Running 101

     I am not, by no means, a runner. I never have been, but I have always secretly wished I was. I honestly don't think I was built to be a runner, but for the last month, I've been "training" for the Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon. I say training in quotes because I haven't been doing a very good job staying on top of it everyday. I completed the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in Phoenix about 3 years ago; it was rough, but totally worth it. I had so much fun, besides the major soreness/pain I was in afterward. I guess that's what I get for not training for it. This is also why I decided training for this one coming up was a must!

     Let me back up a little bit. A few years ago, I started running in various 5K's, 10K's, and the half. I was never very good, but it was so fun being in the runs and being a part of something. Flash forward 2 years; I haven't ran or participated in a race for at least 2 years. I decided I wanted to get back into shape and doing 5K's again. I signed KC and myself up for one that was a few of months ago, but some things came up and we weren't able to attend. Then about 2-3 months ago, a good friend of mine text me and convinced me to do the Las Vegas half with her (I'm a sucker for saying yes to people who want me to do things with them; what can I say, I like to think I'm adventurous).

     I know now that I should have started training THAT day, but I didn't think it would be as difficult as it turned out to be. I knew I was out of shape, but in my head I thought I could strap on some tennis shoes and go on a 3 mile run for my first workout. Boy was I wrong! I think I barely made it a mile, and that was with stopping and walking quite a bit. My shins were hurting, my ankles had shooting pain, and it was extremely hot (that's what you get for running in the summer when the sun is still out and you live in the desert). I only ran/walked a mile 2-4 times a week for the first 2 weeks of my training. I was finally able to throw some 2-2.5 mile runs in there the following 2 weeks, but it was hard work! Thankfully, I can tell that I'm improving each and every time I go on a run, so that is keeping me positive and keeping me going. I think the core training I'm also doing is helping a lot too.

     I wanted to gauge where I am with my training, so I signed KC and myself up for a 5K our church was having. It was last Saturday. I actually did better than I expected I would do, but I still have a ways to go. I was so proud of myself. I was only 10 minutes slower than KC! He placed in his age group and got an awesome medal. So proud of him!! Then, his bib number got picked during the raffle and he got a $25 gift card to a small runner's shop. It was a really good run and we had so much fun!

Showing off his medal!

     Today I went to look for a new pair of running shoes. I'm currently using a cheap pair I got from Walmart and I knew they weren't going to cut it. On top of that, I know I'm basically flat footed and that was playing a huge part in why my ankles would kill me every time I ran. I researched running with flat feet on the internet and discovered I should be wearing a certain kind of shoe that supports my lack of an arch and ankle. So, at this shoe store (the one KC won a gift card for last weekend at the 5K), the clerk measured my feet and watched me run so he could see how my shoes were supporting me...they weren't. He had me try on a few different pairs before he was happy with the way I ran and how good the shoes looked...support-wise. Just putting them on and standing up, I could tell they were super supportive and would help me with my running/training. I bought them right then and there! They're Asics, which I heard are great for running.

     I'm really excited to try them out! (Yes, I said I'm excited to go running) I really hope these shoes help me run further. This next month, I'm hoping to run 4-6 miles each run...or at least twice a week. I only have about 2 months left before the half. The only problem I'm faced with now is this scorching heat that we have during the day. If you think running is tough, try it in 100 degree heat...it's almost impossible! I've been running at night, but I don't feel comfortable out late by myself so I've had to drag KC out with me. I'm going to try to start running early in the morning because it's actually really chilly out then.

     Anyway, if you're thinking about running or you're already running, but experiencing pain; I highly recommend having your feet fitted for the shoe that's right for you. Also, remember that you don't have to be the fastest or go the furthest. As long as you're getting out there and exercising, you're doing great! Believe in yourself and you'll go far.

xoxo