I was so discouraged yesterday and then I checked back to see how things were going in blog land and I was completely surprised! Well, honestly I shouldn't be surprised, I should know that I can always find the encouragement I need here.
Anyways, I ended up doing a lot of research after work yesterday and came to terms that even if this co-worker doesn't agree, I know that I am a runner! She also came back later in the afternoon and said that she knows I've "worked hard to get where I am". Even though it wasn't exactly what I would have liked to have heard, it did make me smile.
I felt great about myself last night, maybe even more then I should have. To think I could inspire even one person about running and fitness is more then a great achievement. I heart you all and you are each an amazing friend!
Steph, you asked me about treadmill walking/running and handling shin splints...you came to the right place!! I had horrible shin splints last year, I couldn't run/walk more then 30 minutes on the treadmill without severe pain and swelling. Luckily Derek is Mr. Runner and really taught me a lot about what my body was trying to tell me.
First, make sure you have good running shoes that fit you properly. I cannot stress enough what a good pair of well fitting shoes can do for you!
Second, get some insoles. I know, I just told you to spend the money on new shoes, but the insoles that come inside new shoes are usually firm and not meant for running on hard surfaces like a treadmill.
Third, strength. Derek taught me a bunch of little tricks to do while at work and while walking outside to get my legs ready for running. Walking down a steep hill before running. Walk on your heels or toes while getting ready in the morning. And my favorite, while at your desk, lift your leg into the air and draw each letter of the alphabet in the air with your big toe (it's harder then you think)!
Fourth, momentum. When I first started training on the treadmills I was all over the place. I couldn't get my breathing down, my feet were all over the place and often times I would run right off the mat :) I don't know what works for everyone else but I found that I needed to keep my back straight, my chin parallel to the treadmill and my eyes focused out in front of me, even if it means starring straight at a wall. If I try to watch TV or the monitor I am totally off balance and end up making a show!! I only look down at the end of a song to see where I am at and adjust speed/incline as needed.
Last, DON'T EVER GIVE UP! I know it sounds stupid, but really after 5 months of training I still had those moments where I wanted to give up during the 60 mile walk. Knowing what I have accomplished and what I can still do keeps me moving. I have taken days/weeks off from training but I always know that it is temporary and that I will get back on my schedule and kick Ars!
Okay, I've rambled enough. How about all of you, what do you do to prepare for a run/walk? What are your challenges and how have you overcome them?
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4 comments:
I'm finally back! I've been reading your blog all along though, just can't comment as much b/c I'm so impatient with dial-up.
Anyhow....someone who ISN'T a RUNNER would not have been able to tell us all of those tips and tricks. How awesome!
I also want to mention that you had a major surgery not so long ago and you were back in the game in no time!
WOW - thanks for the tips and I tried that alphabet thing - you're right, that is hard!! LOL
I'm going to use your advice when i get the green light to start exercising again......I can do this, I know I can! You are an inspiration and don't you ever ever ever forget it!!
(((HUGS)))
Oh good, I'm glad you're feeling better. You should feel great about yourself - no such thing as "more than you should have" IMHO.
As far as preparing, I had shin splints and getting fitted for good running shoes was the key for me.
My husband had them, too, and for him it helped to have good shoes AND strengthen the leg muscles through other non-running exercises.
I haven't tried the alphabet exercise - I'll have to do that!
Oh, breathing. Learning to breathe was also key. There are lots of websites out there written by runners that are much smarter than me, so I won't go into it here, but check into breathing.
I'm still in the c25k plan and on week 6. I just started week 6. i used to get shin splints too but (knock on wood) i don't anymore. i'm sorry someone rained on your parade but i'm glad you bounced back!
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