Running Giant: My Journey

One of my favorite times to run when I was training years ago was when it was raining. I liked it because it helped to cool me down as I ran, and because it helped me be less self conscious about how much I sweat because everyone who ran during the rain came back soaked. Last week on one of the days it was raining. I left the house in my running clothes and waterproof jacket. I made it to the end of the driveway as the cold rain started hitting my exposed legs. I then promptly turned around and went back inside. I guess I just didn't have the grit to do something hard that day. I've thought a lot about it since and have decided next time the rain comes and I am scheduled to run, I will just go and not use the weather as an excuse. On other news, my bike is fixed after years of neglect and being left in out shed. So I was able to go out and ride for an hour on Friday with our little guy. He hasn't realized that his hands follow where he looks as he rides, so there were many ...

3/24/25 This portion of the post will constitute the majority of it, with the 11th - 14th at the end. I have been active since the 14th, but not getting in the runs I've planned to. This week will a good week to start building up again to the miles I need to be at for running a half marathon in June. The title of this post is really reflects this portion of the post. I've been struggling with depression, and with that comes the overwhelming feeling of wanting to hide away from everything. I've not had it in me to make it out multiple days over the last 2 weeks. But I made it out to some degree, so I have that victory at least. There has been a part of me that just wants to give in and not push myself to get out anymore. To give up my grand ideas of finishing a half marathon based on my own piece meal training plan. The speed work has been especially hard to approach. They are super intimidating to me, and I get self conscious when I am out doing them. That's when the de...

3-6-25 When I posted about setting up my own training plan, I did more research on training plans. It turns out mine was lacking in time on the feet, and wouldn't have set me up for success. It didn't have enough miles, or time on the road during the week to help build the endurance needed for the race. Since I am a slower runner right now, I need to build up my endurance for the long run. So, my weekday runs will consist of an easy run, an easy mid-distance run, speed work, and a long run. It will be a steady 10% increase in distance each week, specifically for the long run. The other runs will increase slower, so I don't pass that 10%.  3-9-25 Well, I increased a lot more than 10% yesterday (3/8). I've had the Run From Yeti race on my schedule for a while. I changed it from the half marathon to the 10k, I'm glad I did that change, but I didn't want to miss out on this race. So, even with basically no running base, I went out and did it. My plan was simple in...

Balancing life and running seems simple enough, so plan to run during times that won't impact your time with the family, school, work, or hobbies. Running is a hobby, but it does a lot for me mentally and physically than other hobbies. This balance is hard to maintain, life gets busy. I wish I could say that's what's been preventing me from getting out the door, but it's not the entire reason over the past 3.5 months. I lost momentum and motivation and got depressed. I'm still struggling with the depression, but have taken steps to hopefully decrease it. The running has helped. Gradually, motivation has started to come into the picture again, which should help build momentum. So, what am I doing to balance life and running this time? I am doing this my way. It sounds a little arrogant when I write it out, but it's where I have found success. Doing it my way means I will research to plan my training. The next thing I am doing to balance life and running is to do ...

Pre Run Today is a day I need the run. When I was working on my undergrad running was a way I was able to manage the crap that goes on between my ears. I am having a hard time getting anything done. The noise between my ears is a lot today. I hope I make it out the door and further than a few houses down. That's what happened yesterday, I made it 4 houses away and stopped and came back. I felt defeated, I kept telling myself I would run after work. It didn't happen. My goal for today is 40 minutes. Post Run I made it. I did the whole 40 minutes doing a run/walk. Running really helped me to regulate my emotions. I'm still not feeling the greatest, but I am doing better than I was. What helped me get through the first half was dangling that carrot in front of me of feeling better than I was. The second half was accomplished because I had to make it home and had 20 minutes make it there to get back to work. Which I will have to start getting some more miles in to get it feeli...

Pre Run Just getting ready to head out my my lunch time 40 minute run. According to my Garmin I am in a strained state because I have been sleeping like rubbish the past week. I have also not been very consistent, which is a struggle. I was supposed to get out for my run yesterday, but ended up not getting it in. So I am doing it today, and doing my biking tomorrow. I'm just getting ready to head out for 40 minutes at a 1:1 run/walk. I've done 30 minutes like this, but this will be my first time past that. My long run Saturday didn't happen, I really need a better night sleep tonight. Saturday was a few days into my bad sleeping, and it was hard to do anything. I was just so tired. Post Run After 40 minutes I'm back. It was a steady run/walk. I only missed one notification to run, so got 3 minutes of walking in at the beginning of my outing. It was a good run, I'm feeling better than I was when I left. It was a windy 80° outside as I ran the path next to a somewhat ...