One Year

Distance: 1/2 mile
Time: 3:40
Location: Powhatan

One year ago today I officially began my "intensive" running regimen. It was one of my most serious attempts to get back into shape, and for the most part it has been an effective exercise. Keeping this blog, I think, has played a big part in my perseverance. Almost every summer I attempt to get back into shape, but it's usually a short-lived attempt. But last summer (actually starting in mid-spring) I somehow maintained a pretty regular training regimen. Unfortunately it fell apart around September. Work, as I suspected, got in the way and suffocated my motivation. I ran off and on during the autumn, but by December I was all off. Until spring arrived. I re-ignited my running routine in April 2011 and it's been going pretty well ever since. And today I pause to think on what I've accomplished in one whole year.

As far as my times go, they've dropped but not by all that much. My first timed mile in May 2010 was 9:36, but since then I haven't run faster than 7:50. My stamina has improved, but I have a ways to go. Unfortunately my mileage isn't where I had hoped it would be. Besides one 3-mile run back in August 2010, I haven't exceeded 2 miles. Most of my runs have been 1 or 2 miles. My focus has been on lowering my times, so I guess I still feel like my times in those distances need to drop a lot more. But more miles is definitely on my to-do list for this summer. All in all I'm pleased with where I am now compared to one year ago. Had I trained through the autumn and winter I'm sure I'd be further along, but that's something I'll have to work on.

As far as tonight's run goes, I opted for a measly half mile. I was feeling highly unmotivated and I originally was only going to run 1 mile since I ran a hard 2 miles yesterday. But when it came time to actually run, I wasn't feeling ready for it. My legs were sore and my stomach felt full (from the pizza I had had for dinner). But it was after 9pm and I didn't want to wait any longer. So I compromised and decided to run a half mile instead. My first 2 runs in April when I re-started my training regimen were half miles, and they were horrible! I ran a 4:22 and a 4:09, slower than any half mile I ran in 2010. So I knew tonight I needed to redeem myself. But when I started running I wasn't feeling very strong at all. My muscles in my legs were tight and sore and my breathing was heavy. I really pushed it for the first 200 meters, but then I was hit with fatigue rather quickly. Not a good sign. For the next 400 meters I maintained a steady pace as best I could, and then for the last 200 meters I kicked it in. It wasn't a great kick, but it was enough to assure a better time. I ended up with a 3:40. It was good to be out of the dreaded 4s, but it still wasn't representative of what I'm capable of. In September 2010 I ran a 3:15, and even a whole year ago, on May 26th, 2010, I ran a 3:39, 1 second faster than tonight. So I still have much work to do.

I hope to get a good long run in tomorrow. I have another CIF track meet to attend tomorrow and I'm hoping I'll have enough energy when I get home to hit the pavement. I'm anxious to see where my 2 mile will be after yesterday's 16:38.