My History of Running.
I'm doing my research, because I want to get good at running. Not just good at running in the sense that I can run, but in the sense that I feel the need to run. Running has always been a curious concept for me. You have to be somewhat good at it (or at least not die attempting to be decent at it) for just about every sport out there. My history of running is mostly centered in high school. I was a tennis player, we ran a lot. After practice or matches I would run another 4-8 miles on my own. I always felt like I was dying when I did this and had no way of knowing how well I was actually doing, but it was a good stress relief after school, and life, and the amount of pressure I put on myself in tennis and every other aspect of my life to just allow myself to be in my head for a while. I also did winter track and spring track and field. I was very good at throwing (Javelin and Shot-Put) and I was also a jumper for a while. I focused on long runs: cross country style, I loved to be in the trails. But again I had no Garmin, no smart phone, not even a timer or an idea of how far I was running, unless we were doing a specific route. The track coaches wanted me to run more, but I was definitely better at throwing naturally (I'm a little beastly strong). Track felt like boot camp. Especially winter track. We lifted every other day, in the winter we spent hours doing ply-o's and stairs in the hallways of the high school and then we'd go out to freeze our lungs out only to die in the heat of an indoor gym at competitions. I couldn't get used to it. I slowly gave up running after I graduated. I just felt like it was always supposed to be that painful and why would you ever do that to yourself. But, I've learned. Things are not always as they seem, or as you remember them.
Two weekends ago I completed my very first half marathon. I did it in 2 hours, 25 minutes, and 33 seconds (just over 11 minute miles). I spent the whole race feeling like I was moving so slow and I was absolutely exhausted the whole time (stupid daylight savings). But I did it, and it felt good! And now I have plans to do 4 more half marathons this year! I'm really proud of myself and I'm really glad it was not as bad as I had imagined it would be. But I have a lot to learn. I'm a good student, so I'm doing some research.
This was my first homework assignment: My History of Running.
Once a week (at least), for the next month or so, I'm going to formulate a post including a bunch of research on some topic of running. These topics will include, but are not limited to:
My race and training schedule
More about nutrition
Running Sneakers
Leg/arm warmers
Running Books
Running Buddies
Hill training
Speed training
Ply-o-metrics (for old times sake)
Stretching
Warm-up/Cool-down
Foam rolling
Foam rolling
Running gear
Running clothes
If there's anything else you think I should add to this list, or if you have any really great links/ really great books you think I should check out, Leave it in the comments! All input is appreciated!
Wow you've got your work cut out for you! And I applaud you for it!
ReplyDeleteI'm rubbish at running but I do enjoy working out in other ways. I've spent quite a bit of time doing similar research, and I've discovered that above all else, nutrition is the MOST important thing. Here are a few helpful tips I've learned:
- If you eat junk, it's like putting bad gas in the tank. You just won't feel like moving.
- If you have too much salt, you will feel like a SLUG when you try to work out.
- Veggies, veggies, veggies. They seriously make you feel amazing.
- If you need an energy boost, drop the protein bars/shakes. Actual nuts/seeds/trailmix is so much easier for your body to digest and is just as good for you, if not better.
I might actually be putting up a fitness/general healthy lifestyle blog soon so be sure to check it out! I think your blog is lovely!!!
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