Friday, September 21, 2012

I Hated Running in School, Now I Pay to do it

Saturday I’m running another race. I know. My last race was in July and now two in a week. It’s just how it happens sometimes. Saturday is the NYRR 5th Ave Mile. This is only my second year running this. I will state for the record that I hated running the mile in school. I still remember running it in middle school and thinking that it would never end. I was not a fan of running because I didn’t know how to.

I still don’t know how to run a mile since I never train for a mile. Last year I just went out and took it pretty conservatively at the start then picked up my speed as we got closer to the finish. 5th Ave is no flat, which makes it a little difficult because there are these little hills all along the mile course. And when you don’t train on a course, you don’t know what to expect. It’s an interesting race so we’ll see how it goes. It’s kind of amazing that so many years after those bad experiences in middle school, here I am willingly racing a mile. Actually, come to think of it, that I run at all. It’s an incredible think how we’re able to change so much through our life.

There are a few other Oiselle ambassadors running – Robin and Meggie – while Emilie is planning to come out to cheer. Kate Grace, who’s on the elite team and ran in the Olympic Trials in June is running in the NYRR Championship heat. We’re all hoping to meet up at some point.

Unfortunately this week I haven’t been getting to much of a workout to prep for the race. My legs have been so stiff since race last Saturday. I think it’s a combination of three things 1) the hills, 2) my office chair at work that is about as comfortable and ergonomic as a wood plank and 3) the adjustment I got at my first chiropractor appointment Saturday after the race. I’ve ended up taking two days off from working out this week and instead spent about 20-25 minutes each morning on my yoga mat stretching. As much as I’d rather not take two days off in one week like this, it’s a must. I’d rather take two days off now and get past this quickly than let it go on an let it hinder my workouts. Thankfully this morning my workout was much better than earlier this week so it seems that I made the right choice. Plus, recently I became a strong believer in the idea that sleep helps strained muscles and heals injuries. Hopefully I’ll be ready to push through the mile on Saturday!

NYRR Fifth Avenue Mile Presented by Nissan   NYRR

  • How much did you love running the mile in gym class?

I loved running the mile about as much as I love eating olives.

  • Any big plans for the weekend?

Spartan Fall Fest tonight with other MSU alumna in NYC, and the race tomorrow!

************

Today’s workout -

  • 40min elliptical
  • 3x10 lateral arm raise
  • 3x10 tricep kick-back
  • 3x10 hammer curl
  • foam roller
  • ab exercises
  • stretching

7 comments:

Jen said...

Oh - I hated running in school too. I was horrible at it and had an equally horrible attitude to go along with it! Isn't it crazy how things change?

Anna Miller said...

Isn't it funny how we change?! In high school I started running track to stay in shape for soccer. Then I joined the cross country team for the same reason but only for that reason. Then my senior year I found myself inquiring about running in college. I wasn't a collegiate athlete long due to a knee surgery but that didn't stop my running. I used to dread the workouts now I get up super early to get my miles and yes I pay to run races! Crazy huh?

CarliAlice said...

I absolutly hated any running in school. I don't like being last so I always wound up with side stitches.

I'm going to enjoy the wonderful weather at Six Flags today. Yeah!

Lisa_earlymorningrun said...

Sounds like a great way to spend a fall day!

Lisa_earlymorningrun said...

Ha! That sounds like how I was! I wish I had learned earlier.

Lisa_earlymorningrun said...

Early morning is the best time to do it, too! ;)

Amanda K said...

Gah - I still remember how much I hated running the mile in High School gym - around and around the indoor gym! got an 8 something - not sure how I'd go today as everything I do is in km's