tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19163408.post51619181108932348..comments2023-11-05T01:57:22.246-08:00Comments on Marathon Mommy: Diary of a Beginner....Suzie Petuniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13387520367654400467noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19163408.post-10611289393182406982008-06-11T09:22:00.000-07:002008-06-11T09:22:00.000-07:00Hi LisaMarie - I began running about 2 years ago a...Hi LisaMarie - <BR/>I began running about 2 years ago as a way to lose weight. I realized after about a month of consistent activity that I needed to control my portion sizes, too - running alone didn't do a thing for my actual weight. Once I started eating portion-controlled meals (Lean Cuisine - cheap AND easy!) the weight literally melted off. I lost almost 35 pounds (probably more than I needed to!)in the span of about 3 1/2 months. <BR/>When I started "running", I bought an iPod and would alternate slowly jogging one song and then walking the next. It was all that I could do to simply get through ONE song (3-4 minutes!) After a while of this, I gradually found that I was walking one, running 2-3, then walking again when I needed the break. I built up to a 30 minute workout of walking the first song as a warm up, running for about 23-24 minutes (about 6 songs), and then walking the final song as a cool-down. Today I'm in my fourth month of pregnancy with my first child but still running at least 3-4 miles a day, competing in lots of local 5Ks, 10ks, etc., and have 6 half marathons under my belt! It takes time, but it is so exciting to feel yourself building up your endurance. For me, it was definitely seeing the weight melt off (and later making sure it stayed GONE!) that kept me motivated. I truly love running and I hope that it turns out to be everything you want it to be! Best of luck.Tammi1407https://www.blogger.com/profile/12776958657842958847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19163408.post-17295528363017538392008-06-11T08:53:00.000-07:002008-06-11T08:53:00.000-07:00Hi Lisa Marie, I think the MOST important thing, e...Hi Lisa Marie, I think the MOST important thing, especially for moms, is that you enjoy running. This is your time out (we don't get much of it) It's time for you, you can't be hating it! So if you need to slow down a little, do it. You've worked so hard (sounds like) to get to this point so don't give up. I read somewhere that you can't expect to just go out and run 10 miles (or whatever distance you want) you have to build up your endurance first, THEN you can work on speed. You've been sick and had time off, so it might take a little while, but you'll get there. You can do it. Happy Running!Robynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08966049535822334104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19163408.post-75510113343971858302008-06-11T05:52:00.000-07:002008-06-11T05:52:00.000-07:00I agree with Kelly! It is important to listen to y...I agree with Kelly! It is important to listen to your body! Running is a STEP BY STEP process, it takes lots of time to improve. I think you are right on with taken it slower!<BR/><BR/> Nine months ago I started running at 13-14 min. miles and now at my fastest I am at 10 min miles. At first running was pure torture ;) for me but the results of how it makes you feel is so worth it!! <BR/><BR/>Good Luck :)Staci Rochahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12214807842316053187noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19163408.post-91662476694848819812008-06-10T22:46:00.000-07:002008-06-10T22:46:00.000-07:00Hi LisaMarie,Thanks for sharing your struggles wit...Hi LisaMarie,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for sharing your struggles with us. I am so glad you are finding where running is enjoyable for you. I don't consider myself a "stallion" but I have sure learned a lot in the last 6 years I have been running. I have found that slowing down makes the biggest difference. I have been working hard at training myself to run at a lower heart rate. This requires running very slow. I believe I started out running 12-13 minute miles. Running slow helps your breathing and your heart. It prevents injuries. It allows you to run further. I think it is much more enjoyable too. :-) It also allows me to do speedwork and work hard on one day, and then on the next run slow and truly recover. It also has helped me to get faster overall.<BR/>Congrats on listening to your body. Please keep us posted on your progress. I am sure you will see much improvement.Kelly(M&M)https://www.blogger.com/profile/10667877708280021302noreply@blogger.com