Introduction: Two of my very leggy, very tall friends have bullied convinced inspired me to try a 5k run. Easy for them to say. Yes, I work out several times a week. Yes, I can handle a 45 minute Cyclesanity class with ease. And yes, I’m strong for a woman. But fast I am not, and stamina I do not have. At least not when it comes to running.
The 5k is on April 21st, and it takes place downtown in support of the 911 Memorial and Museum. You need to register by April 18th, and if I feel I can run the whole distance by then I will. But I can’t make any promises. Worst case scenario- I’ll donate in support of my tall fast dear friends, Greer and Alyssa.
First Attempt: I have experimented with running over the years, and I’ve found that the only way I can get through more than 5 minutes is to run outside. Running on the treadmill is the most boring, monotonous, and frustrating thing to me. You run and run and pant and sweat, and you don’t get anywhere. It’s all psychological, I know, but there’s no end. No reward. No “wow, look how far I’ve come!” I need that satisfaction. So for me: step 1 is to get outside and with the weather warming up it’s a great time to do so.
Step 2 is measure results. Greer told me about a great iPhone app called C25K- or Couch to 5k- which uses interval training to gear you up for a full 5k run in just 9 weeks. I’ve only tried “Day 1″ and found it to be ridiculously easy, so I think I’ll skip a head a couple weeks. Otherwise, the app seems very usefull.
Another iPhone app that I’m really into is called Map My Run. It uses your phone’s GPS to map your route, record your time, and calculate burned calories. It also takes hills into consideration. So far, I like it.
As you can see, it took me about 25 minutes to run 2.26 miles, which calculates to a 11 minute mile. Considering this is my first attempt and there were waaaayyyy more hills than I anticipated, I’m pretty happy. I ended up taking a few walk breaks, mostly due to a persistant side stitch, but was able to make decent time.
And that’s step 3: Pinpoint what’s holding me back. Truth be told, my biggest set-back is not shortness of breath or fatigued muscles, but that damn stitch in my side. 5 minutes into every run, and there’s that jabbing pain in under the right side of my ribs. With every pounding of foot and exhalation of breath, it gets worse. Needless to say, it is quite annoying.
According to my research, there is no known cause, preventive measures, or cure. Awesome. Instead there are theories ranging from “no eating or drinking before you workout” to “improve your posture.” I’ll give both suggestions a shot and let you now if anything improves.
Until then, have a fabulous weekend. I’m out!
