Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Another first!

“If at first, the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it.”
Albert Einstein
This whole running a half-marathon thing seemed so absurd a few short months ago...not so much anymore. It's hard to believe it is less than 4 weeks away...SO exciting! Now, the idea of running a full marathon seems pretty absurd...I guess we'll see what the future holds ;)

Today I completed my first interval training...I started with an 800 meter slow jog warm up, then 5 X 400 meter intervals interspersed with 400 meter slow jog cool downs (no walking at all!) I then ended with a 1.5 mile slow run. I actually did these on the treadmill today as I wanted to get a feel for the suggested speed. We were warned that we should not be sprinting, but running faster than we could hold for a whole race. So, my speed intervals were at approximately 8.5min/mile. Here's the amazing part...I liked it! I recuperated quickly and I felt great when I was doing my slow run at the end...it was painless and I felt like I could have kept on keeping on forever. Speed was never something I thought about, but I used to dream of being able to run comfortably for miles...I can do that now! If someone had taken a picture, they would have once again caught me grinning to myself as I was running today :)

Plus...my ab pain is gone, I guess it was just a minor pull and because I didn't do any abs for a week, I was back to normal today...Yay! So, I did my jumps...if you decide to try these, please be sure to warm up well before you start, I have a feeling that may be the reason I hurt myself last week. Considering I had just finished my intervals on the treadmill, I was nicely warmed up. My whole workout felt great, I did 3 X 5 high and 5 long jumps (they're fun) and then the rest of my workout...which includes some nice core work. I want to give a shout out and special thanks to Laura for encouraging me to increase my core workouts through her challenge!

Today was a very encouraging day and I am getting SOOO excited about my first ever race this coming Sunday, which is a 10K!! The plan is to run it non-stop. The most I've ever run non-stop is 8K, yet I'm not worried about that...BUT, please let me not have to stop to desperately go to the washroom during the race (what a waste of precious time)! I have no time goals as this is my first experience, I just want to enjoy it and feel good. Anyways, no matter what my time is, it will be a PR :)

Cheers!

35 comments:

misszippy said...

Glad you are enjoying the intervals and prepping for the races! You'll do fine at the 10k--having all that company will give you plenty of motivation to go the extra 2k.

Emz said...

Enjoying intervals?! You are my hero!

Enjoy the race!!

Marlene said...

Great job on your first intervals! I really loe these workouts. I always find that they go by faster than I expected.

Great news that the ab pain has subsided also!

Jamoosh said...

Glad to hear the ab pain is gone. Let's hope it stays away!

RunKathyRun said...

Intervals will make you faster! Congrats on your first set of intervals and double bonus for enjoying them :-)

Char said...

Good luck with the run on Sunday. You're going so well - you'll manage that 10k fine.

Miglena said...

Cool! I can't wait to hear about your race on Sunday :)

ajh said...

You will do great. I can't wait to hear about it!!! You will think you have to go to the bathroom but I bet the feeling will go away and you will race with ease!!!

teacherwoman said...

Great job on your intervals! I love when running leaves a smile on my face!

Good luck Sunday! You're going to rock it, girl!

Robin said...

Three cheers for absurdity!! And you're really speaking the lingo - sounding like a runner for sure! Well done, friend! :)

Jamie said...

Hi! I just discovered your blog! Good luck on your first race coming up! My first race (5k) was a couple of weeks ago and it was fantastic! You'll have fun running yours. They're so exciting! :)

Heather said...

Nice job on the intervals. I love speedwork! Good luck with the race this weekend, you are going to do awesome!

Jennifer said...

You deserve to be excited, you are doing a fantastic job!

Steel Springs said...

Awesome job on the intervals! Good luck with the 10k this weekend. You're going to love it.

inspiREDtorun13 said...

Excited to read your 10k race report!

chris mcpeake said...

good luck with your first race. You will love it.
also congrats on your first intervals. Its good if you can enjoy it. I have such a love/hate relationship with speed work

Johann said...

I'm getting excited for you as well. Your 10k will be great and you are right to just go and enjoy it. With your determination a full marathon is definitely possible.

Amy said...

Doing intervals is so great for making your "usual" pace much more comfortable feeling and giving you that feeling that you could run all day...good job!
I know you are going to really enjoy your first race - just crossing the finish line is such a neat experience, plus running with everyone else. I bet you'll be hooked!

Anne said...

I love doing speedwork too, for the reasons you cited. Good luck on your upcoming 10k. It's a great distance for a first race.

kristen said...

YAY!!! Speedwork is my favorite. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I will make you faster!

Good luck this weekend. Your gonna totally run the whole thing with NO stops!

Linda said...

The amazing thing with racing is that you can do things that you never seem to be able to do on your own....10K non-stop will probably be an easy thing for you.

Darlene said...

Good luck! You're gutzy to do a 10k for your lst race!!

Melissa said...

You are going to kick butt in that race. I just know it.
GOOD LUCK

Laura said...

Glad your abs are better! Speedwork is great, I hate it while I'm doing it but I feel so accomplished afterwards! I'm excited for your race :-) Good luck! I can't wait to hear about it afterwards :-)

kilax said...

Welcome to the world of interval runs! They are great, aren't they?! I am happy you liked your first one so much!

Can't wait to hear about the 10K :)

Jill said...

Awesome on the intervals, girl!! That's so great. You're going to do very well in the half, I just know it, and I definitely see a full in your future!! :)

momof3 said...

That 10K will be SO MUCH FUN! You're going to do awesome! And remember: have fun, finish, PR. Because if you have fun, you're sure to finish, and if you finish, you'll have a PR!

Jon Gilchrist said...

definitely excited for your upcoming 10k!!! Go get it!!!!

Meg said...

Yes, you will PR! I'm excited for you, that first race is unforgettable. Soak up the moments and have fun. I know you'll be smiling the whole time.

Sherri said...

Awesome job on your intervals! I am so excited for you...racing is fun! Not just the actual race either...that is fun...but the energy from everyone else is my favorite!!!

SeeGirlRun said...

Intervals. You're awesome. I'm still at the "I'm running" phase of training. If I want to mix it up, I run harder. No fartleks, intervals, tempos. Don't even understand half of those. :-) You're my hero!! 4 weeks to go!

Laura

obxbchgrl said...

I just found your blog and am so glad there is another asthma runner out there! I was diagnosed with asthma when I was 14 and trying to run a mile in gym class. It didn't help that they had just cut the grass - which is what set off the events that led up to me being given the "don't ever run again" lecture from the doctor. He'd have a stroke if he knew I was a runner now!

Run on!

obxbchgrl
Phil 4:13

Tara said...

Whoohoo on your intervals! Sounds like you did a great job!

You'll be doing a marathon before we all know it. :)

Good luck on your 10K this weekend. ROck it!

Giorgio said...

I look forward to reading your race report.
A special good luck for your first race :)

MomRunningFromCancer said...

I am so very excited for you. I will be sending positive vibes to the north for your first race.

Above all else. Smile and ENJOY.