So, after 4 weeks of pre training and preparing my body for the beat down I am about to give myself, the day finally came. I officially started my training regimen today with a 3 mile jog.
To say I was nervous about my ability to do this would be a massive understatement. I haven't run 3 miles in probably 20 years. Walk? Yes. Combo walking and running? I've done that too. But to jog for 3 miles straight just seemed impossible to be honest.
Nonetheless, I woke up early after working last night and decided no need to wait so I went over to the gym. Did some light stretching, although I need to get better at that, and hoofed it upstairs to the treadmill area of the world. After staring at the screen for a few minutes and wondering if I could really do this, I picked my program(a 5k run) and started amping the speed up.
I didn't want to push too hard or go too fast at the start and not be able to finish so I settled in at 5.6 mph. The first mile sped by with the help of some good music(I believe I got some Polyphonic Spree and Arcade Fire mixed in) and so I was feeling pretty good about myself.
Mile two, more of the same. A nice little pace, not too much panting but I do need to figure out how to get the water from the bottle into my mouth as I jog. After getting through miles 2-2.5 I decided I wanted to be done. No, I did not quit, I turned the speed up so I could finish strong. 6.2 mph for the last half mile.
For those of you familiar with the conversion between kilometers and miles, yes, I actually did the whole 5k(3.1 miles) and felt pretty good overall.
Areas of improvement: I need to drink water more consistently throughout my days. The runs always seem more buoyant that way, the muscles feel more loose. I also need to pick a little more upbeat music to stock the iPod with. Adele is great, but she will lull you to sleep as you're jogging.
All in all, 3.1 miles, 33:48 was the time. Weight after running 206.5 lbs. Beard growth almost one week.
Tomorrow is exactly 4 months from the race and I will get there and, for once in my life, am in no hurry.
