Training for the 10km run

Two years ago I took part in the Melbourne marathon, running the 5kms. It was really good fun, a bunch of us at work did it together, so there was a social aspect to the run. This year, I decided it was time to take it one step up, so I signed up for the 10km run for the Melbourne marathon. A friend who agreed to do the run with me this year pulled out just three days after signing up, citing the advice of her podiatrist. Instead, I found another running partner. Belgian Chocolates. Yes, my ex-boss. He has four full marathons under his belt, but because of an injury, he is unable to run the marathon this year. He will run the 10kms with me. In a decent time. The goal is to do it in less than an hour.

My usual running routine on any normal week is on a treadmill at the gym, 5kms, while watching the news, Two and A Half Men or listening to my iPod. Meanwhile, Belgian Chocolates made an executive decision (without my approval) to be my personal trainer for this 10km journey. The first change he decided for me, was to stop running on a treadmill, opting to run outside in a park. We both agreed to train together on Fridays after work at the Tan.

However, to ensure I did not disappoint him on Fridays, I started heading out to the Tan after work by myself, running, sometimes stopping.. so walking, then back running again. I did this on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Then came Fridays, which was with Belgian Chocolates.

The first Friday that we ran together was not too bad. He pushed me to run 8kms, without stopping, and even running the incline. Previously, when on my own, I normally walked the incline as it was just too hard. But he pushed me, and so I ran the incline, very slowly. It was a bit of an achievement for me, my first attempt running the incline! HAPPY!

The following week, I ran on Monday, Wednesday (in the friggin' rain) and Thursday alone... 8kms each time, up the incline as well, but I found myself struggling, stopping often, and walking back to the office most of the time. It seemed that the more I trained, the worse I became. The weather did not help, it was freezing cold, it rained, it was busy at work.. I was a wreck. The second Friday came, with Belgian Chocolates, and my legs failed me. I could not run at all. I swear, I nearly broke down in tears at the Tan, while running behind him, trying to keep up. I was able to hold my tears back, to avoid embarrassment. I just did not have the strength at all. It was such a bad week. Reading this article yesterday made me realise that I was not alone. Even Heather wanted to cry in front her personal trainer! I nearly did, too. Oh well, I was crying on the inside.

After that bad week, which was last week, I had a chat about it with Little-Miss-Drink-A-Lot. She reminded me that I am in this to enjoy myself, enjoy the run.. being part of a big event. She told me not to stress myself out.. and so I took it easy this time, allowed my legs to recover. I went back to running on the treadmill, which is now much easier for me. I also realised that maybe I should try running outside with some music, since I have always done this on the treadmill. I dug out an ancient iPod Shuffle, and thank god, it still works. I wonder if they still sell this stuff. Haha.

Last Sunday, I told myself, since it was not a working day, I wasn't tired (like how I would feel after work)... I put some new songs on the iPod Shuffle, and I started running outside to my local park. I did 10 laps around the oval, and back. I ran at a very slow pace, but guess what? I was able to keep running without stopping at all. And this was over an hour. My legs felt okay, tired but at least still going. On my way home, Grumpy even drove past me, offering me a lift home in the car. Which I kindly declined! Hehehe. I was proud of myself. Maybe the music does help.

This week is the last week before the event. The run is on Sunday. My (current) boss was saying how empty the Tan was this week (it is normally packed with runners after work). This is because all the runners are resting, conserving energy. I only did one run this week, on Wednesday, alone, with music, 8kms at the Tan, no stopping, and even up two inclines. I really felt good after that. I am in better spirits this week!

I am now ready to take on this 10km challenge on Sunday. I feel like a Rabbid!! Watch this! IT IS SO CUTE!

Wish me luck!!