Monday, March 5, 2012

The start

A few weeks ago, Rich and I were discussing the half marathon held at Disney in the fall. He seemed enthusiastic about us actually running it until I reminded him that it starts at 10 PM, which if I wasn't suffering from 5+ years of sleep deprivation would work in my favor. I've always preferred running at night. I am not a morning person and I have much more energy at the end of the day.

I was reading an article in Runner's World magazine after that discussion and I was suddenly inspired. It's been months and months since my last run and I miss it. I miss pounding away my frustrations. I miss feeling fit and strong. It has just been so hard lately to come up with the energy to actually get out there (or on the treadmill) and push myself. And I hate to say this too but sometimes I'm discouraged by the fact that I'm not very fast and never will be. It is sometimes uninspiring to read running blogs written by fast runners.

I like to start my running week on Monday. And that's exactly what I did last week. I dug my running sneakers out of the downstairs closet and fired up the treadmill Monday night. I fear an overzealous injury so I started off slow and ran only 1 mile. I did walk one lap (.25 miles) first as a warm-up. Our treadmill isn't calibrated but it felt like I was running between 10:45 - 12:00 minute miles. (I start off slow and increase with each lap.)

It is what it is.

I did another mile on Wednesday and another mile on Friday. My hips hurt during that first run but I've felt fine otherwise. I didn't wake up with noodle legs or pain the next day. I definitely feel like I can run more but I'll slowly increase my mileage so as to avoid injury. I've also been doing crunches, which my doctor says is okay even though my abdominal muscles are separated. The separation begins right below my sternum and extends past where my belly button used to be. My doctor told me that it can only be fixed surgically but I have read that there are other methods (such as certain exercises) that can help decrease the separation. I haven't done any research on this though. (I'm sure it will say that what I'm doing is wrong.)

Each time I pick up running, I become more lax in my training. My goal now is to simply run 3 (maybe 4) times a week. I'm not going to obsess over every mile or my time. It is what it is. Rich and I are looking into a 5K or two this spring. I'm not sure how that's going to work with the girls though. (In the past, he has pushed the three of them in our triple jogger.)

If you were of a certain age in 2001, you may enjoy my playlist. And to keep it like it's 2001, these are from CDs that I burned specifically to listen to while I ran on the treadmill back in the day.
  • Everlong - Foo Fighters

  • Rat in a Cage - Smashing Pumpkins

  • Lazy Eye - Goo Goo Dolls

  • Casual Affair - Tonic

  • If You Could Only See - Tonic
So I don't plan on becoming a running blog but I will share what I've been doing from time to time like I've done in the past. I also want to throw this out there for those who are newbies to running - wear real running shoes. Don't wear the sneakers that you've been wearing to the gym. Go to a real running/sports store and get fitted. There are different types of sneakers for different body types and feet.

14 comments:

Wendy said...

You guys could come to PA and run some dinky races with me :) Josh and my family can wrangle all the kids! I'm trying to decide if I want to run a short 5k on March 17th. There's a 10K option but my running has sucked this winter (compounded by the treadmill that arrived BROKEN). I'm going to run a half in September. That's really all I'm looking forward to doing.

Unknown said...

My sister joined a special post-baby Pilates class that covered women who had injury (Her ribs were separated too- and it's improving slowly but surely!!) Run on- and good luck!

Megan said...

Long time lurker here, and I finally have something to contribute! I am a HUGE fan of Disney races. Already ran two this year. I did Wine & Dine the first year, and I'll be back sometime, I'm sure, but I agree - it starts so late!!!

Slow runners rock. My half PR is a 2:49 and I'm delighted to be making progress. If you're looking for a friendly place to chat about running and Disney things, I'm part of a forum at www.runningoftheears.com. Very friendly, all are welcome :) I'm elbowglitter over there, aka Megan :)

Just the Tip said...

I think it's amazing that you, a full time mom of triplets finds the time to run at all! You should not let the fact that you don't think you are fast discourage you. You're not doing this for other people or for fast runners. It's something you enjoy that is good for you.

And I hear you on the muscle separation it really discouraged me from trying to do anything since I didn't think anything would 'fix it'

sarah said...

good job pushing yourself! i have one child, a 9 month old little girl and i haven't even found the energy to start working out again (not a runner but i love to walk!)...so good for you!:)

p.s. loooove smashing pumpkins. brings back teenage memories. lol.

Becky said...

I used to love all those songs.

And I know all about trying to push yourself too much right away, I have had so many feet and knee injuries in the past from doing just that, but it so discouraging to have to start over.

Lily said...

I think it's great that your daughters will see their parents put time into staying in shape. My memories of gym day care still stick with me today when I work out.

I'm not sure why, considering it's not a particularly quick song, but I love exercising to All That You Are (Goo Goo Dolls). Must be their lyrics

Laura Donohue said...

Good luck with running. I'm not a runner at all but am trying to jog on the treadmill just to get back into shape.

I adore Everlong! I remember listening to that song over and over again in college. For some reason I remember hearing it on an episode of Road Rules (remember that show?), so it always reminds me of that.

Michelle said...

I can tell we are the same age and grew up with the same musical tastes. I love your playlist.

Sarah said...

Wendy - that would be so much fun! But only when it's warm out - lol.

Me - Rich ran the Disney Marathon 6 years ago and loved! Thanks for the link to that forum!

Lily - I run to all Goo songs - I always follow the drums - even if it is slow.

Thanks everyone for your comments. I love how some of you like the same music.

CJ said...

I LOVE EVERLONG!! Great song!!

Rebecca said...

Have you heard of the Color Run? I think that would be so much fun! Especially if you take the girls!

Sarah said...

Becca - I had to look up Color Run. They don't have any around here. I'm a Type A - I don't think I couldn't handle this - lol.

Emily said...

I think that is a respectable goal with toddler triplets!!

I had to remove some fast runners from my googlereader. It was just depressing, both their times and dedication to training...