Half Marathon Running Assumptions

So about 6 months ago my friend Keisha mentioned the idea of doing a half marathon with her in Nashville in April 2011. I instantly thought YES I WANT TO DO THAT because it's always been something on my bucket list. Well I mapped out everything I needed to know about training...or so I thought. I started training in January using the Hal Higdon 12 week method (although since I had not been working out I added in an extra 4 weeks (16 total) of training so that after 4 weeks I would be running up to par with the HH training method) I started out by running 1 mile - 3 days a week and gradually increasing by 1/2 mile increments during the week and running 2 miles on the weekend as my long run, increasing by 1 mile every 2 weeks from that point on. I went from not working out at all, eating whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted and nursing Colton to working out 3-5 days a week and not nursing Colton at all.

I assumed that I could eat like I was when I was nursing Colton because the 3-5 workouts a week would wash out the food I was eating...first assumption that was wrong. I assumed that because I was running, all my left over baby chub would just melt away...assumption #2 wrong. I assumed that my 'saddle bags' as they are called would just vanish into thin air...assumption #3 wrong.

Well about 6 weeks ago (2 months into my training) I noticed my pants were fitting tighter than they had before in the waist and legs. I thought what is going on? because I just didn't understand how someone could be running 10 miles a week and be getting bigger. I reached out to basically everyone I know for advice...I mean if you were ever considered a 'runner' you probably received an email from me. LOL I did some research myself and found that runners in training normally retain water (for hydration on long runs), store carbs (again for the long runs) and gain muscle. I was perfectly happy with the muscle part but not the water retention or carb storage since that was making me gain/hold on to the fat instead of letting it vanish like I had dreamed. I started eating better than I was (but honestly still could have done better...especially during the 2 weeks stuck at home from the snow). Well I think that time was the peak of it all because now 6 weeks later I'm noticing that everything is going back to normal...but the good news is I have more muscle...so I'm assuming that the fat is finally starting to s...l...o...w...l...y go away...first assumption that I think is actually right! When I assessed my eating habits 6 weeks ago I started doing better then but figured why would I train for 4 months and only half way do something...why not get the full benefit by eating right too...not half way right like I was really doing but actually eating right about 80% of the time (80-20 concept). I think that new mentality is helping me not only physically but mentally also. After 3 months of bad assumptions I think month 4 is the month everything clicked with me. I know...I know...why did it take 3 months you ask? I honestly think I lived in fantasy world for the last 5 years! I know it sounds funny but I was very lucky with both kids and could eat what I wanted when I wanted and not gain weight. With that said, when you are pregnant and nursing for a combined 3.5 years (44 months) out of the last 5 years (pregnant with Lauren in Sept '06, had her in June '07 and nursed until March '08...then pregnant with Colton Jan '09, had him October '09 and nursed until Jan '11) then you will know how hard it is to get back on track...it's not the fact that I'm a procrastinator...no that would not be it at all. ;-)

Anyway, I'm happy to say that I have stuck to the Hal Higdon program (with some minor adjustments for things called winter and sickness), am eating much better now and feel great! The race is less than 2 weeks away now and I feel ready...nervous but ready! This past weekend I ran 9 miles and plan to run 10 or 11 this coming Easter weekend with the race of 13.1 miles next weekend the 30th! Watch out Nashville...here I come!