This old self has a new body!

I am 20 years old, going on 50... or at least that is what it feels like.

Yesterday I went to the gym to fit in a good workout before the hectic week began. As I was stretching I felt good, nothing was tight, my shins were loose (which is generally my problem area), and I was pumped with a good playlist on the iPod. Things were getting good!

I did my running around the indoor track that we have access to here at SSU which makes running sometimes easier than city streets. While it is easier to navigate and blast the music, it can also get very mundane and boredom can be the breaking point with many first time runners. Despite, I began my 20 minute run and selected specific songs that kept my attention from wandering off the track.

**A good tip to starting to train for a long race or just to get more in shape, start slow and add 5 minutes every week to your run time. Last week was 15 minute runs, this week is 20. Give yourself a few days (in my case, 3-4 days) to gain distance over the overall time you are training. And never... NEVER run every day. It is too much for the body to take. I like to run every other day, incorporating weights or the bicycle between runs. Believe me (for someone who has experienced shin splints like the common cold), starting slow is the best way to achieve any amount of distance. If you go all out the first week, you will be sitting on your bum waiting for the injuries to surpass and you will be right where you left off. And then... you'll be kicking yourself.

So a 20 minute run is roughly 2 1/4 miles (I average about 9 minutes a mile). And based on experience on my part, running based on time is a lot more efficient than laps. Running is hard enough to not get distracted, but to add math on top of that, I ended up getting more frustrated with my goals than just glancing at the clock once and a while. Trust me!

Anyway, after my run, I felt great. I was sweaty and the in-and-out burger I had the night before.. flushed right out of the system. But last night I definitely had another thought coming. My knees hurt at every step I took up to my bedroom and it seemed getting off the couch was literally not going to happen. (Gives new meaning the word couch potato).

Needless to say, this weekend I will be exploring new terrain, as it is better to switch off every so often to prevent injuries. The best terrain is of course dirt, but how convenient is that to the everyday college student. Not! But, choose asphalt over concrete, and always try and switch directions on a track if you prefer to be bored. If the week just does not work for you, that's fine, look into possible parks or beaches on the weekends. With spring on it's way, plan ahead and prepare for a lovely weekend exploration to an area you are interested in. That will only make you associate running with something fun and different, preventing boredom perfectly. Plus, you will discover a place you never knew existed! A runner and explorer all in one.

Injuries are going to occur. Both of my roommates had varying injuries after their first half marathon, some far worse than others. But, if you take your time and stretch, letting the ice pack be your best friend, you will find the injuries to be less frequent.

You are sore for a reason. I find myself still telling my own body that. Those muscles are getting ready to strengthen and build a better foundation for you to work with. The body is just a machine, with the proper fuel, mileage check, and oil change, you will be well on your way to the open road.

Push that gas pedal, but don't speed. You will get there in time.

run-sarah-run!