Report on my first 3 weeks of running
Feb. 11th, 2017 01:39 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
luzulaLooking forward to the time when I am well again (this cold too shall pass), here is a report on the progress of my resolution to start running.
I got myself a pair of shoes which were more expensive than I'd planned, but I'd gone to one of those stores that film you and then recommend shoes to fit. And I don't regret it, because they are so comfortable. Before I got the cold, I'd been running basically every other day, with some exceptions. I have no idea how far I go, but I'm out for 35 minutes, mostly when I get home from work. That includes time to get to and from the trail (which is only a few hundred meters) and also some brisk walking to warm up. When I run, I go very slowly, since I am new at this, and I walk on the steeper uphill and downhill parts (the track is quite hilly). After the run I do some core and arm exercises and then stretch thoroughly.
It's obvious that so far it's the muscles/tendons/ligaments/whatever in my feet and legs that are setting my limits, not my wind. I am not used to this sort of exercise and I want to build up slowly, especially since I've had trouble with my feet in the past. I have no previous trouble with my knees, but I want to avoid getting it. But I can already feel some changes in my legs where I'm getting stronger, especially the back of my thighs and butt. I am surprised at how the running actually does feel like a natural gait for me--I thought it would feel much more like work than it does. Then again, I'm still going very slowly. Also, I don't get a high or anything while running, but I do get a very pleasant mild endorphin high the whole evening after I run. Nice bonus! And then I get normal muscle ache the day after.
When I get rid of my cold, I plan to continue pretty much as I have been for at least two weeks more, and then maybe try going a little faster, or add a little loop to the run.isis also suggested that I should try going for two days running, one day rest. So maybe keep the same loop but go more often? Probably my motivation will increase in the spring, since now I'm basically going running when it's dark and around the freezing point (well, dark except for the electric lights along the trail). Some light and warmth and greenery will be nice.
I got myself a pair of shoes which were more expensive than I'd planned, but I'd gone to one of those stores that film you and then recommend shoes to fit. And I don't regret it, because they are so comfortable. Before I got the cold, I'd been running basically every other day, with some exceptions. I have no idea how far I go, but I'm out for 35 minutes, mostly when I get home from work. That includes time to get to and from the trail (which is only a few hundred meters) and also some brisk walking to warm up. When I run, I go very slowly, since I am new at this, and I walk on the steeper uphill and downhill parts (the track is quite hilly). After the run I do some core and arm exercises and then stretch thoroughly.
It's obvious that so far it's the muscles/tendons/ligaments/whatever in my feet and legs that are setting my limits, not my wind. I am not used to this sort of exercise and I want to build up slowly, especially since I've had trouble with my feet in the past. I have no previous trouble with my knees, but I want to avoid getting it. But I can already feel some changes in my legs where I'm getting stronger, especially the back of my thighs and butt. I am surprised at how the running actually does feel like a natural gait for me--I thought it would feel much more like work than it does. Then again, I'm still going very slowly. Also, I don't get a high or anything while running, but I do get a very pleasant mild endorphin high the whole evening after I run. Nice bonus! And then I get normal muscle ache the day after.
When I get rid of my cold, I plan to continue pretty much as I have been for at least two weeks more, and then maybe try going a little faster, or add a little loop to the run.
isis also suggested that I should try going for two days running, one day rest. So maybe keep the same loop but go more often? Probably my motivation will increase in the spring, since now I'm basically going running when it's dark and around the freezing point (well, dark except for the electric lights along the trail). Some light and warmth and greenery will be nice.
