Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Dear Abby,

OK, so. My sister in law Jerrica texted me a couple weeks ago and asked if I wanted to run a 10K with her. At first I thought she was insane and I only said yes to be nice (Sorry jerr, but its true) Then I thought about how much I hated running, but how I wanted to like it and then I thought that this would be a perfect way to test it out. And its a great goal to work towards. Except I have no idea how to go about doing it...Remember how I said I hated running? Well, that hasnt changed. So, the purpose of this post to ask for advice on how to work towards this goal of ours. What has worked for you? I really want to do this, but its very daunting to think about. Just let me know what you think. Thanks!!

10 comments:

Andrea Marie said...

Dear Mari,
You can dooo it! ;)
Start small. Make a chart to put a sticker on for each day you walk/run. (it makes it more fun when you get stickers for doing things!) Decide on a route to take and drive along that so you can measure it and make sure you're walking a whole 10K. (is that 3 miles?) Then start walking it, then jogging, then try running the whole thing and so on...
Good luck!! I wish I could run one with you!

jcook said...

oh Mari... WE CAN DO IT! before you know it we will be running marathons!

Heidi said...

You should totally do it! And we should practice for it together! I've been wanting a running buddy forever--that makes it sound like I've been running forever but that couldn't be further from the truth. I never run and have no motivation. That's why I need a running buddy! If I get to see my friend and talk to her, I'm much more likely to stick with it.:) So anyway, if you're interested in some company, let me know! And I like Andrea's tips. FYI: There is this cool website that I just heard about. It's http://www.mapmyrun.com. You map whatever route you're going to take and it will tell you the distance. When is the 10k?

Carly Lynn Dent said...

Hi Mari. I'm doing a random pop-in here! And you should add me to your friend list cuz I added you to mine! ANYWAY... I can totally relate to you because I HATE running! Blahhhh.... I hate it! I've personally found that having good music to listen to always helps. I CANNOT do any kind of cardio, especially running, without my ipod! It helps take my mind off the running. Also... (this is a weird one) I like to chew gum while I run. Maybe not chew, but have it in my mouth. It helps keep my mouth from getting so dry because there is something in there to keep me salivating. There are tons of techniques for running as well, like breathing techniques and even body positions that are "correct." (I've had friends who ran track back in the day tell me to always keep your hands loose when you run!) Look those up online! I'm sure there's lots of good info. Also, so much of running is mental. Your body is capable of doing it, it's just your brain that makes you think you can't. I've noticed with myself, that when I have a better attitude towards running... it's not nearly as bad as when I have a negative attitude towards it. Easier said than done though! :/ Lastly... do some 5k's for practice! They are fun, pretty easy, motivate you, and make you feel accomplished! So random of me to pitch in, we haven't talked forever! haha. Good luck with your running :)

Abbyland said...

i'll go running with you mare. now that i'm not staying out until all hours of the night, i'll be awake and ready to go at 5am tomorrow! i'm comin in to get you! ready or not!!! :)

Mari said...

not...most definitely will NOT be ready.

Marissa said...

Mari Kat. First of all, that is awesome!! I am excited for you. I promise you, if you stay consistent with running you will eventually start to enjoy it. Second, start small. Maybe you should try running a 5K before the 10K. Remember what I told you? The first week run 1 minute, walk 4. Whatever you're training for, whether it be a 5k or 10K, go that distance. The second week run 2 minutes, walk 3. Then gradually increase your running time by 1 minute each week until you are running non-stop. Once you've reached that point, you still might feel like you want to stop. DON'T. Talk to yourself, encourage yourself, push yourself. For instance, you might want to tell yourself "Okay, I can make it to that street sign." Then, once you've made it push yourself a little further. Go to the next street sign, or whatever. But keep talking to yourself, and don't get discouraged. This is seriously the best way and you will feel so good when you're done.

If I were you though, I would seriously start with a 5K. I did a 10K in Nebraska without really training for it and it nearly killed me.

Also, having a running partner can be very encouraging too. However, you have to hold each other accountable and not flake out on each other. Set a goal and maybe you should have a bet with each other on who can accomplish it first. (call me, I have a great idea, it's cheesy, but it works!)

Anyway, I really do hope you keep it up. I LOVE to run now and I was never a runner until a year in a half ago. It would be so fun to run some races together. I am hoping to run a half marathon by the end of the year. Good Luck to you. Let me know how it goes. Love ya sister!!!!!!

Mari said...

Thank you all for the amazing advice!! I can do this! Heidi, I would love a running buddy, but youre going to have to be patient with me...and Jerr, We need to start now!!! Ok, Thank you thank you!

Abbyland said...

Good think you have an Abby in your life now who has more infinite wisdom than all those fake Abbys people write too... you should say thank you.

Abbyland said...

Good thing... I meant good thing...