Anyone Can Do This

This morning a fellow attorney said that she was living vicariously through my blog.  I was happy to hear that someone was enjoying my random running rants. I couldn't help but think that there is anything particularly spectacular about the running/marathons I do. I'm a very middle of the pack runner, not too fast and not too slow.

I run for a number of reasons one of which being the people. I have had the privilege of meeting some phenomenal people along the way. One thing that I've learned is that runners come in all shapes and sizes and abilities. The common trait they all share is that they get out there and make it happen. Anyone can do this.
You just have to make the commitment to yourself and put one foot in front of the other. Lets be honest, contrary to what I'd like to believe marathoning isn't everyone's cup of tea. That's ok. That being said if you've ever wanted to participate in a 5k, 10k, half-marathon, or marathon YOU CAN DO IT! There's no rule that you have to run like a Kenyan. If the thought of running is a little intimidating then walk. Walking is ok too. There are some darn fast walkers out there. What matters is getting out there. So take that first step, sign up for a race or fun run. Don't worry about how long it will take you. Make it a fun event get your friends and family involved. You may be uncomfortable during the race and a little sore afterwards, but that goes away. What won't go away is the feeling of accomplishment that you'll  have when you're done. It will spill over into other parts of your life and you will wonder what other goals you can accomplish if you put your mind to it. Take that first step.

New Shoes For A New Routine

Compared to many other athletic hobbies running is relatively inexpensive. The fancy watches and flashy outfits are nice to have but all a runner really needs is a good pair of shoes. As any runner can tell you finding the right fit can sometimes be as difficult to find as a glass slipper.

 I'm fairly easy to fit. Due to my super low arches my options were fairly limited. I was resigned to the overly built up Frankenstein models. I'm convinced my flat feet have definately played a role in past injuries. In going through tons of articles on form and ways to improve performance I kept coming across the topic of mininmalist runniing and all its benefits. My flat feet and I were intrigued but skeptical.Running barefoot or in Vibrams is a little too extreme for me but I may have found a solution...Newtons. I've seen Newtons around for a while now but I figured there was no way that they could support my feet properly. I kept hearing from various people about how much they liked them, some had flat feet like me. Then I heard that I could check out a demo pair for a week or two to try them out. I figured what the heck and signed out a pair.

 Its been almost two weeks and I'm sold. I can't imagine going back to my old shoes. Tomorrow I'm taking the demos back and buying a pair. For anyone looking to try out a pair be prepared for something different. They take some getting used to. Its not just a matter of lacing up a new pair of kicks, its about changing your stride and your mechanics.

It's Good For Me, But....

I really don't like speed work. I'm just going to go ahead and throw that out there now.

When training using the Galloway method runners follow a non-traditional schedule of only 3 running days a week. On non-running days runners either cross-train, do an easy walk or take a recovery day. Those three running workouts consist of two 30-45 minutes runs which can be straight runs or can take the form of optional speed and/or hill work workouts and the cornerstone of marathon training, the long run.

Today was an optional speed work day so that's what I did. Mile and a half warm-up followed by four acceleration glider drills and then my personal favorite mile repeats (insert sarcastic tone). I'm really optimistic that these workouts will be worth it. In my first two training seasons I didn't really incorporate speed work into my training. The first time I was in no shape to do so and last year I battled constant injuries that didn't allow me to go above and beyond.

It's not fun but its gotta get done.

Something New

What if anything does the May mean to you if anything? End of Spring? Last month of the school year? Filler month before a long awaited vacation? For me it means its the beginning of my marathon season. Marathons are run year round, but for those living in south Texas who are scheduling a race for November/December its time to start setting the alarm for those way early weekend wake-up calls so that the long run can be snuck in before church or chores.

This is my third training season and I've decided to try something new. This year I will try to reprogram my brain and follow the Jeff Galloway plan of attack. I've incorporated bits and pieces of the Galloway program before but never fully given myself over.  To increase the liklihood that I will stick to the script I've joined a Jeff Galloway training group.

 I have two running goals for the year: 1. Don't get hurt and 2. Break four hours. I'm not sure I can do either but I'm going to try my best.In addition to keeping reecords of my workouts and times I've decided to blog my way through the Jeff Galloway experience. I look forward to sharing the journey ahead.