Running Giant: My Journey

It's strange to think how each day is so different. Tonight my wife and I went to the gym. I got on the treadmill and started my run, almost 4 minutes in I was breathing heavy, unable to control my breath. I was out of it. I walked until my 10 minute mark and this time only made a 1 or 2 minute run. I will be going earlier in the day tomorrow, and making sure I eat more responsibly. I think that had something to do with it. 21 minutes 1.25 miles.

So life huh... This week started out with a great run and going hiking, but then family on vacation caught up to me. My mom came into town on Wednesday, and my brother and his family on Thursday. It's not often I get to see them, but it was really good to see them. I remembered how much I miss hanging out with my brother and his family. I had plenty of opportunities this week to get in my other two runs I needed to, but I didn't do them. I will be doing four runs this week to get myself on schedule again. Monday 7:00 am - 7:30 am • 5 minute run / 5 minute walk (x3) Wednesday 7:00 am - 7:30 am • 5 minute run / 5 minute walk (x3) Thursday 7:00 am - 7:30 am • 10 minute run / 5 minute walk (x2) Saturday 7:00 am - 7:30 am • 10 minute run / 5 minute walk (x2) I have decided that I am going to change to a 4 day a week program that will be consistently 4 days a week. I decided this because I want to have a consistent training schedule that I  will be able to maintai...

Today I didn't do a run, but I did yesterday and it was a great run. I did 5 minute run followed by 5 minute walk three times. I made a 15 minute mile by doing that. It was a really encouraging experience. I had a real morale boost afterward. It was nice to see a little improvement. Along the lines of a little improvement, I had the chance to go hiking with the boy scouts tonight. I went to a spot where I tried trail running before. I struggled even walking the area at the time, but tonight I made it up and down hills without a problem. I felt really good when I was done. It was a mile and a half hike, and a nice change of pace from the gym. It was another area where it was nice to see some improvement. I am seeing my clothes fit a little different, and I bet they would be an even larger fit if I could get this eating thing under control (loosing the plunger to our juicer hasn't helped).

Today I ran, and got down to a 16 minute mile. As I was on the treadmill I had a funny internal dialogue, I started out jogging and was able to maintain breath control, but my legs were getting tired. Internal Dialogue: "Why are you running, you could be walking..." Then I slow the treadmill down to a walk. -5 Minutes Later "Why are you walking, you could be running right now..." So I start to run. This process repeated a couple of times in my head, I told my wife about it this evening as we were heading to a BBQ in the canyon by our house. We got a good laugh out of it. It did get me thinking about internal dialogues though. I have tons of them. There have been days where I go to the gym and talk myself out of running for this reason or that. But there are times where it has helped me greatly, like testing for my Black Belt, or driving on long trips and everyone else has fallen asleep. This little dialogues we have with ourselves can have a major impact on ...

Today according to the treadmill I hit a 19 minute mile... two of them actually. It was a little bittersweet, because I had just gotten down to a 15 minute mile a few weeks ago. But I guess it doesn't really matter how fast it was two weeks ago if I neglect consistency in working out. I have been reading in "The Non-Runners Marathon Trainer" about using your brain to stay off your own attacks of doubt, and negativity. Using your frontal lobe to visualize more effective training. Picturing that you are running effortlessly... etc. So I tried this a little today at the gym. I had an audio book going on my iPad (Dresden Files book 3) and used on of my painting programs and wrote on the screen, RUNNING MAKES ME HAPPY ! Though running is not able to make me do anything (because it's an activity I do), this little sign in front of me served as a good reminder the reason I am running. It's to change my life, and be healthier, stronger, and help me be more active. As ...

I was doing research on the various marathons that are close to home. I found the Tri-State Marathon that starts in Mesquite, NV, goes through Utah, Arizona, and back to Mesquite. It takes place December 7th. It's a month later than the one in Willcox, Az. But it's 30 degrees cooler and closer to home. So I am going to register for it tomorrow night when Silvia and I are both home and am committing to it. It is exactly 6 months from today. I AM REGISTERED TO RUN DECEMBER 7th If anyone would like to run it with me I wouldn't stop you. http://runplanetultra.com/tri-states-marathon/

I've started to look at various training guides for a marathon, and am looking at other cooler temperature races to run. With Willcox, Az being in the lower to mid 80's to day of the race and the distance of travel to get there, I was thinking I should change which race I will run. As soon as I decide which race I am running, I will register, pay for it, and post it. Yesterday I made it to the gym for the second time. I even went as far as riding my bike the mile to get there. Tat nasty brain of mine got in the way again... I was able to run/walk for 36 min, make an 18 minute mile. I need to be around 15 to really start training. But idid discover that my fast walking pace done in a slow run was easier of my legs. I ask myself daily, "what am I getting myself into here?" But the answer is always the same, "I really just don't know yet." So diet is what I am going to ramble about right now, and meal suggestion I can start working eating (that isn't pa...

Today I signed up at Planet Fitness to better handle running in Utah's lovely summer weather. According to my phone it feels like 84 outside right now. I know I have chosen a Marathon in Arizona to run, and it will be hot when I do run it. But as it gets warmer I will make it outside more. Today was my first day on a treadmill in a while, I am finding that my head is my worst enemy and I am only at a mile and a half. I also discovered that 3 min run and 3 min walk is a little out of my league right now. I am about a week behind schedule. The mental aspect of things is hard to win against and I have always struggled with getting out of my head. I believe this will be the hardest part of what I'm choosing to do, the mental aspect deals directly with so many different parts of me. My weight, my negative self talk, my laziness... etc... If anyone who follow this has any suggestions I am open to receiving them. I will be back at the gym tomorrow, and will work at getting on tr...