Didn't die while running - Yay me!
I'm feeling rather fit, smug and awfully pleased with myself.
First I have a disclaimer: I am new to running. I started at the beginning of the year and, due to plantar fasciitis, really haven't advanced as fast as most people would. Thus achievements that please me would probably shame a more experienced runner. Other runners probably would take pride in getting a personal best on a marathon. I'm ecstatic if I simply survive a training session.
Anyway, what's got me so proud is that I finally ran all the way around Albert Park Lake (4.9 km) without stopping! Okay, well, it was more like a jog all the way around the lake. Actually, truth be told, I ran so slowly I swear was overtaken by power-walkers, children on tricycles and an old lady on crutches. But I made it, and that's the important thing!
Someone on a runner's forum I visit had great advice for beginner runners - go for distance rather than speed at first. If you run as slow as humanly possible, even slowing yourself down if you need to, you'll be able to run several kilometres whereas previously you may only have been able to run a few hundred metres. Once you've got the distance then go for the speed. This seems to be working for me. Over the last couple of months, even with Plantar Fasciitis, I've been slowly building up distance. Now I've got all the way around the lake I'm going to try to do it slightly faster each time. And since I actually enjoy running using this method I actually look forward to my next run whereas exercise used to be a chore for me in the past.
Other people swear by interval running and walking (for instance, running for 30 seconds then walking for two minutes and slowly building up the running time and decreasing the walking time). I tried that a year ago and it just didn't work for me. I ended up dreading the running bits, and I didn't want that. I wanted to enjoy running. I hated it so much I gave it up after a couple of weeks. But everyone's different, and many runners have successfully started running that way so I guess it boils down to whatever works for you.
I managed to do the 4.9 km in 37 minutes and 21 seconds. That works out to 7.8 km per hour. I think. I dunno. I'm just as crap at maths as I am at running. But I'm still rather pleased with myself for not dropping dead on the way!
Comments
Well done. And a Graduate, too. Love the Banner Bear!
Go, you!
I have plantar fasciitis, too -- and my new orthotics are helping tremendously. I hope you get them if you don't have them already.
Your small steps and small accomplishments mean everything, because you can get there from here. One of my friends started by running in place in her bedroom for a few minutes at a time, then running back and forth across her basement because she was overweight and didn't want to be seen running. Today she runs marathons, trains other people and has written books about running.
It's a good point that the run/walk method works for some. I like the sounds of your slow run method.
I have always hated running, so I am biking and swimming to TRY and get fit.
I think the key (NOT being an expert in any way) is to find something you enjoy enough to keep doing it!
Bookmole - I used to smoke too. Luckily(?) I got really sick about six years ago, to the point where I physically couldn't smoke so I was finally able to kick the habit. I'd never say quitting is easy since I'd tried about ten times previously, but I swear it's worth it if you want to do it!
Laurie - I haven't seen a podiatrist yet. Being a student I simply haven't been able to afford it. If the PF hasn't got better by mid-year I'm seriously considering going into debt to get it fixed, though. I'm glad to hear the orthotics worked for you. It gives me hope that there's still some treatments left to try!
Lauri - You're so right that you need to find something you enjoy! Now that I've found a way to enjoy running it's made it a lot easier to keep motivating myself! Now if I could only do the same with resistance exercises....
Charlie 5-0 - I'll definitely sign up as your running buddy! I've heard of the iPod/Nike thing and it's supposed to be really good. I just use an MP3 player but I find the music is great to run to - especially if you find a song where the beat matches your footfalls. My only advice (aside trying go-slow or interval walk-run to see which suits you) is to get really, really good shoes! On the runners forum I go to they recommend seeing a podiatrist who will analyse the way you run and tell you exactly what shoe you need. Failing that there are specialty running stores that can check your gait and recommend different types of shoes (that's what I did). It's worth investing in the best quality, most appropriate footwear to avoid injuring yourself (I used to go power-walking in madly inappropriate footwear, which is how I got the plantar fasciitis). The other advice I follow that I got from a book is never increase your training by more than 10% per session - you can either add 10% more distance or 10% more speed, don't try for anything more than that or you may hurt yourself.
Demon Kitty - You do kick boxing classes? You're braver than me! I did martial arts as a teenager and the teachers at school used to think I was being beaten at home I was covered in so many bruises. And yes, vodka is my poison of choice! When I was doing Weight Watchers we discovered that the lowest calorie way to get pissed was vodka and diet cola. Not sure if there are extra calories in infused vodkas. I rather hope not as I love them so much! I am very jealous of your Absolut Raspberry. Nice choice! I have to watch my drinking more for my weight than anything else. Oh, and to try not to kill too many brain cells while I'm still studying. And maybe the cost too. But damn it's fun!