Guest Posting: Jacky's Progress Report!

Week Three

This is week three of this blog, and today (get excited!!!!) we have our first guest posting, from my sister Jacky. She was kind enough to share her beginning running training experiences with us. I think its great to read about what others are going through, because training is never going to go perfectly. Knowing that others are going through the same thing is comforting to us all! Without further adieu, here is Jacky's posting:

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7/30/09

Alright, so first I need to admit something…I have no idea why I signed up for the half-marathon! I hate running! But I signed up, well my cousin signed me up, so there is no backing out now. What the hell, I get a free t-shirt out of the deal AND, like Danielle said, bragging rights. As of now, I have only 3 (maybe 2.5 is being more honest) days of training under my belt. The first two days I joined up with an old friend, Lauren, to train, both of us are out of shape, so are runs were short to say the least. We alternated running and walking for 2.5 miles both days. Lauren and I made a rookie mistake though and forgot to stretch afterwards on the first day (eek! Can you say sore?). I won’t embarrass Lauren and spill the beans on her second mistake…on second thought, I will…let’s just say eating cookie dough before a run is a no-no! So after training Tuesday and Wednesday with Lauren, we both decided to take a day of rest and recovery on Thursday. Two days of training and a good night at the bar necessitated a rest day on Thursday. What can I say? I’m still 21 for a little over a month and my friend came home…there’s plenty of time to train! So Friday rolled and I decided to go to the beach with a friend. This is where the 3^rd day of training comes into play. Paddle ball and a 30 min bike ride count as cross-training right? So maybe that only adds up to 2.5 days of training, but hey it’s better than nothing! As of Monday night I have yet to get back into the swing of things, but tomorrow Lauren and I made plans to run after I get done work. I have to say, having a training partner is definitely a smart idea, it makes me feel guilty if I bail on plans to workout. Oh, and one last thing, I signed up for the Sea Isle City 10 mile run on August 8^th. I recruited at least one more person for that as well (Tammi) and signed her up for the half-marathon as well! Wish me luck! I’m going to need all of it!

-Jack-

Thanks for the posting Jack! I have a tough-love running quote that may help you on those rough days. Maybe make a running training log/calendar and post some fun quotes on it. Here ya go:

Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?

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New Runners:

Tammi Willis- ½ marathon and Sea Isle City 10 mile run

22 years old, works at Pour House as bartender/server. Used to play lacrosse in high school, was offered to play in college but went to another school. Works a lot (and so has less time to train) but definitely has the athletic ability to get this done.


Update: I accidently called Adam Stephen Dan Stephen. His name is Adam!

Scott Quintavalle- I was so excited to hear this! Scott is my dear friend who mercifully crossed that first 26.2 finish line with me in Vienna, Austria! Scott is living in Colorado where he is currently training for a local 13.1 miler! He's currently up to 5 mile runs in his training. Go Scott! P.S.- do I smell a reunion marathon in the not-too-distant future?



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My Weekly Musings:

One very important thing about running is finding the right pair of shoes. If you haven't already picked up a new pair, I suggest going to a store that specializes in running. In the S.J. area, I'd recommend the Haddonfield Running Co, or the Philadelphia Running Co. that is on 18th St (between Sansom & Chestnut?). The prices may be slightly higher than going to Dick's, but it is worth it to get a properly fitting shoe. At the very least, go in, have them pick you out a shoe, write it down and then do some price-comparisons online if you feel the need.

I clung on to my last pair of shoes waay too long, waiting to go back to Haddonfield Running Co. to get a new pair the last time I was home. Unfortunately, they were closed for the day (boo!) so to force myself to go I threw out my old shoes (yeahhhh I'm bold!) and marched down to City Sports in Boston the next day. I picked up what I thought were the same shoes I'd had, and woot wooot they were cheaper! Well, after having some shin pain the past few weeks I discovered Saucony makes two nearly identical shoes, and I'd picked the wrong ones. Long Story Short: bad shoes can make a good run feel bad!

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I am coming back to N.J. and will be down in Ocean City from Wednesday-Sunday of this week and I am looking forward to training on the boardwalk with that great Ocean Breeze. If anyone will be around please let me know, I'd <3 company!! Here's the likely schedule:

Thurs- 5 mile tempo run, on the boards.

Friday- long day (b/c I have friends coming Sat/Sun!) 10-11 miles at slower pace
Saturday- 4 mile recovery run

Sunday- 5-6 miles, depending on how I feel!

Well this is the great thing about this blog, now that I've stated what I plan on doing all of you can call me out and make fun of me if I don't- Added Motivation, yahhh!!! Well alrighty then everyone, Godspeed to you all! Wishing you a great week of training, and for all of us on the 18 week training program, its T-3 weeks till we start!

And HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! GOD BLESS AMERICA!