Running 101

It started with an idea. I made a decision. Then I told somebody...not just somebody, my trainer. I was feeling inspired after watching an episode of the Biggest Loser the night before. This group of obese people, ran a half marathon. One girl was from the Boise area and ran it at the Idaho Center. I thought to myself, "if she can do it, then I CAN do it". Vocalizing my goal made me accountable to it! And I certainly wasnt going to disappoint my trainer, or embarrass myself for that matter!

The first run was part of a crossfit inspired workout. The run was on a quarter mile. And I thought I was going to die! I couldn't make it without stopping...the first 2 times. Then by the third time I did it. The fourth time again I did it. This started it all. Because a light bulb went off for me. It is more mental that physical.

I started running at home. My goal was to get up a huge hill in my neighborhood, and then run the perimeter of the neighborhood. This was a total of one mile. It took me one week. My husband ran it with me, and I had to talk myself out of stopping the entire time. Literally, out loud, talking to myself! My husband laughed at me. But the next day I actually ran up the hill and kept going.

I continued this way. I would make several small goals that lead up to one major goal. The first major goal was to run a 10k. The ultimate goal was to run a Ragnar race in Arizona. For those of you unfamiliar with Ragnar, it is a 200 mile relay race. You take turns running with 11 of your friends. The race lasts around 30 hours...you run all day and all nite!

I can remember every milestone, the moments that I completed each small goal that led up to this ultimate goal. Remember it started with 1/4 mile, then 1 mile with a hill walk, then 1 mile with a hill run, then 1.5, then 2, then 2.5, then 3, then 4, then 6....and so on.

For me I have to take off and commit to the run. I dont run, then walk, then run. I visualize the run for hours before I take off. I know my route well ahead of time. For me, once I give into walking once, my concentration is broken. I wont hold myself accountable to run the rest of the way. Thats why I made so many small goals.

A couple of things that I always run with is an Ipod, special shoes only for running, and my Garmin. The Garmin changes the way you train. I love it, and cant go without it! I logged over 700 miles on that thing this year! It will keep my pace, distance, heart rate, and all my stats for all my runs! You can even map out your run and it will give you directions! It helps me know if I am on target with my goals. I would recommend it to anyone. I need good tunes too. It helps drown out all the negative thoughts that creep into my mind when I am feeling fatigued. A good play list is essential. I went to a running store and got fit for shoes. I spent a pretty penny, but it helped with my shin splints, and form. I only wear those shoes to run in. I wear other shoes for crosstraining.

I hope someone finds this helpful. I am not an authority on running, and I have a lot to improve on. But it has been a life changing journey for me. I am a healthier version of me. Even though I am not a fantastic runner, I enjoy it. I enjoy the personal challenge. I dont run for anyone else, I run for me. I always tell people that if you want to be a runner, just make the decision to do. Anyone can....seriously. If I can do it, anyone can!