Roughly 7 weeks ago I started doing Hal Higdon’s 5k Novice Training program to try and get back into running. I liked that it started out very slow…with 1.5 mile runs to start…which is what I needed because that’s where my base running all came from, but somehow, somewhere I forgot my roots in running. Just over 10 years ago I started working out to lose weight for a few different reasons. Back then I would do 20-30 minutes of cardio on a machine before strength training (treadmill, bike, or elliptical). I still remember the first time I ever ran 3 miles in one shot. It was a miracle and something I never thought would be possible because if I ran outside it would be a mile or two and then I’d be done. Running any type of long distance was out of the question. Fast forward a few more years and I started training for a half-marathon. (Because that’s what everyone’s first race should be right?) Well ever since then my minimum run would be 3 miles, no less, because let’s face it I was a long distance runner and I should be running 3 to 5 to 8 miles at a time without a thought. Somewhere in the last 4 or 5 years my mindset regarding running changed. Even though I reached goals I thought were unattainable – I finished a half marathon in under 2 hours (1hr 55mins) and I ran a 10k in 52:38 (an 8:28 pace), goals I thought were going to take me at least 2 or 3 more years to reach, I did them, but certain things still weren’t good enough, and at some point running became too much like work. It was painful, and it just wasn’t any fun at all. I’m thankful I took a break in 2015, and I’m looking forward to 2016. HH’s 5k training program was a great mix of walking, running, and rest. While I admit, any day that said Rest or Run/Walk, I chose to Rest. There was only one run I missed in the entire 7 weeks, and 2 walking days that I missed, to me that’s impressive. It can be so easy to find other excuses to not do the work – it’s too cold, I’m too tired, etc…I stuck to it. The training program is supposed to go one more week, culminating with a 5k race, but because my next race is still 3 1/2 weeks away I will be “graduating” to the 10k Novice Training Program, and I’m looking forward to building strength and cross training into those workouts, after all strength is a huge part of the success I found with running a few years back when I hit those [unattainable] goals.
Check out Hal’s 5k Training Program: http://halhigdon.com/training/50933/5K-Novice-Training-Program
To support me as I run the Freeze Out 5k to help end homelessness, donations can be made by clicking this link: http://rescuemission.donorpages.com/SyracuseFreezeOut5K2016/MonicaEverdyke2013/