I started my training with Abe's Army on Monday feeling I could do this and last week was just a blip. I know that the journey will be hard, but also fun and even educational, as I make my way to the finish.
As Doogie Howser M.D. (early '90s comedy-drama about a 16-year old doctor) always contemplated how surgery and life connected in each episode, I learned something today that will keep me going.
While I may not be in the 10-minute-a-mile running group, I think I found my new running group to be a better fit.
Joni Stahlman, one of my training group leaders, explained to me that if I think of running as walking on clouds, I can take the pressure off each foot as I go. Stahlman gained this insight from training with Jill Thiel, who along with her husband, Joe Thiel, are active in the Springfield Road Runners Club and own Fitness Together.
I used this bit of advice as I ran, and it began to help. I was taking my steps with less pressure and this made the running easier. Since this is the first time I have actually taken up running, this sort of advice is what I need.
The pace of this group was slower, which also will help me improve my endurance.
Unlike last week's training --"My training hits a rough patch" -- I was able to keep up. We did a run-walk pace. It was not as fast, but I was able to keep going without exhausting myself. This meant I was able to go 3.4 miles at an average pace of 12 minutes per mile.
This was not as fast as the other group, but I think starting out at this pace allows me to build strength and learn what will help me to run faster.
So with this episode, I mean run, I feel encouraged that I can go all the way.
My earlier columns:
My training hits a rough patch
My debut in the Abe's Army training program
Preparing myself for the Abe's Army
Where to go to comment and keep up on my training?
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