Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Running for Enjoyment

Yesterday, I ran 3 miles and I found out that sometimes, we run for enjoyment.

I didn't wear my watch, and it was wonderful. I have no idea how long the run took me, and I don't really care. I think I've spent lots of hours on the road worrying about splits and average pace, when all I should be worried about is making the miles happen.

So, for the next two weeks, my challenge is going to be NOT wearing a watch and NOT counting every second. Hopefully when I DO put my watch back on, I'll be ready to count the time again.

Positive thought for the day:
Through letting go, we find happiness.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

5mile Training Run

Yesterday I completed my first run in the Chicago Marathon training schedule, it was 5 miles, and while the heat wasn't very intense yesterday, the thick, humid air made it quite the difficult run. I finished in 37:25, not too shabby for an early training run. I need to be running about 7:15 miles in order to meet my goal for Chicago on October 11. This is going to be an intense program to get in that kind of shape, but I am faithful that I can pull it off. I already know this training program will be less about getting in shape than my last one because I started last time struggling to finish 4 mile runs, this time it is all about shaving off time, hopefull before I start shaving, I'll be able to lop off some time in this first few weeks, because that is when the long runs start to really come in. I'll be running 14 miles at the end of week 6, and I hope to be able to finish that run with my goal of 7:15 miles.

I'm very very excited about this program and I hope that everyone who followed last time will continue to check back to review my progress.

Positive thought for the day:
Anything really is possible, willingness to put in the time and effort is the only obstacle.

-Billy the Kid

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Chicago Marathon 2009

Today, I started unofficially training for the Chicago Marathon with a six mile run. It took me 47:15, not a very impressive time compared to the times that I was logging only a couple of months ago, but it is a start. Now I'm sitting in my living room on a "lazy sunday" watching a motivational speech on PBS and getting psyched up for the Chicago training.

A lot has changed for me since the start of this year, and I am thrilled about the potential that the rest of 2009 carries. Now that I'm going to be running more and more, I will probably be writing more posts here on the trials/tribulations of the schedule. Please check back soon and I will keep you updated on the "official" training schedule that begins Monday, June 15.

-Billy the Kid