Ohmigoodness! I am so torn about whether or not I should join this run club. I went today to buy shoes and some gear for running outside in the cold. (I saved all the receipts in case I decided to return them.) It starts in February and we begin by training for a 7K that’s in May. I want to do it, but I’m seriously doubting that I can, and I do not want to be the girl that quits.
They have some great runs throughout the year including a dog run in July. It sounds tempting, but sooooo hard. I have never been a runner, and I’m just not feeling that positive about it.
Here is the schedule:
- Week 1 – Walk 10 minutes, jog 2 minutes
- Week 2 – Walk 6 minutes, jog 4 minutes
- Week 3 – Walk 6 minutes, jog 6 minutes
- Week 4 – Walk 4 minutes, jog 8 minutes
- Week 5 – Walk 3 minutes, jog 10 minutes
- Week 6 – Walk 2 minutes, jog 12 minutes
- Week 7 – Walk 6 minutes, jog 16 minutes
- Week 8 – Walk 5 minutes, jog 20 minutes
- Week 9 – Walk 5 minutes, jog 30 minutes, walk 5 minutes
- Week 10 – Walk 5 minutes, jog 35 minutes, walk 5 minutes
What to do…
As someone who was never a runner yet went on to run marathons, I feel the need to tell you (even without knowing you!) that you are totally capable of this. Two years ago I started running short distances, just a little at a time. When my friend joined a marathon training club, I tagged along only to challenge myself to run longer distances. I never dreamed I would actually run a marathon, let alone three in the same year. But really, truly, all it takes is dedication: putting one foot in front of the other. If you show up and train with a group and stick to the schedule, your body will totally respond and you’ll meet the new running challenge each week. The distance may seem daunting at first, but it’s just a matter of building endurance week after week.
I was always intimidated by the idea of running long distance, but it was so rewarding once I actually got in the habit of doing it. So if you are looking for any extra encouragement, here it is!! Good luck with your decision!!
January 6, 2009 | 12:26
