Training - Week One

A little over a week ago I decided that I would run the 2012 Austin Half Marathon.

This morning I woke up thinking, Um, am I crazy?

Having already committed publicly to do it, backing out is not an option.

Thankfully, I have plenty of time to prepare. And I have enlisted the guidance of my husband, the runner, who is helping me get started in a gradual, non-threatening, baby-steps kind of way. And thankfully, also, I have the encouraging support of my brother and sister-in-law who did not laugh at me when I told them. Thanks, guys.

Today concluded week one of my training program and here's what I did.

• Monday - Walk/run for 30 minutes (walk 4 minutes, run 2 minutes, repeat 5 times.)
  
• Tuesday - Swim for 30 minutes.
• Wednesday - Walk/run for 30 minutes
• Thursday - Swim for 30 minutes.
• Friday - Walk/run for 30 minutes.

All in all, it was a good week. A nice slow start for my slow body. The pattern of walking 4 and running 2 was surprisingly easy and it was a big confidence boost. I was extremely sore on Tuesday and Wednesday, but by today most of that stiffness is gone. I DID IT!!

Here are some of the main points of my long-term plan.

• I am going to take it slow.
• I am going to actively acknowledge that I am in my 40s and will endeavor not to act like I am 20.
• I will listen to my body and not hurt it.
• I will not freak out about slip-ups in my otherwise healthy diet.
• I will follow the sage advice of my trainer. (You have it now in writing, honey.)
• I will enjoy myself.

And finally, what I learned this week: It feels cool to say, I'm in training. Having a tangible goal is like a shot of adrenaline to my internal motivation.

I am officially in training.