When I started training for the NYC Half (and right up to race day), I was nervous, apprehensive. I didn't know if I could do it. After all, I had never really run much before and 3 or 4 miles seemed to be hard (still is sometimes!). I feel different now. I know I can do it - that most of us can do it - and it really is a matter of just putting in the work.
With a gradual training program it really is just a matter of gently increasing the training.If you can run 7, you can run 9. If you can do 14, you can do 16. Just slowly building up the strength until you get there.
So today was day 1. 125 days to go until I become a marathon runner. In all honesty it was a bit of a false start (pun intended). Because my long runs are Sunday, today was a cross training day, and tomorrow is a rest day, though I may run to give some flexibility later in the week with the July 4th Holiday. So at 5.45am I was out on the bike in Central Park. 70 degrees, gorgeous. A great reminder of why we live here. It is amazing how different the muscles are that you use for cycling compared to running. I always think it will be a breeze cycling round the park, but not so! Still, it was just as well using different muscles. My 7 miler yesterday was horrific. I think most of the problem was the humidity, which I hate. The run was much tougher than the 10 last week. Still, you get through it somehow, slowing down if you need and just knowing that you can't stop until the end. That is the ultimate goal for 4 months time. Let the training commence!
With a gradual training program it really is just a matter of gently increasing the training.If you can run 7, you can run 9. If you can do 14, you can do 16. Just slowly building up the strength until you get there.
So today was day 1. 125 days to go until I become a marathon runner. In all honesty it was a bit of a false start (pun intended). Because my long runs are Sunday, today was a cross training day, and tomorrow is a rest day, though I may run to give some flexibility later in the week with the July 4th Holiday. So at 5.45am I was out on the bike in Central Park. 70 degrees, gorgeous. A great reminder of why we live here. It is amazing how different the muscles are that you use for cycling compared to running. I always think it will be a breeze cycling round the park, but not so! Still, it was just as well using different muscles. My 7 miler yesterday was horrific. I think most of the problem was the humidity, which I hate. The run was much tougher than the 10 last week. Still, you get through it somehow, slowing down if you need and just knowing that you can't stop until the end. That is the ultimate goal for 4 months time. Let the training commence!
Hey David - came across this while on the NYC Marathon fb page. I'll be running the NYC Marathon this year for the Bob Woodruff Foundation team. Last year, my company asked me to write an article about marathons for the company-wide e-newsletter. It got pretty chopped up and edited from the original version, but you may find it an interesting read as it's about training for my first marathon and everything I went through, (summed up.) Email me if you have any questions, I can give you a different perspective on training as I'm in no way, shape or form, an "expert" in marathon running or training. Here's the link for it, "Run for Your Life" - Terry
ReplyDeletehttp://getmetlifeautoandhome.com/pub/sf/FormLink?_ri_=X0Gzc2X%3DWQpglLjHJlTQGzbnDL8zfzg0zco6uHFiUgOd61C4sRoh9wDBb81GHOVXMtX%3DWQpglLjHJlTQGlYlPaR7AzdRd4zbMweoUBOlPARe1lTPHMfmw46R&_ei_=EolaGGF4SNMvxFF7KucKuWNFZFaognLUVSP2CQIYJHko8t7fcArFecvqsPX_5b0.
Thanks Terry
ReplyDeleteYou are running for a great cause, hope you raise a bunch of cash.
THe article was interesting indeed, always good to know what to expect and that you are not alone!
David