My Journey with Weight Loss – A Hard 8k Run

I got up this morning and noticed how foggy it was so I checked my weather app. Turns out it was 0 degrees and I had a run to do. I’m always hesitant to layer up too much instead relying on the vents in my jacket and being able to open them up when needed. I did wear gloves bit decided to forego the toque as I can get really warm when I am running. However, after getting home and resting a bit I had to take the dog out for a walk so then I did layer up and included a scarf and a toque (and my hi-vis vest because of the fog). Even doing that by time I got back home my hands were freezing.

I know I have 5 months to train for my 1/2 marathon but I also know I need to be diligent in training hard each time, there is no room for excuses or slacking off. I am really serious about this and so I am willing to put in all the work necessary to meet this goal. Today was my 8k run and much like my work last week I decided I needed to kick up the pace. Off I went and in my head I kept reminding myself to keep my pace even but at a level that normally would be uncomfortable but I kept going. I admit, about 1/2 way through my quads were starting to scream at me because I was working them so hard but that didn’t stop me. I managed to keep up this pace until I got to the hill near the end of my run. Ok, after already running 6k at a hard run (ok, hard for me may look pretty easy for experienced runners) doing that hill is brutal so I gave myself a bit of a break but then again pushed through the last few blocks. It was a good run but there will definitely be soaking in the hot tub tonight.

This week coach has me changing things up a bit. Now remember, I am only into week 2 of my training and I had been a little lax during the holiday season and the trip to Mexico but I got through my 10k last week so when Coach said the long run would be 12k this week I didn’t even blink at it, I know I can get through it. However, we are changing up my hill training a bit. This week I am only going to do only 8 intervals but the last 2 I am to push myself as hard as I can. You know 6 months ago this would intimidate me but now I just say, bring it on (ok, my thoughts my be different when I finish the hill training).

I have to say there are some things that are really encouraging me to keep going. Firstly, my husband who when I told him Coach wanted me to train for a 1/2 marathon he said why are you even having to think about this, you know you are going to do it. Secondly, is the people in the running community that are egging me on. In particular there are 2 younger men who are avid runners and they are always telling me what a great job I am doing. One of them likes to ask how far I am running each time he sees me and when I told him in December I was doing 16k he smiled and said don’t worry, you’ve got this. When I saw him last Monday I told him about the 1/2 marathon and now every time he sees me he asks how training is going. He saw me today and said hey, I see you are picking up the pace, keep going. Yep, those few words carried me for the rest of the run.

Writing this blog tends to really help me with my running. It allows me to write out my thoughts and get rid of any self-deprecating voices in my head. If I can keep them away I know I am going to be successful in meeting this year’s goal.