[quote name='Strell']Super late to the party, and nothing major to really report. I started running back in July and have kept it up at least once a week since then (barring once a few weeks ago where I was sick). I used to run long distance as a kid for fun, and sort of have done it off and on since then, but it's fallen off in recent years.
Since moving to Austin at the beginning of summer, I've taken it back up. There's a huge running scene here and it's immensely encouraging to go to a trail and see dozens of runners of all skill levels and speeds hoofin' it up and down trails. A big bonus is that these are riverside, so you get lush greenery, shade, and well defined paths. This is especially important in the summer, when the heat alone is horrid.
Been doing a 3.1 mile course (just shy of a 5K). When I started, the first attempts took multiple walking sessions and lasted 43 minutes. Since then, I've gotten back into a rhythm and turned it into a straight run. My best time now is 26:21. I have a goal of sub-25 minutes before the end of the year, and want to get to that even earlier. December 2nd is the Jingle Bell Run, which I ran as a kid twice. My time as an eleven year old was 20:35, which is sub-7 minute miles. Getting under 25 for that would be a huge thing for me; just under five weeks to go to shave off another minute.
There's multiple trails you can go on. Unfortunately with the shorter days and less light, the earliest I can get there is around 6:45 PM after work. This all depends on traffic, and generally it's very dark by then, so it's more dangerous to run since you can roll an ankle easily if you aren't paying attention. At any rate, I can get there earlier on the weekend, so I arrived with plenty of time for light, and decided to run the 4.2 mile course. I finished in 36 flat, so 9 minute miles. I can push that harder, but didn't want to overdo it on the first attempt. It didn't wind/hurt me as much as I predicted, which also makes me think I could push a really strong three mile run the next time I head out.
The ultimate goal is to run a marathon, which I'd like to think I could do by this time next year.
I haven't gotten into a schedule of working out in between the runs; I tend to always push harder each time I run, which leaves me pretty sore. But I'm going to start working in some weight lifting and elliptical stuff in between the runs. I do push ups occasionally; went from 25 to 40 per set when I do them, but not doing them near enough.
Diet hasn't really changed much; I could be doing much better there. I drink sugary tea a bit too much; trying to offset this with more water, less sugar in the tea, and more juices. Also need to find some recipes for healthier cooking, hopefully for a slow cooker, so I could set everything up in the morning and be ready when I get home.
I was at 194 or so when I started running; yesterday I was at 184. Not a huge loss, but something to be proud of. Running has turned into a massively positive aspect of life right now, and I'm remembering all the runner's highs and other endorphin induced euphorias that I got drunk on as a kid.
If I had a good place to cycle and swim, I'd think about triathlons. But one step at a time right now.
There's a zombie run 5K in December that my company is sponsoring employees for; not sure if I'm going to do that or not. Would rather take the entry fee (around $40 even after the half the company pays) and buy running clothes. But eh.
Good luck to everyone in this thread; it feels nice to think that I can post in here with a legitimate reason.[/QUOTE]
Sounds great so far, Strell. I highlighted the one thing I think you should watch out for. Definitely make sure the juices aren't loaded with sugar and other junk. (So many juices *look* healthy, even when they aren't.)
