Reflections on my first 12 weeks of training

1. I was not in running shape and I tried to do too much too soon
2. Running during the heat of the summer is TOUGH
3. Felt great during the first few weeks. Have felt weak the last few (need to eat better)
4. Running in the rain is fun
5. Although it's happened very little, running with a partner helps pass the miles
6. So far, running zaps me for the rest of the day
7. People that run love to talk about running (which is great)
8. I have looked forward to almost every running day
9. Running on asphalt is tougher on the body than off road running
10. Have ran two races and pleased with both results (Sunset Run: 25:06; Duck Run: 24:23)
11. Drinking water is important but for runners it is crucial
12. You can't run hard every day (sort of goes against the nature of wanting to push harder to get better - it just takes time)
13. Your metabolism goes through different stages - some weeks I couldn't eat enough
14. Having a watch that can track splits can be helpful
15. As long as my body allows and I have the interest, I'm going to continue running
    

3 Miler (let it all hang out)

Since this was the last run of the 12 week schedule I thought I would go hard. Because it was just 3 miles I could simulate a 5k race. I felt really good because I had taken off two days. Each of those two days I had to push mow a yard. I believe the walking did me a lot of good. My splits were:

1. 7:43
2. 7:40
3. 7:29 (22:52)

That is my personal record for 3 miles. Those mile splits are some of fastest I have ran outside of a race. My best race mile was 7:10 (mile 1 of the Duck Run).

Hurray - the 12 weeks is over!

Hurray - I've got a new schedule to start Tuesday.

24:23 - 3 mile run

How is that for coincidence? The time 24:23 was the finish time for the Duck Run two weeks ago.

It was misty this afternoon. It has been raining hard all day. Physically I felt really good. Yesterday I felt like I was struggling but today was much better.

I'm looking forward to the cooler weather. It was about 73 at running time (3pm) today. I can tell a huge difference than running in the heat a couple months back. Back then there were a couple of days that I had to stop because the heat was so bad. I think the temps today are the reason why my body felt better. For certain it makes breathing easier.

When I got home I felt the temptation not to go out. I have been sleepy during the day the last two days at work. Today I wasn't quite as sleepy as yesterday but I was still tired. It almost kept me in but I pushed out the door.

10k Running Schedule

Here is the beginners schedule for 10k. Got this from here. I will be starting this on 09/29/2009.

Week	Mon.	Tue.	Wed.	Thu.	Fri.	Sat.	Sun.
1	Off	4M	3M	4M	Off	4M	4M
2	Off	Fartlek (4M)	4M	3M	Off	3M	5M
3	Off	Fartlek (4M)	4M	3M	Off	3M	6M
4	Off	4-5 hills 5K-10K pace	3M	4M	Off	4M	7M
5	Off	5 x 440s 5K-10K pace	4M	5M	Off	4M	6M
6	Off	3-4 Long Hills 5K-10K pace	4M	5M	Off	3M	5K Race (Or 7M)
7	Off	5M	3M	5M	Off	3M	8M
8	Off	4-5 Long Hills 5K-10K pace	3M	4M	Off	3M	10K Race (Or 7M)
9	Off	4M	3M	6 x 880s 5K-10K pace	Off	4M	6M
10	Off	5 x 440s 5K-10K pace	3M	5M	Off	4M	5M
11	Off	5 x 880s 5K-10K pace	3M	4M	Off	3M	5M
X 12	Off	Fartlek (4M)	3M	3M	Off	2M	RACE DAY

I was planning on taking a week off between the 5k and 10k but I've changed my mind. I just need to charge right ahead. I have a conference I'm attending for work the week of Oct 18th. I probably won't get to do much running during that week. I'm going to try but will have to wait and see.

4.3 Miles

Beginning my last week of my 12 week 5k schedule. Wow, it doesn't seem like it has already been 12 weeks.

Nothing special today. Just a run from the house. The humidity was really tough. I was soaked when I got finished.

Route from the house