 8min, walk 1min (total of 26min)
Week 6 - Run 12min, walk 1min (total of 25min)
Week 7 - Run 15min, walk 1min (total of 31min)
Week 8 - Run 30min
Which looks fairly easy? I'm on Week 1 currently, which has been fine. I think the next run I go for, I'll attempt the 2min/1min strategy. Most noticeable so far has been the fact that jogging uses different muscles to those I normally use when I go to the gym. Fortunately there have not been any twinges or aches yet, apart from the very first run I went on, which lead to aching shins for a week...probably due to not wearing the right trainers, which leads me smoothly onto...
Running gear
I think the most significant step so far in my training has been buying a proper pair of running shoes. These are the trainers I wear to the gym. They're roughly 7 years old, and the label 'trainers' can only be used in the loosest of senses:
And here are my lovely new running shoes!
They're Asics, and they have supportive padding to prevent over-pronation. The difference they made was, to put mildly, astonishing. They also contain gel cushioning, which make them incredibly comfortable and reduce the impact on my shins.
Other important purchases include a breathable running top, a pair of shorts (ready for the summer months), some special running socks, a new sports bra, and an all important retro-90's stopwatch...
My next task is to create an armband to hold my MP3 player in place. It'll probably involve a sock...
21/03/2011
Setting the scene
So, the gist of the story is:
1. I have a place for the Great North Run on Sunday 18th September 2011
2. I'll be running as part of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust team
3. I need to raise a minimum of £340 in order to race
And in an effort to spur myself on, and keep friends and relatives in far off places up to date with how I'm doing (if they're interested!) I thought I'd blog about the entire experience - the trials and tribulations of training for a half marathon, my fund-raising efforts and how successful they are, and also about cystic fibrosis, current therapies and the work of the CF Trust. On occasion I may wander off course (both in the blogging and literal sense), but hopefully you'll stick with me, and even more importantly, donate some money towards a fantastic cause.
1. I have a place for the Great North Run on Sunday 18th September 2011
2. I'll be running as part of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust team
3. I need to raise a minimum of £340 in order to race
And in an effort to spur myself on, and keep friends and relatives in far off places up to date with how I'm doing (if they're interested!) I thought I'd blog about the entire experience - the trials and tribulations of training for a half marathon, my fund-raising efforts and how successful they are, and also about cystic fibrosis, current therapies and the work of the CF Trust. On occasion I may wander off course (both in the blogging and literal sense), but hopefully you'll stick with me, and even more importantly, donate some money towards a fantastic cause.
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