Half Marathon Training Begins...

Here is the post I know you've been waiting for!  I've been talking about starting my training for weeks.  I was going to start training on 12/28 but then the holidays happen and yeah it isn't a valid excuse but it is why I put it off. Today was our first "long run" day a 4 mile run.  The last time I ran was my 10K......in October.  To say I was a little nervous to go out on this run with BFF is an understatement. I could feel my throat tightening as we drove to the trail, the anxiety induced asthma trying to kick in.  BFF was a good girl and started her training when she was suppose to and I didn't. We've been panning on doing our long run weekends together but I am a little worried I'll drive her nuts. She claims to be ok with the whole idea of run/walking our half but she gets this gotta get it done attitude that takes over when we are running.  She gets antsy and just wants to be done running. Granted it worked out really great for our 10K. She went ahead and was able to keep the pace she wanted and I was able to not feel guilty for holder her back. Here is a little comic I drew to show the difference between my BFF & I when it comes to running.  (disclaimer slight exaggerations may have been included in this comic and the misspelling of the word Ow)

(again sorry for the misspelling of the word Ow)

As you can see she enjoys the act of running much more than I do. I keep on telling DH I really don't know why I run.  I truly do NOT like the act of running. I do like the way I feel after the run but during I am just trying to make sure I don't fall flat on my face and die. LOL!! Maybe once I get to the point where I can think about other things besides breathing I will enjoy running.

We headed out on our 4 miles today and I fell pretty good about how I did for not running since October.

• 4.1mi
  Distance
 
• 57:53
   Moving Time
 
• 14:13/m

14:13 min miles after almost 3 months no running and NO asthma attack!! This is a WIN in my book! We did intervals, walking and running.  Crazy to me to think that until Oct the furthest I'd ever ran was 3.2 miles(5K) and the my 10K(6.4 miles) then today we just jump right past the 5K point.  There were times my BFF kept me running when I would have stopped and walked. She could tell I was on the verge and she would say "ALMOST, we're almost there! Just a little bit further."  At the very end of the run we were on our last running interval & I could see where we had started like maybe a quarter of a mile ahead of us, maybe a little closer, and I took off. I felt like BFF and I wanted this run to be done. Her poor dog Athena didn't like it when I ran ahead of them, it upset her very much. BFF just held her back and told her sorry Athena, she is bookin it right now. According to my Garmin my pace was 10min and under.  On the way home I told BFF about how I was one of the fastest runners in Jr High and how in High school people wanted to know why I didn't run track, cause I was so fast.  She asked why I don't want to be like that again and that is cause I don't feel like the speeds I used to run are sustainable for long distance and now my goal is for longer distance but I wonder if it is possible after I shed some extra weight to get to that 10 min mile as my normal.

After today's 4 mile run with BFF & her dog Athena

This was also the first run I got to use one of my Christmas presents from hubby: My new compression socks.  I think I am in love with them.  Right now it is almost midnight and my thighs, butt & hips are tight and starting to get sore. my calves down where my compression socks were are 100% fine.  I didn't suffer from any shin pain like I was expecting after not running for so long.  They are not cheap but I fully believe they are worth their weight in gold.  Granted this was only my first run with them but there are many more coming.  I plan to blog a minimum of at least every weekend training run, even it if is just a short paragraph.