Love/hate relationships are complicated. I hate running; I think I've been pretty clear about that. It feels awkward to me, it hurts, and I feel like a complete failure each time I try and can't go more than a few yards (this is not hyperbole). However, those people who know me best know I have a considerable stubborn streak. And so I have been running. A little, not a lot, but more than ever before. And I have to say, I kind of love it. Not while I'm doing it...I definitely don't love running while I'm running. But I love that I am running on a fairly regular basis. And I most definitely love the feeling I have after a run. Vanquishing demons comes with an amazing sense of accomplishment.
So I've learned that I really prefer to run on a treadmill with great music and people around to distract me. The treadmill also eliminates the concern about uneven pavement or roots sticking up on a wooded path. I feel much more sure-footed and somewhat less likely to face-plant on a treadmill. I've also learned that I feel better when I stretch out my stride. Tiny little slow shuffling steps seem like they would require less effort, but to me that feels awkward and seems to use fewer muscles so they become fatigued sooner. It feels good to use the muscles in the front of my leg to stretch my foot forward, and then give them a rest while the muscles in the back of my leg push the road behind me. Small steps also make it seem like I'm not getting anywhere. I want to move, get it done, get it over with! When I'm outside, it's motivating to see the earth move below my feet.
Probably the greatest discovery, which has really helped me to get over the initial hump, has been that I need a good warm up, and then a period to catch my breath, before I can really go very far at all. During our regular BWLC workouts, we start out with a routine warm up that usually includes a short run. By the time that is over, I'm barely breathing. Gasping! Wheezing! Ugh! But then I have a few minutes to learn about our workout plan, and during that time, my breathing slows down so that I'm pretty sure I'm not going to die. After that, I'm good to go. We do cardio as part of our circuit training, and frankly I'm sucking wind during a lot of the strength exercises, too, but it's nothing like that initial shock to my system during the warm up. Applying this pattern to my running at home, I realized that I need to give myself some time to regulate my breathing and calm down before I really make an effort at continuous exertion. Instead of hitting the wall and stopping, I'm able to continue on and build some endurance.
To learn more about the mechanics of running and building endurance, I've been reading the book Running With Curves by Jill Angie. I also downloaded an app on my phone to help train for a 5K. The BWLC gals will be participating in the Run for Haven to benefit Haven Hospice here in Gainesville, which is coming up in a little less than a month, and I hope to be able to run at least a mile of it. Right after that is the March of Dimes March for Babies, which has been a focus of mine for several years, since my kiddos were born 9 weeks early. I have set a goal to finish the 8.6 miles in less than 4 hours. You can find sponsorship info here, if you care to show your support in a monetary way (*ahem*): http://www.marchforbabies.org/aksibiski .
You will still hear me mumble (or scream), "I hate this, I hate this, I hate running!" if you ever join me for a quick jog around the neighborhood. My BWLC4 homies can attest to this every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. From what I understand, most runners chant that same mantra for at least the first mile. Well, since I'm only up to actually running for about a half-mile total, I don't expect to overcome that loathing anytime soon. But it certainly helps to keep me moving forward, knowing that it's a perfectly normal - almost universal - feeling, and that it's not just a sign of how out of shape or weak I am. Actually, I take it as a sign of how strong I am; despite the anguish and difficulty I'm still doing it. I'm vanquishing demons, in my running shoes.
I am so glad you posted this. I have always wanted to "be" a runner and have tried at different points in my life to learn how to find the right balance of stride, pace and breathing, breathing, breathing. I, too, find the pitter patter shuffle to be more difficult than taking my natural stride/pace (is it in the genes?). I am going to try your warm up technique to see if that helps with endurance. It sounds like you're making awesome progress!
ReplyDeleteYou can do it. As I tell Darcy when we ride the bike, just keep pedaling, just keep pedalling... in this case you just need to think drive way to driveway to driveway.
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