|
|
|
Pre-training is going kind of slow, my eating habits got crazy over the holiday and no weight loss at all, as a matter of fact a little gain. Makes it hard trying to run. I have just been walking on the treadmill. I do a mile at typically a 17-minute mile pace, my shins start hurting about half way through so I have to slow down. I want to start running a little because I feel I have so far to go that I won't be fully prepared before the big race day.
These words were stroked by Mike then emailed to me.
Mike contacted me before Thanksgiving saying that he would like to start running. He wants to learn how to do it correctly and in a way that would not be too traumatic to his body as he is well overweight. I though, gold mine — Mike can be a Five Trails poster child.
I can monitor Mike's training and provide periodic updates as he progresses toward his goal of finishing the Five Trails. The possibilities expanded as I imagined my own reality column starring Mike. A few rapid emails and Mike has signed the medical release form and received pre-training instructions from the Sole Pacers Running Club Coaches with nine weeks to prepare for training.
I have to commend Mike for allowing his training to be documented. I did promise Mike I would be kind, but then proceeded to ask his weight and age. Several years ago, my girlfriends and I decided we would create our own “Weight Watchers” group. We would weigh in weekly, hand over $10, graph our progress and when we all got to our goal weight we would use the money in the tin bank to treat ourselves with a trip to Chicago. Well, tears flowed when we stepped on the scale that first day. “Weighing in” feels a lot like meanness to me. I am typically surprised when others don't view it this way and am grateful that Mike is willing to put his goal to run a half marathon before his pride and go public. I applaud his transparency as he runs his half marathon before all of us.
Mike Redford is 46 years old. He is a lifelong resident of Leavenworth. He is a Captain (DA civilian) with the Fort Leavenworth Fire and Emergency Service Fire Prevention Branch and also works part-time with Atchison Hospital EMS as an EMT. He is married and has three daughters, a stepson and a stepdaughter. Mike is 5-foot-11 and weighs 275 pounds. Mike's physical training has been all over the spectrum, but he has now settled into weightlifting several days a week. He wants to lose weight and get in shape.
Mike says,” I WILL finish this half marathon. I see people jogging that make it look so easy, and some of them are going a fast pace, I want to give it a shot. I want to be that person that you see trucking along and looks like they are not winded at all.”
Is this a sound idea or did I just step into some risky business? Is Mike going to be my dream runner or is he going to crash and burn? Mike, it is going to be hard and it will be traumatic as your body and mind transform into a runner. One of my favorite running websites “From Couch to 5K” is devoted to new runners. It plainly states that starting to run is tough. The site offers tips and guidance in all areas related to running. I use it to immerse myself in the basics of running, to boost my motivation, restructure my eating patterns and reinforce the long-term benefits.
Mike and others training need to embrace a continuous, active, internalized drive to run multiple miles. The hardest step is the first one out the door. Being a runner is a daily decision to embrace running. There are some common strategies that are helpful as your willpower grows.
** Use a training log. Record your runs including the time, distance, route, weather conditions and how you felt. Review it periodically to see how far you have progressed and how your mileage adds up.
** Post a list of “Running Benefits” where you will frequently read them. Some physical benefits: Helps fight the aging process, helps fight disease, strengthens the heart and lowers blood pressure, and raises good cholesterol. Some psychological benefits: Builds confidence and character, relieves stress, provides you with a sense of empowerment and just plain makes you feel good.
** Establish mini goals and reward yourself when you reach that goal. I like to buy a new pair of socks, headband or other running accessory when I reach a short term goal. I have my eye on a new running skirt. When my January 2012 miles surpass my logged miles for January 2011, I am going to buy the skirt! January running is typically very hard for me so a new skirt dangling in front of me will help me beat last January's mileage when I ran in Florida for a solid week.
The Five Trails Half Marathon was birthed by an idea from Joanie Kocab, former curator and director of the Leavenworth County Historical Society (LCHS). Joanie's passion for running and the need for funding for LCHS melded into a charity run which is now the largest road race in Leavenworth County. Joanie was killed this week and the tragedy impacts all who knew her. The Five Trails which was named to honor the rugged pioneers that shaped the west now also immortalizes Joanie's spirit and passion.
To find out more about the Five Trails Half Marathon visit www.fivetrailshalfmarathon.com. Our Facebook postings are also motivational and will add daily reinforcement to your running.
