Half Marathon Training: Week 2

My goal for week 2 was to get three outdoor runs in. All at least of the same routine that I worked out last week:

walking to an area to do intervals + 1 warm-up run/walk lap + 5 run/walk laps + walking back home.

Week 2 Run 1

Mid morning run

Coffee was the motivator for this run. I didn't want to go first thing when I woke up, but after getting WAY TOO MUCH caffeine energy, I headed out.

During this run I was thinking back on some medical issues I've had over the last few years, and realizing they were likely caused by stress and uncertainty. This might seem like an obvious connection, but it really clicked for me on this run. This run also made me aware of how far I've come with stress and anxiety management, and grateful for starting this journey.

Week 2 Run 2

Early morning run

This run was COLD. We did more of our routine, but this time I figured out how to track it on my Garmin Forerunner watch. (Months after I got it) The total distance of our routine- not including the warm-up walk + lap is 1.27 miles. Total time: 17.48min (remember, this is half running, half walking- more of a note to self)

Week 2 Run 3

Early morning run

A fairly chilly run, but I think Dobby does much better when it's cooler outside. I feel like we're both getting better at this running routine- less worn out, and it feels more manageable. After our regular run/walk routine, we also walked a large lap around the area I run in, to see what the distance is. I want to start practicing for longer endurances- and I want to be able to run an entire 5k, outside, without stopping.

1 lap around this area = .39 miles, so it's about 8 laps to a 5k.

The last time I ran/walked a 5k, my time was 42:15, so that's the time to beat for my next attempt.

My muscles definitely feel more tense this week, and I need to do a better job of stretching before and after. Pretty happy I accomplished 3/3 on this week's outdoor run goal. The last one really came down to talking myself into it.

At this point, I'm not trying to be strict about a routine or times, I really just want to get a few outdoor workouts in a week. Ultimately, it comes down to being disciplined over feeling motivated. I have to keep reminding myself, do this for your future self, that version of you can not be where it needs to be if you don't do this now. Get out and go.

Or, to quote Britney Spears, "You want a hot body? You want a Bugatti? You want a Maserati? You better work b**ch."