So far, so good. Week 2 of half-marathon training for the Chicago Half Marathon was successful in that I trained four days out of the week and increased my running mileage by 10 percent. That percentage is my goal for increasing mileage each week of the 12-week training process. Week 3 will be tricky because my oldest nephew, who just graduated from high school, will be visiting us in Chicago for a long weekend, so I will be busy showing him around the city. My short-term goal is to stay on track while making time for family. I also need to get back on track with strength training.
Here’s how last week went down:
Monday: 2-mile treadmill run. It was muggy and I didn’t want to run outside.
Tuesday: Stretching.
Wednesday: 2-mile run on the treadmill. It was another rainy and busy day, so I had to fit it in somehow. I did incline intervals to challenge myself. I missed group training this week because we needed to run some errands regarding our condo repairs and that was a priority for me.
Thursday: 2-mile run on the treadmill. Again, I fit it in where I could.
Friday: Rest.
Saturday: Rest. I had planned to run my 5-miler this day but I was exhausted from running errands that morning and was recovering from some back pain I felt on Friday. I did 30 minutes of yoga that evening.
Sunday: 5 miles. It was a beautiful day in Chicago and the temperature was ideal for running. I felt great and motivated, though that wind kept slowing me down. I had a delicious meal of breakfast tacos earlier so I had tons of energy to burn.
Week’s mileage: 11
Reflections:
It’s amazing how much more inspired I’ve been feeling simply by knowing that I can do this and I have the tools I need for success. When you invest in yourself, you can have the confidence to know you can accomplish your goals. I have invested in child care, running coaches/a training schedule and time for myself, and I know it will pay off.
I hope that if you’re reading this and you have a goal, whether it’s running a race, hiking a certain trail, or feeling better in your clothes, you just have to put that intention out there, focus on it, act on it and it will happen. Feel grateful that the results are coming and you will be rewarded.
Quote for your day: “The inspiration you seek is already within you. Be silent and listen.” -Rumi
