Marathon Training

Ok..so life is weird. Last post says I'm not running, and now I say I AM!! So excited.
Marathon training was an inspired transition. We were discussing how running, jogging, etc is a great form of exercise, and I told my friend, why not run a marathon? And so it started. We came up with the one we wanted to run the very next day. The Mini marathon. We registered in July I think and the marathon was in October. Ample time.
I simply love our county libraries that have books on every topic. And when I looked for books on training for the first marathon, I got two books written by experienced marathon runners. Both were many-time Boston Marathon runners and one was an Olympic level athlete too. So, inspiration-- check. Goal- 5 mile marathon--check. Training time- 3 months--Check. Training guide-- Check.
Both books suggested that I train at least 4-5 days a week. One book suggested 2-3 rest days with one day of cross training. I walked initially for the rest day training.
One huge help was that I was to treat everyday as marathon day and give it my best. The weekly running was a combination of different techniques. Fast days, where I run my fastest. It doesn't matter if I ran 2 miles or 3 or 4 or even 5, simply that it was fast. My easy days, where the pace was neither too fast nor too slow. And my long days when I ran the entire 5 miles. I began with 1 fast day, 2 easy days and 1 long day. Now it all long days where I run the 5 miles no matter what. Saturday or Sunday would be training with my buddies.
They also suggested using an excel sheet format that had all the relevant details- date, time, warm up time, distance, pace, breaks, stretch time. It also had inputs for outside conditions and if we trained alone or in a group. I used this for 10 days and then stopped. I had a Nike running application that took care of  all these for me.
It was also suggested that I split my run. It seems that you can run faster than the previous mile if we take a minute break of brisk walking. Now since this is a mini marathon, I think I will not be taking any splits.
Staying hydrated and eating well was also a key chapter. Carbohydrates for energy and protein for the muscle should be major dietary components. A good night's sleep ( major fail for me- j'accuse Pretty little liars, Suits, Monk, Fringe, Breaking Bad,Revenge, Supernatural,Once upon a time) was said to be the miracle worker for the muscles.
So here I am, a week before the marathon. I have trained diligently. And I know I will not stop runnning even after this marathon. We have set our sights on the Half marathon- 13.5 miles next. Will write more when the plan is solid.
And now, wish me luck! :)

Recereational running

I write this with a heavy heavy heart! I won't be participating in the 5mile marathon that I'd registered for.
3 months ago, if you'd asked me if I could run 5 miles without a break I would have most probably said no. But then the body surprises you with its endurance and the capacity to learn.
I still remember the first few minutes when i first started running post pregnancy. I wheezed and whooshed, running for just a minute. And then I gave it up. I was not sure if running was for me. Then bootcamp happened, and I was confident that I could run for 5 minutes. I remember when our trainer made us run, I could run for 5 minutes, walk for 3 minutes, fast walk for the rest of the way. And then I started walking regularly. Everyday for an hour. Thats when things started changing. My muscles got used to the exercise, my lungs decided they did like fresh air after all.
One day I just decided to jog. And I could. I did it for a glorious 6 minutes. Then my lungs protested, my legs protested, but when I pushed they did good. I won't say I set papers aflutter when I run, but I know that the pace that I run is a good one too.
Now the problem with these magazines are that they offer so much details into how to run, different workouts with running, how to run more effectively (whatever that means). I tried whatever I could. Some worked, some did not. But my legs grew stronger, my lungs even more so. I knew rhythmic breathing was essential and used that too. Hydration, sunscreen and glasses to help me beat the heat. I love it. The transition to marathon training was because I had something tangible. I knew I could run continuously, having clocked 3 and 4 miles during the casual running. Sprinting and dashing in intervals during running is also a good way to train the body. Some magazines even combined some exercises with running/jogging. They helped me too.
The only way to begin running is to actually run. One day, when the pace of walking is too slow, the mind wants to run and there you go! The key again is determination and knowing when too much is too much. Stretching deserves its own entry!
But for now, running is something that I definitely see developing into more in the future!! And oh..good luck to a couple of my buddies who will be running the marathon!! Go, Go, Go!! :)

Walking

I wanted to write this post for ages. :) Starting trouble! :P
The thing is I have had a fascination with walking for a long time now. When I was younger, I used to scoff at people who went for walks everyday, getting up early. That was partly because I was in a school that began at 7.10am everyday! So you can imagine how I felt about people who got up voluntarily to do so.
Then came the time when I was in college, sometimes when bus service was infrequent, I had to walk to the nearest major stop and catch a bus from there. This was a pleasant walk. This was at a time when I did not know the fears of a teenager walking alone at 7 or 8pm! Naive times! Then the habit continued into office, where to release the stress of a hectic day, I took to walking in my hostel gardens every night. Eventually I started getting up at 7am to go for a walk or catch up on an hour after work.
After marriage, walking was a exploratory exercise. I wanted to know more about the place I stayed, at least the vicinity, so I set off on foot. There was also a beautiful trail just behind the apartment, that was a constant source of inpsiration.
With the baby being born, it was a chance to take the child out and catch up on some me-time. I'd load up the stroller, fill up the water bottle and away we went.
My walks have always been long. My tread is pretty brisk and the stroller lent a resistance that increased my effort. My favourite part of the walk was always pointing out vehicles to the little one. When my company was not really needed and I thought it best to leave him to be entertained by himself, I listened to songs. I constantly looked to other people's pages for music recommendations. No shame in accepting that here. I am a novice. So if anyone says something is good, I listen to it. If I like it, its on my tunes.
I like my walks either way, where I contemplate on the day so far and how I want it to be. Or I imagine what the bigger scheme of things would be. I am absolutely satisfied with not thinking, but simply enjoying the walk as is.
Now a days with a toddler with excessive energy, sometimes I go on walks to wear him out, help him get an appetite or to simply stave of boredom. Its interesting now because there is so much more conversation between the both of us.
Whether it's a minute or a mile, I still love walking. Hence I love to go shopping ( Hey I am just putting it out there in case you want someone to go with you!)