The Lighter Side of Me
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The Lighter Side of Me

Life somewhere between the before and after photos

Slowing down to speed up

10/11/2018

5 Comments

 
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I'm starting to learn that my 5K training is a delicate balance of working on improving a number of factors: increasing speed, extending my endurance, slowing my breathing and avoiding injury. That's a lot of crap to juggle as I push this body forward each day.

When I started training months ago, my focus was strictly on time. And, yeah, that's still pretty important to me. The Disney Princess 5K run recommends a 16-min mile pace. So, that typically looms large in my muddled mind. 

However, after injuring myself over the summer by relentlessly pursuing perfection, I learned I need to dial it back, no matter how impatient I may be.

Every time the lessons come back to patience: with my body, my expectations, the scale. Ugh.

This week, I tweaked my left calf/shin. I ran two workouts in a row where I didn't stop once to walk. The accomplishment I felt was undeniable. But, yesterday I had to make a choice. Chase after that specific accomplishment once more or rest up and try again another day. I opted to pass on the run and see what today would bring.

Today's 20-minute 5K training session tempted me to try to run the whole thing, as I had previously. Instead, I chose to stick with my walk/run intervals, but allowing my body to dictate the run time and walk time. It turns out listening to my body is actually working. Go figure, right?

For only the second time, my overall pace was below 15 minutes. Am I excited? Damn straight I am! My heart rate was lower than the last time I did it, too. 

I'm taking care of my body and I truly believe it is now giving back and working to help me take care of myself. Yeah, it sounds weird. But, I'm kinda weird, so....

Today's workout takeaway: this is not a full-race pace for me. I couldn't complete a full 5K at this level. At least not now. For my next long run, slated for 2.5 miles on Monday, I plan to take the first 1.5 miles or so a little slower so I can pace myself for the long haul. The goal is to finish and to end it strong—not like I want to keel over and die!

5 Comments
Lisa Cochran
10/11/2018 01:37:40 pm

Awesome blog. How do I subscribe to your blog? I would like to get notices when you post. Thanks.

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Marie Rossiter link
10/11/2018 01:55:39 pm

Hey Lisa! There is now a subscribe button at the top and bottom of the page. Just click the button and sign up! Thanks for asking! :)

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topresume review link
12/14/2018 02:52:30 am

Improving your endurance is very essential to improving your speed. I believe that you need an incredible work ethic to be able to reach great heights, and to improve drastically. There are a lot of ways for someone to improve his endurance, jogging is one of the best ways, swimming is also another way for people to increase their endurance. Endurance is key when running in any athletic sport. Being able to run fast without getting tired can be very crucial.

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Monica Castillo
11/2/2018 12:08:26 am

Can you please be my accountability partner if you wouldn't mind.

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Marie Rossiter link
11/2/2018 07:29:26 am

Absolutely, Monica! Let me know what you need from me. My email is in the reply and I'll help however I can. You can do this!!

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    Welcome!

    I'm Marie. I'm working toward a 200 lb. weight loss goal. I'm doing it with baby steps. Follow my journey here.

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