On Christmas day my sister Patty walked towards me with a smile and “Merry Christmas” as she handed me the book “Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer.” (1) It wasn’t a big moment, I thanked her and she walked into the kitchen, no tears, no additionally chatter, if I didn’t know more of the under story, I wouldn’t have even taken notice.
But I knew she was passing the torch to me. Patty is having problems with her hips and currently may never be able to run long distances again. I have also mentioned that she is one of my inspirations and motivation to run the Pittsburgh Marathon this May. It meant a lot to me that she is lending me this book, that she is supporting my training and helping me with my journey. Her path was cut short suddenly and after running being an extremely important part of her life for the last 20 (plus) years, she is looking at making doctor’s appointments, planning a surgery and recovery time. Thinking about her situation, seriously helped me to run just little faster and keep going when I want to slow down this last week.
I did start my training this week and am taking the four day training program out of “The Trainer’s Book.” I emailed my part-time running coach, Ryan McEntee to extend the 16 week program to an 19 week program. In my mind I like to set my four days and stick to that schedule and I seem to be able to just mechanically say, “it’s a run day,” and not question if I am going to run or not.
Right now my run days are Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturday long run. I am open to switching Wednesday with a Tuesday. A few things I am playing around with is doing an AM run once a week and maybe a lunch time run at work. Two of my co-workers, Dean and Redjeb are currently doing a once a week lunch time work-out, so this may become an option. I also like the idea of keeping my evenings open for fun and dating.
What hasn’t been an option are the actual work-outs. I do the .80 warm-up at a slow pace, followed by a stretch, the actual run and a five minute cool down at the end. I still have a problem including that in my daily mileage, but this part for me is like clockwork. Also, I am a crazy treadmill runner. I like running on treadmills. Right now my goal is to finish the Pittsburgh marathon, so I am not worried about pace and speed workouts, but more just clocking miles this few first weeks.
I started having vertigo and headaches in July, which is a story for another day, so haven’t really worked out since July. I was really nervous if I would be able to run 3 miles let along anything higher than that.
Day One, Week One (Three miles): Tuesday training on the treadmill at New York Sports club on 40th and 3rd with my new amazing blue saucony running shoes and my I-shuffle (I know, technically I’m old fashioned). I was worried about how it would go, but found my Christian music and started off running with God in my ear pods.
It came quick, the sweet spot, came about .40 miles and I just settled in and had an easy run. I had sweat dripping off, my face was bright red as usual, I felt my lungs – but it was an old hat to me. It made me smile on the inside. I know other runners will really know what I am saying.
Day Two (Four miles): wasn’t as easy of a run, my back started killing me on the left side and a few times I thought I might stop. I had Dean running on the treadmill to my left and Redjeb to my right and felt sandwiched in between my two friends. I had read in the “The Trainer’s Book” about running into the pain, welcoming it and talking to it, so I actually did that. The pain didn’t stop, but I finished. I was wondering how to say this, so sorry guys, but I realized that I was very hormonal and that once a month I will have to watch out for severe back issues with running. I am noting my calendar, and will talk to Dr. Peterson about extra treatments for these few days.
Day Three (Three miles): was a non-event. I am finding that with my busy schedule, just having enough time to run is going to be the biggest problem. I have a feeling I will be talking about this in more detail along the way.
Day Four (5 miles): I am running with Ally tomorrow in Central Park, she’s younger and faster than me, but she promised to stay at my pace. I am sitting here at my desk at work, typing and feeling the excitement at stepping into Central Park again to run. It’s been five months since I’ve pounded the pavement in the park, I am eager to get back to the fresh air and my course.
I went to City Sports with a generous gift certificate and bought some great cool weather addias running pants, a new pull over, and under armor. I have a feeling I will be over dressed, but I will be color coordinated with my new fancy blue shoes ! I just got a good laugh at how much I love the color of my new shoes.
I have 19 week before the race. Let’s see what happens between now and then.
Patty, I am honored for the privilege of being the torch carrier, I know Pam will do just as great with her 13.1 walk in May as well. My New Year’s hope is that I am able to run this Marathon and make you proud.
Blessing to everyone for a great 2012
Please stay safe,
Stephanie Caroline
(1) “Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer” by David Whitsett, Forrest Dolgener and Tanjala Kole
Stats:
Week One training: 3-4-3-5 Total 15
5'8"
155 pounds
No body fat taken as of yet
No Charity foundation as of yet: $0,0 earned
