Let’s Run: Actually Running

It takes a little while to build your running legs. I knew this going into my running journey, but last week I wanted to just run. I get bursts like that-when I just want to take off an start running. I wouldn’t call it a runner high just yet-at least it doesn’t feel like that for me.

I know I’m not officially into half marathon training, but this is what I’ve been doing for those of you who are interested: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I run via the Couch to 10K app. Tuesdays I go for a long walk with the girls. Before the gym shut down, Thursdays were my spin class, since then I’ve been trying to get in some pilates or some weight work at home. It’s important to do some strength training when you are training to help boost your leg strength and overall strength.

So last week’s training went really well and now we are going into the tougher weeks. Wednesdays run was 8 minutes of running, 5 minutes walk and then another 8 minutes of running. Something I learned recently was that walking periods between runs are important. If you were like me, you would think well duh, you can rest, but it’s not just about catching your breath. It’s about letting your muscles get a break too. It has something to do with the tissues in your muscles and how they will become stronger with the walks.

Another interesting fact is many marathon runners walk for about a minute in their runs. Now we don’t see this most of the time because we obviously see them running, but it isn’t uncommon for them to walk in the middle of it all. My uncle ran a marathon and he said that he ran for 20 minutes and then walked for a minute, and then repeated throughout the 26.2 miles. He wasn’t the top finishers, but like me, that wasn’t his goal. He met his goal and that’s what matters.

I don’t know how exactly my half marathon training will go just yet, I’m still looking into what is the best program, but for right now I’m focusing on my current running and loving every minute of it so far. Can’t wait for the next run: 20 minutes without stopping. Let’s do this.