Good to Be Running

Last night was my first official run of half marathon training!  Yay!  My goal was to run as for as long as I could before getting too tired (or before things started hurting).  I met a friend, Charity, at her gym and we nabbed 2 treadmills next to each other.  It really helped having her there as I went farther than I probably would have on my own.

Run2013-02-004

 

(Graph is of my heart rate – this was inside and I have no foot pod so no distance graph, I plugged in the distance later).

Overall, I’m really happy with my run!  I walked a few minutes before (not included in my timing here).  I also took a short 1 minute walk break at 1 mile, 2 miles, and 2.55 miles.  At 3 miles, I decided my ankle had had enough and my toenail was hurting on my other foot.  I didn’t want to push it so I stopped my watch walked another .55 miles (not included in timing).

So I ran 3 miles in 35:28 (11:46 pace) and that is pretty good to me!  Especially considering the extended break I’ve taken from running.  If I can keep this pace for all of my training, I’ll be happy.  One of my goals for the year is to run a half marathon in under 2:30 (pace of 11:27) so maybe I can reach that by the fall if I train properly!

Enough of the numbers, let’s talk about how wonderful this run felt.  The pace was just enough to really make me tired.  I was able to chat with Charity the whole time but I felt pretty exhausted by the time I called it quits 35 minutes in.  I did a little stretching after but nothing really hurt so I know it wasn’t too fast either.  Just right!

I felt completely stress free after the run.  This is my favorite thing about running – it is the only exercise that really relieves stress for me.  I was so tired the rest of the night and I fell right asleep when my head hit the pillow.  This is going to be a huge plus for me if it helps me to sleep again!

Finally, I’ve got that good sore today.  Running uses your whole body.  This morning,  all the good things are sore – legs, abs, even upper back/shoulders.  This is my second favorite thing about running!  It transforms your whole body.  Best thing is that my ankle is feeling fine this morning 🙂

I’m so happy to be back!  Today’s workout is Body Beast Chest and Tris and I will run again probably on Thursday.  Just taking it one day at a time for now!

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