I read that quote Sunday morning after coming back from finishing my run and it instantly made me feel better. Not that I had a bad run, it was actually quite a nice one. A bit slower than normal, but I'm sure that had to do with the spontaneous dancing I did a couple of times when a good song came on my iPod. I know....I'm a bit weird.
In fact, all my runs have been really great this week. The only thing I am struggling with is getting myself on a consistent schedule but that will come with time, I'm sure of it. Four of the runs were following week 3 of the C25k program, the last run (today's run in fact) was a combination of running and walking on my own. I'm finding when I don' follow the C25k program, I'm able to run faster and longer. I don't know why but each time I've done a "free run" that has been the case. I dunno.
Week 4 of the C25k program starts tomorrow. Again, looking ahead it doesn't look like it'll be too bad. I am however a bit terrified by week 5. Running for 20 minutes without walking---oiy vey. But, I have another week to prepare for that challenge before I really have to worry about it!
I've also decided to set little mini-goals for myself to meet each week. I think it'll be nice to have something to small to work towards as well instead of always focusing on the "big picture", which to be honest I'm not even sure what that is right now. This past week, my goal was to run 5 days. Seems simple, right? It is simple until you are cursing your alarm clock each morning. I know the C25k program says you should run and have a break day in between, but like I said last week, I've come to rely on this new morning routine to get my days started and I feel so much better after getting out there and doing it!
This weeks goal is to run 12 miles. It's just shy of 2.5 miles per day, which I think is pretty doable. Right now I'm averaging right about 2.2. miles so adding two-tenths of a mile to each run shouldn't be to bad.
Does anyone else give themselves weekly goals/challenges?
Happy running!
Little victories: This week was the first time I didn't feel "embarrassed" to be out running. I know that sounds a bit weird, but there has always been a little, annoying, nagging voice in the back of my head mocking me. This week that voice was replaced by another reassuring me that I'm doing great and reminding me that the only person I am doing this for is myself.
Little victories: This week was the first time I didn't feel "embarrassed" to be out running. I know that sounds a bit weird, but there has always been a little, annoying, nagging voice in the back of my head mocking me. This week that voice was replaced by another reassuring me that I'm doing great and reminding me that the only person I am doing this for is myself.
I used to be totally self-conscious about running in public. But a friend told me this -- "Other runners you see are focused only on themselves. And anyone who isn't running, sees you and wishes they could run too. So really, no one's judging you." That helped me tremendously, and it's seemed to be very true.
ReplyDeleteI don't set weekly running goals (mostly because it's only a piece of my fitness routine), but I try to set monthly ones. Nike Plus has some good goal suggestions too, and I usually sign up for those.
Sounds like you're doing really well with the running. Keep it up!