Pre-training is going kind of slow, my eating habits got crazy over the holiday and no weight loss at all, as a matter of fact a little gain. Makes it hard trying to run. I have just been walking on the treadmill. I do a mile at typically a 17-minute mile pace, my shins start hurting about half way through so I have to slow down. I want to start running a little because I feel I have so far to go that I won't be fully prepared before the big race day.
These words were stroked by Mike then emailed to me.
Mike contacted me before Thanksgiving saying that he would like to start running. He wants to learn how to do it correctly and in a way that would not be too traumatic to his body as he is well overweight. I though, gold mine — Mike can be a Five Trails poster child.
I can monitor Mike's training and provide periodic updates as he progresses toward his goal of finishing the Five Trails. The possibilities expanded as I imagined my own reality column starring Mike. A few rapid emails and Mike has signed the medical release form and received pre-training instructions from the Sole Pacers Running Club Coaches with nine weeks to prepare for training.
I have to commend Mike for allowing his training to be documented. I did promise Mike I would be kind, but then proceeded to ask his weight and age. Several years ago, my girlfriends and I decided we would create our own “Weight Watchers” group. We would weigh in weekly, hand over $10, graph our progress and when we all got to our goal weight we would use the money in the tin bank to treat ourselves with a trip to Chicago. Well, tears flowed when we stepped on the scale that first day. “Weighing in” feels a lot like meanness to me. I am typically surprised when others don't view it this way and am grateful that Mike is willing to put his goal to run a half marathon before his pride and go public. I applaud his transparency as he runs his half marathon before all of us.
Mike Redford is 46 years old. He is a lifelong resident of Leavenworth. He is a Captain (DA civilian) with the Fort Leavenworth Fire and Emergency Service Fire Prevention Branch and also works part-time with Atchison Hospital EMS as an EMT. He is married and has three daughters, a stepson and a stepdaughter. Mike is 5-foot-11 and weighs 275 pounds. Mike's physical training has been all over the spectrum, but he has now settled into weightlifting several days a week. He wants to lose weight and get in shape.
Mike says,” I WILL finish this half marathon. I see people jogging that make it look so easy, and some of them are going a fast pace, I want to give it a shot. I want to be that person that you see trucking along and looks like they are not winded at all.”
Is this a sound idea or did I just step into some risky business? Is Mike going to be my dream runner or is he going to crash and burn? Mike, it is going to be hard and it will be traumatic as your body and mind transform into a runner. One of my favorite running websites “From Couch to 5K” is devoted to new runners. It plainly states that starting to run is tough. The site offers tips and guidance in all areas related to running. I use it to immerse myself in the basics of running, to boost my motivation, restructure my eating patterns and reinforce the long-term benefits.
Mike and others training need to embrace a continuous, active, internalized drive to run multiple miles. The hardest step is the first one out the door. Being a runner is a daily decision to embrace running. There are some common strategies that are helpful as your willpower grows.
** Use a training log. Record your runs including the time, distance, route, weather conditions and how you felt. Review it periodically to see how far you have progressed and how your mileage adds up.
** Post a list of “Running Benefits” where you will frequently read them. Some physical benefits: Helps fight the aging process, helps fight disease, strengthens the heart and lowers blood pressure, and raises good cholesterol. Some psychological benefits: Builds confidence and character, relieves stress, provides you with a sense of empowerment and just plain makes you feel good.
** Establish mini goals and reward yourself when you reach that goal. I like to buy a new pair of socks, headband or other running accessory when I reach a short term goal. I have my eye on a new running skirt. When my January 2012 miles surpass my logged miles for January 2011, I am going to buy the skirt! January running is typically very hard for me so a new skirt dangling in front of me will help me beat last January's mileage when I ran in Florida for a solid week.
The Five Trails Half Marathon was birthed by an idea from Joanie Kocab, former curator and director of the Leavenworth County Historical Society (LCHS). Joanie's passion for running and the need for funding for LCHS melded into a charity run which is now the largest road race in Leavenworth County. Joanie was killed this week and the tragedy impacts all who knew her. The Five Trails which was named to honor the rugged pioneers that shaped the west now also immortalizes Joanie's spirit and passion.
To find out more about the Five Trails Half Marathon visit www.fivetrailshalfmarathon.com. Our Facebook postings are also motivational and will add daily reinforcement to your running.
