Happy Running

[wvrunner-blog1]

[wvrunner-blog1]

Did you say walking?

As an amateur runner, I always felt that for me to walk or take any form of break during my run was unacceptable, forbidden even, so I never would. Other people could walk and I would happily cheer them on, but I was much more critical of myself. You’ve heard the phrase, “No matter how slow you go, you’re lapping everyone on the couch!” (or something like that). I realize now, that I was being irrational, and it was making me hate  and even give up on something I loved – running. I’m not kidding, at one point in my life I think I truly believed that not running at all was better than taking a one minute walk break during my run.

I’ve always heard that to get faster one has to train with speed work. This concept was always miserable for me because I would alternate what I thought “speed days” should be, with regular runs when I shouldn’t have. I would run two miles as fast as I possibly could, and then be unbearably fatigued and end my run for that day, covering little distance. However, the next day, I would run seven miles with ease at a comfortable pace. The difference between these two runs? I hated every second of running the two miles and loved every second of running seven the next day! I’m not telling you to never challenge yourselves, because I think speed work is important, but – I think I was going about it all wrong.

So first of all, I promise I have a point for writing the two seemingly-unrelated previous paragraphs, and secondly, I’m not here to endorse anything.  I did, however, promise to review some things I’ve used to aid my running throughout the years, and even some things I’ve discovered recently. Just this week I found an app that’s new to me, Freeletics® Running. The app includes running workouts tailored to fit what level the user is currently running, from just hopping off the couch to road racer. So far, the running workouts that I’ve been doing on the treadmill are considered a form of HIIT, or high intensity interval training, incorporated in the form of running. Guess what? This includes walking. Walking? Yes, a HIIT running workout that includes walking. If I had to rate the app on how enjoyable the workouts are, I would give it a 10/10! It’s a great way to switch things up if you’re sort of feeling the monotony of simply running a set distance every day. I also feel that I’m finally incorporating speed work in my running the proper way! The app coaches you by continuously alternating the user from jogging to running to sprinting to walking, etc. How are my results? Well for now it’s too soon to tell, but I can promise you I’m getting in a sweaty hardcore run that I’m actually enjoying and that in itself makes me hopeful that some PR’s are in my future. After I’ve used the app for several weeks, I’ll fill you guys in on how my times are looking and how I’m feeling about the workouts. The app is currently free in the App Store for iPhone users, however this is only for the free trial. The app is currently priced at $1.99 USD, and with the current deal going on, the premium membership is $3.33 per month for up to 12 months. The premium membership is regularly $9.99 so this is approximately a 66% discount that I recommend taking advantage of! It may seem silly to some to pay monthly for an app, however this app could actually take place of a personal trainer, so it’s definitely something to think about!

I hope that my struggles and reviews can be helpful to someone out there, and I look forward to sharing my results with you in the future. Happy running! – C.

[wvrunner-blog1]

Here I Go Again

As a recent college graduate I have really put my running on the “back burner.” I get into this vicious cycle of giving my running the attention it deserves for three or so months at a time, and then slowly but surely, slacking off once the awaited race or event is over. Before you begin reading this with the impression that I’m some running expert; let me clarify. I am your average, everyday runner. There’s nothing incredible about my race finishes or average pace. I just want to improve myself and my running, and I want to document these hopeful achievements I have set out for myself through blogging. A year and a half ago, I ran my first half marathon with a finish of 02:30:55. I was beyond thrilled with this finish due to the amount of training I had put in and for it being my first attempt. I had really set the goal for myself of running a 02:30 half, and I am so thankful God allowed me to achieve my goal that day. However, that is where most of my running victories come to a halt. After that, I got so busy with college (here I go, making excuses), that I actually quit training pretty much at all! I still did yoga videos at home, and mountain biking occasionally on the weekends, and I even signed up for a 5k here and there (training for them by running a few times when I got the chance) but I’m not happy and I know exactly why! I need running back in my life, my body and mind need it to function properly. So here I go, saying something I may regret, but I am signing up for the same half marathon event that I did a year and a half ago, and I will break my previous record! I have exactly 165 days… 165 days to prepare for this half marathon! I know that if I start today, and give this event the attention it deserves, and by giving God all the glory (because without Him I would be nothing) – I can achieve greatness during those 13.1 miles. However, if I slack off with my training, I will have wasted my time, money, and worst of all I’ll let myself down. That’s where the blogging comes in, I want to try to blog about my experiences and hold myself accountable. By doing this, I can document those little victories and not-so-great days along the way. I want to be able to vent about that frustrating run where everything seemed to go wrong and my pace was awful and my shoe kept coming untied, but also the day that I didn’t feel like going running but I did anyway and achieved my new fastest mile. So here I go, about to hop on the treadmill and begin. I hope that you’ll follow me on this journey!