SheRunz: Week 5: Updates

Here I sit on a Thursday night. My knee and hip both sore, leaving me nothing but discouraged and scared. Tonight is the night where I may need to lower standards for myself. Nights like these require ear buds, two Gritty's Pub Style beers, and the company of my pets and fiance. It still feels so different saying that. Fiance, fiance, fiance. Yep, still feels funny.

Though I tell people I have been "training", I admit that I haven't been training as hard as I should be for these upcoming races. My goal for the half marathon: under two hours. My goal for the full marathon: under 4 hours.

Okay-- Before I get to the depressing/bad news I am going to put the good first. Joe and I bought a kitten two weeks ago. His name is Louie. No bigger than a football, this kitten has a lot of personality. The best part is: he isn't the typical "shitty kitty". He uses his litter box when needed, cuddles, plays gently, and most of all, he loves Tia and Joe! .. or ... Mom and Dad? Since I am new to the area, Louie has been a wonderful companion. He really listens to all of my problems, and provides little critical feedback. Why can't all men be like Louie? ;)

Louies hobbies: Cuddling, and reading the Hunger Games.

Meet Mr. Louie.

Louie, paying bills.

With all of the cuteness aside. I have been torn with training. During the week my runs seems TOO easy. Meanwhile, I feel physically and mentally unprepared for my long runs. I know that beginner-intermediate plans are supposed to be like this, and yet I still feel like I am being fooled by the experts. There is something about the double digit distance that still churns my stomach.

Last year I had a large support group (all runners). Within ten minutes I was able to find at least two girls to run with at any time of the day. Right now I would give my left... pinky.. (seems less grueling) for that. I have indeed found a couple of people to run with on occasion, however the real world provides road blocks with planning dates. Am I the only one who is realizing this?! ..

Anyways. Things WILL get better. I will be increasing my visits with my chiropractor (who is excellent) for the next few months. With his advice I will decide if I am setting myself up for a hip replacement or not. If I am, I will be one funny looking bride, because I am NOT going to give up on running.. yet.

Here is my progress for the week. This is the first time I will be posting times. Yes, I have gotten slower since college. And it sucks. A lot.

Fifth Week:
August 13th-August 19th

Monday:
Always a rest day!

Tuesday:
Track workout. 6X3 minutes 75-80% intensity.
50 crunches & 5 pushups between intervals. One mile warmup/cooldown.

Wednesday:
Rest

Thursday:
3.3 miles-- Slow morning run. 33:00 minutes. This is a very slow time for me.
1 mile- Evening run. 8:14 minutes.

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday:

The rest of the week will be updated. Tomorrow I plan to run 3-5, Saturday will be a 12 miler, and Sunday will be a slow 2-3 shake out, and possible swimming if my hip is hurting.