Well, another week has gone by of the Go Green, Get Fit challenge and it’s time for an update. I’d be lying if I said that I so much as went on a walk over the last week. (Yikes, I know) After my first two weeks of intense motivation and running like crazy, my knees just really decided to give out. I think I bit off more than I could chew. First it was just my right knee, but then my left knee started hurting too. So much so that I was almost limping, and I had to take it easy on the stairs.
Not now. So, what did I do for the last week? I listened to my body and got some much needed rest. I iced my knees daily and took a small amount of ibuprofen to minimize the inflammation. It’s been a week and a day since I’ve run, and my knees are almost 100% back to normal. I’m going to play it by ear, but I hope to start running again this week.
Oh! I did go to the gym a couple of times and did some leg strengthening exercises. Those even hurt my knees though, so I took it easy. I also spent lots of time on the ab and back machines at the gym. So, I guess saying I did nothing for the last week was counting myself a bit short.
I did, however, realize that my goal of participating in a half marathon is going to be even harder than I thought! I still want this to be my goal, but I have now fully admitted to myself that I will not be running the whole thing. There’s just no way, no how. And I’m cool with that. The training plan I was originally going to do was made for someone who could easily run 3 miles at the start of the plan. Since I’m not quite there, I decided to search the web for an easier plan. I’m excited to share that plan later this week.
For now, it’s one more day of rest, then I’m hoping to go on a walk/run tomorrow! How are your goals coming? How’s the heat been treating you? I guess my legs picked a good time to get injured, huh? Running in this heat would be miserable!
July 9, 2012
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Hi and welcome! I'm Jenny - a green living new momma, adoring wife, and MSU fan.
Could you take it slower and do the Couch to 5k program?
Good job listening to your body!! Have you considered doing the C25K program? It’s a 9 week walking/running program with the aim of having the individual run a 5K in less than 30 minutes. It has three workouts/week. You start out slowly and do running/walking intervals-decreasing the walking time each week and increasing the running times.
Thanks! You know, I did do the C25K program about 2 years ago, successfully. I really think I have enough time that I can push to a higher goal than that. But, my new plan is going to incorporate a lot more walking and shorter runs, so it will be similar to the C25K program! Thanks for the suggestion :)
I think you mean 11-12 minute miles. :) 12 mph would mean you could run a mile in 5 minutes!!! A half marathon IS a big challenge – we could switch to a 10k – 6.2 miles – which is a challenge (double the length of a 5k) but still doable. But I will do whichever you do. For now the training program works for me, but remember that I have been running pretty consistently for over 3 years now. And any expert runner you ask would probably say to err on the side of caution… Don’t get injured. Just think about it… You will probably survive half marathon training, and it would feel GREAT to finish. But it does require a lot of time.
Um yes. Brain fart apparently! 11-12 minute miles! I think I’m going to stick with the 1/2 marathon plan, but if I end up only doing the 10K, that’s fine too. Guess I should look and see when prices increase…huh? Thanks for the support!