Adventures in Running

Well, my running plans took a bit of a turn...not so much a U-turn, but just a turn. I went to the first meeting for the training program for the Jingle Bell Run and was completely overwhelmed. For starters, the guy who came up with the training program is a triathelete; he trains marathoners; and he trains Carl Lewis (yes, the fastest man on Earth). I knew that I was in trouble when I saw that the very first week of workouts consisted of a 2 mile run, 3 days a week and then a 3 mile run that next weekend. HUH? Once I came home and wrote all of the workouts on my calendar, I realized that this was just too much for me. On the days when I wasn't to be running miles and miles, he had planned for us to crosstrain, weight train, do group runs, etc. I couldn't imagine being able to do all of this, much less run my business and have a life! My goal for this race was to FINISH the race--not win it. I don't think that Mr. Marathon Master can even comprehend a person like me, who isn't a runner.

So, I called my friend, who's currently training for the NY Marathon and read the workout to her. She told me NOT TO DO THAT (and yes, she sort of yelled it at me). She said that it was way too much, way too soon and that I would hurt myself and never even make it to the Jingle Bell Run. With her help, I've scaled the workout back and am basically going at it by myself--listening to my knees, ankles and hips, yet challenging myself too. I've already noticed some improvements in my stamina and I find myself enjoying running--which I never really expected.

As for the Komen Race: with the Hurricane Rita mess, our vacation got pushed back and so the Komen Race got nixed, since it was the morning after we returned from our trip. I should have gone ahead and done it, but I didn't. So, now I'm planning to do the Great Pumpkin Fun Run on Oct. 29 and possibly the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. Hopefully these races will give me an idea of what I'm in for, for the 5mile Jingle Bell Run.