Sunday, January 5, 2014

Reflecting on Week 1 Half Marathon Training

What went well:
  • I was able to do *something* for each of my prescribed workouts.  Yay!
  • Using the bike on the trainer made for a decent running substitute for my "30 min" runs.
  • I'm no longer limping.  As a result, my walking pace improved from 20min/mi to ~17:30min/mi.
  • Reading via Kindle app on the bike trainer made the time more bearable.  Thanks for the suggestion!!

What didn't go so well:
  • I planned to substitute a 5 mile run with a 60min trainer ride; however, my knee started complaining so I only made it 35mins.  Ended up substituting a 5 mile walk instead.
  • While my toe is better, it isn't fully healed.  Only a few pairs of shoes fit comfortably. Can't wear my preferred walking or running shoes.

Plans for week 2:
  • Continue with trainer rides to compensate for the prescribed 30 min run workouts.
  • Attempt at least a tiny bit of run-walk-run *if* toe is better enough to fit into running shoes by next weekend. 
  • Begin tracking against goals for Winter Miles Challenge.

On an unrelated topic, I finally made a decision on a laptop and bit the bullet. I opted for an older used laptop with features that should be sufficient for my needs.  I just couldn't justify spending lots of $$ on a new fancy lightweight one that was probably overkill for my purposes. 

So while it's true that I won't know exactly how good of a decision this was until it arrives and I can test it out,  I'm content with my decision to be frugal.

24 comments:

  1. Starting your first week off without limping is a good thing! You must be doing something right while you increase the work!

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    1. it's funny, but true. most people don't consider 'not limping' to be a success indicator, but for me right now it is!

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  2. Nice start. You have a lot to overcome!

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  3. You had a good week doing what you could.

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    1. thx. and i'm hoping soon to be back to 'normal'

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  4. That's a great start to your training plan. I hope that toe of yours heals up soon.

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  5. Your training sounds like it's going very well! And I think there's always something good to be said for being frugal - enjoy discovering your new (to you) laptop :)

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  6. I admire your dedication. Keep it going and once you can run/walk properly you will be well on your way.

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  7. Sounds like a good plan! Good luck.

    Mom's Home Run

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  8. Sounds like a good start and solid plan for the week ahead... I hope that toe settles down soon! Have you tried some gentle massage on it if appropriate?!

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    1. it's just still bruised and tender. i need to give it more time

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  9. So the knee is holding up ok after those injections? wow. Take it slow I guess and your patience will be rewarded.

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    1. so far so good. takes 4-6 weeks for maximum benefit from the injections.

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  10. Hooray for no limping! Way to work around limitations and focus what you CAN do. Awesome!

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  12. So glad to hear you aren't limping anymore! You're getting there! YAY!

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  13. Glad you are not limping. Take it easy and you will run the race on Feb 9th: good luck! You have plenty of time to rebuild speed and distance.

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  14. I'm sorry to hear about the toe, but I'm glad you're not limping anymore! It's great that you're getting in some quality cardio on the trainer.

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  15. It was a successful 1st week! Congrats on no more limping! Hopefully it'll be fully healed before you know it. Good luck in your training!

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