Running.

So, I really dislike winter.  I hate that running outside can be so miserable, especially in the early mornings.  Like this morning, my run group made a game day decision to not run outside since there were 24 MPH winds and it was 8 degrees outside.  Good call.  To the treadmill I went.  Funny thing is, I really do not mind the treadmill at all. I love blasting my music in my headphones and making up little games to push myself to the max speed.  Sometimes I even pretend like I am racing the person next to me, even though they probably do not even notice I am there.  Whatever, they are just mad because I win every-time (in my head).  This morning I did an interval workout, also known as a fartlek.  Yes, I just said fartlek.  Yes, it is a real running term I promise, go look it up.

I have been doing this workout since my high school CC days and it is great way to help build speed.  You start off at a nice easy warmup pace for 5 minutes, then you go “hard” for one minute,  “slow” for one minute.  “Hard” for two minutes, “slow” for two minutes, “hard” for 3 minutes,  “slow” for 3 minutes.  Repeat 3-2-1 back down.  Interval workouts are a great way to become a better runner, even if you could care less about being faster.  Forcing your heart rate to go up and down during workouts like this, will make you feel more comfortable during your regular runs.

So anyway, why am I telling you this?  Because it dawned on me that in high school my “hard” pace for a run like this was around an 8 minute mile and my “slow” was around 10 minute mile. This morning I kept a 630 pace consistently and barely went above 8 minute miles even when “resting”.  Holy crap.  I just realized how far my running has come in 12 years, it is insane.  It makes me so happy to know that even as we get older and our bodies change, we can still get better.  There is always room for improvement.  If you think you can’t get any better than where you were years ago, you are wrong.  You aren’t working hard enough.

Sophomore year High School CC meet. Don’t I look like I am having fun?

It has taken me YEARS to get to where I am now with my running and I couldn’t be more excited for what is to come.  My heart is set on qualifying for Boston this year and I know I can do it.  It is going to take work, but I can do it.  To give you an idea of how far I have come over the years:

• When I was in high school my fastest 5k was 22:08 and now I am SO close to the 20 minute 5k barrier.
• My first 13.1 race in 2009 was a 1:58 and last year I ran a 1:44
• My first 26.2 was a 4:26 (and awful experience, mind you) and this year I ran it in 3:53 and it felt awesome

2011 70.3 Ironman finish. Happy face.

I have learned that to be the best runner I can be, there are a few commandments I must follow.  Now, everybody is different and you have to find what works for YOUR body.  Some people can run 5-6 days a week and feel great.  That is not for me.  Just because you are not doing what is recommended in Runners World or your average pace is 13 minute miles does not mean you are not a runner.  A runner is a runner is a RUNNER.

Jill’s Running Commandments:

• Never run more than 4 days a week.
• Avoid running on consecutive days.
• Stick with the shoes you love, even if they don’t come in fun colors.
• NEVER skip a run because you are sore from a lift, push through it.
• Never skip strength training, EVER.
• Must do yoga at least once a week.
• Make sure to take in a good amount of protein and veggies, limit sugar.
• Speed work at least every other week.
• Hills are your FRIEND!
• Have at least one run a week where pace does not matter.
• When running is not fun anymore, stop doing it.

When I stick with all of these is when I feel my best and when I feel my fastest.  If you are a runner, I encourage you to experiment with many different things.  Again, what works for me might not work for you.  But do not for a minute think that your “best” is in your past.  Your best is your right now.  There is always one more mile to be run, one more rep to push out.  It is never too late to reach your full potential, so go and get after it!