I was pretty down after my last run. My feet hurt, my knee hurt, and my inner competitive spirit was really beating the crap out of my heart and mind.
My pace was slower than any of my previous runs (OK, only 20 seconds per mile slower, but when you’re crazy-competitive it matters…) and my right knee was really sore. So I did what any self-sufficient modern girl would do.
I went to Facebook.
I asked if this was normal, to get more sore and to get slower. So many of you were really helpful and crazy-supportive. And there were a few voices that suggested I was doing too much, too fast. And I came to realize those folks were probably right. I am, at this point, too old and fat(ter than I want to be) to jump right in to my training plan as it was structured. So I went back to the drawing board, and found another half-marathon training plan from the one and only Hal Higdon. I’m choosing his half-marathon plan for the true novice runner, which is 12 weeks. That gives me enough flexibility to back down to complete all 12 weeks of the Runner’s World plan that will get me up to running 30 minutes consistently. And it gives me 12 weeks to attempt to take off the excess weight that is no doubt making it even harder on my right knee to run. (I’ve uploaded my whole plan, in case you’re REALLY into seeing what I’m doing. But I can’t imagine you are!)
So, I’m a little bummed that I have to step it back. But I know it will be for the best, and that I’ll be a better runner for it. I hope!