Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Every New Beginning

First off, let me say thank you to everyone who left me a comment on my last post. You don't know how much I appreciated hearing all of your supportive and kind words. Truly, thank you!

I had a moment of clarity in between bouts of craziness yesterday.
I've decided that instead of trying to continuously revamp and re-do my plans to reach my goals for this year, I'm just going to start over.

Simple as that.

Today is a new beginning. I'm starting fresh and excited. And, I have new goals!

Turns out I won't be able to do the Diva Long Island Half this year. So, instead, I'm going to do the ING Hartford half again. Why not? I had a blast last year! I'm also in the works of making sure I can get to the Disney Princess Half in February next year (but more to come on that later).

I have been doing some research and I think I found a great training program (designed by Jeff Galloway nonetheless). It's 19 weeks and the runs seems pretty doable. 3 runs a week, plus one easy walk. I realized this past weekend, just how out of shape my body is again. I haven't really run in awhile (though I have gotten to the gym and done arc trainer and elliptical machines- not the same though).When I finished my Race in the Park 5k this past Saturday, I was SORE. I mean, felt like those 3.1 miles were actually 13.1 miles, sore. Today is the first day that I can walk without wincing. That, to me, is unacceptable! I used to have no problem running 3.1 miles and being only slightly sore the next day and I want to get back to that.

I've even started setting up a support system to help me stay on track. I've asked family members, my boyfriend, and coworkers to help me make sure I do my runs and stay disciplined on my training. I'm printing out my training schedule so that everyone has a copy so I have no excuse like, "I can't remember what I have to do today". I WANT to be held accountable for my training. I've even come up with some back-up plans in case a morning run is missed (keeping an extra pair of running gear in my car so on my lunch break, I can sneak in a short run). I feel confident that I can do this.

I'm hoping that you all will hold me accountable as well. I truly feel that a huge part of my success last year at the half marathon was because I was blogging so often and you all were amazing enough to leave comments, supportive notes, tips, tricks, advice, etc. I want to do that again. I'm going to start off slow and work my way up (just like with my training). My goal is to blog 2 times a week, then 3, then 4, etc, etc. Even if I didn't run or train on a particular day, I still want to blog. I may even give my blog a face-lift (if I can figure out how to work this new blogger layout. ugh.).

Sound like a plan to yall? Seems like a good start to me!
Cheers to a new beginning!!

6 comments:

Lisa said...

I raise my glass to you, "To new beginnings" (glasses klink - cheers). "To a fresh start" (glasses klink again - cheers). "To a clean slate" (you know the drill by now). "To kicking some Hartford Butt!" (chug chug chug)

Sounds great - is your new plan posted somewhere on your blog so we can eye it? I know you'll do great, but don't put too much pressure on yourself - running is suppose to be fun and LIFE HAPPENS - you miss runs, it's okay, it's normal - your whole schedule won't fail if you miss a run here or there . .. .do your best and you'll be amazing!!!!

Christy @ My Dirt Road Anthem: A Runner's Blog said...

Today is a new day. Keeping running clothes in your car is a great plan, I do it and sometimes get in up to 14 extra miles a week that I otherwise would have missed out on.


Good luck and keep your chin up. Sometimes I sleep in my running clothes if I know I have to get up really early to run, then all I have to do is put on my shoes.

Stephanie Anne said...

Hooray!! I'll be doing Hartford again too, so will my mom & brother. Well definitely have to meet up again after!

Suzanne said...

Found your blog & I am a "bigger" girl myself. I found a love for running too. I have lost 44 lbs so far & am almost half way to my goal. A big thanks my new found love of running which has helped me a great deal. Looking forward to reading future posts on your blog. Great job & keep up the good work !!

Anonymous said...

I was hoping you would put your 19 week training plan on line so that I could try to follow it myself. No pressure.

So glad you're back online. I enjoy reading your blog and others like it.

I ran my 1st 5k 2 Saturday's ago at 39 minutes. I've lost about 21 pounds but have about 50 or so more to go. But I've only ran once since the 5k and have done the elliptical twice. I can't seem to get back into the swing of things. So peaking at your plan might help. :)

Beth in NH

Suz and Allan said...

Hope things have been going well for you and that this new start puts you headed in a direction you want to be!