Plan for straight running (Read 472 times)

I've never heard of running wizard before, but I sent you an email through there. When you referenced it yesterday I searched all over RA for it, I didn't realize it was separate.

 

I'm only surprised that it took 11 posts to come out (wait - did I mean that?)

I see what you did there.

Amy, no advice for you, just a big hug and a good luck! And my own story, of course. (we all have one, after all. :-))

I remember in my early 30s (when I was maybe fitter overall than I am now), I was so frustrated that I couldn't run longer than 12 minutes without having the urge to stop. Each attempt at running would end after about 7 days because of this. I would try running twice or three times a year and it always ended the same way, with me thinking the hell with it... Ten years later, I changed my method.  I decided to run that 12 continuous minutes, then walk 200 steps, then run again 5 minutes, walk, etc.. It was sort of disorganized. I just went with how I felt. First few days, it must have been a 30 min run/walk. Within two or three weeks, I could run about 45 minutes non-stop, because I kept extending the first all-running part of my runs. I kept the same method (run/walk), until I could run 90 minutes non-stop, before taking a litle walk break. Last week, I ran a 24 mile LR, and I stopped once for water. That's 5 years later... So you see, I didn't really go with a ratio, like a 9-1 run/walk, but instead, I would run as long as I could, would take a few minutes of walking, and resume running as long as I felt I could again and I built on that. But it started really small, you see? :-)There is always a little extra energy left in us. Take a little break and start running again to get that extra distance in. Of course, there are other methods, and mine was sort of all over the place, but I always kept track of that first all running part and made sure it was getting longer and longer, week after week.

Remember that we are all different when it comes to progress. You must know Heidi? She did in 8 months what took me 5 years to accomplish. At first, I saw this as discouraging for myself. But I realized that it is counterproductive to think like that. What makes us strong individuals is that we do not give up, we try again and again.

Anyway, this was in no way advice for you, just a little story to show you that you are not alone. We've all experienced our share of frustrations and questioned our own abilities. Do not despair, the ability to run continuously is there in you. (((Amy)))

Good discussion.

You have the basics, 3 to 6 runs each week, combine jogging with walk breaks, gradually increase distance of long run each week, and be consistent. You will find that as you do long runs it will be hard. but once you have done a certain distance anything significantly less will seem easier. Also, even after running and training for long distance I find the first 2 to 3 miles the most difficult. Something keeps telling me that it is too hard, better to lay on the couch and watch TV! But it really takes time for muscles to warm up and the circulation going and after a few miles I reach "the zone" where I can run at a comfortable pace without really thinking about it. Kind of being in an alpha state where I may just daydream or think about other things. It also helps to use "magical thinking" to overcome the rational part of your mind that is telling you that you're tired and to to stop running. For example: if you are running outdoors look around, Look up at the sky, see children playing, horses in the fields, ocean waves, etc. and imagine adsorbing the positive energy from these making you less tired. Some people pretend to have magic shoes or have a giant hand gently pushing them along. Whatever visualization works for you. You can also try an MP-3 player if traffic is not too bad, anything to distract that part of the mind that wants you to stop. Another useful technique is to break your run up in your mind. Don't think of how much total distance you have yet to run, instead visualize a goal of something not as far like "I am going now up to that big tree" or "I will keep running to the top of this hill". These ideas might seem silly, but they can work for you. Don't push too hard and become discouraged or injured, it is OK to slow down, walk or stop if you need to. Again, be consistent and only gradually increase until you reach your goal. Good luck!