I started training on my own, and that had a lot of ups and downs, mainly downs, then I decided to take up the running room classes. I have to say, without them, I would have had no chance at getting ready. My preparation was very effective, started with running intervals, and built up. The running room does a good job at training you, giving you tips (for example, we learned about running shoes and how important they are, I got me a pair of Nike Running Shoes as they seems to fit best). The most important thing about the training is that you get to run with folks who push you when you need a push. I was feeling comfortable enough with the training that I signed up for a run 1 month before schedule and finished. So here is how it went.

But first, my objectives where to a) finish the race, and b) not come last.

It was a perfect day for a race, sun out, temp cool, no wind. I got there early to pic up my bib, kinda weird wearing a bib I said to my self, but whatever. I also got a bag full of goodies including some chemicals you can drink before the race to give you a boost and keep you cool, weird…. Anyway, I got my chip on ( and that is when it felt for real, i gotta run 10k now, yikes). We lined up, ready, set go.

First set back came, when I was crossing the 3k mark, why you ask? well some one was on their way back and had just crossed the 7k mark, yikes, how depressing. I decided to focus on my goals, and kept going, the most exciting part of the race, was when I reached the first drink station, and I reached for a cup. I tried to drink and man is it ever hard to drink when you are running. However the interesting part is when I got to throw my cup right on the ground… (I earned the right by running the race), That felt good.

I got through the race, in pain, serious pain, in just over 1 hour and 3 minutes. Overall, did not have stellar results. 151 out of 179, 84 out if 89 in the men’s group, 31 out of 31 in my age group. BUT the important part is I finished, and if I can finish a 10k run, you can too, no mater how out of shape you are.
So I challenge you to get yourself a race bib, put it on, and do a 10K run. Have you considered running 10K? Did you do it? if not why not?

                          

What I thought is going to be the hardest part about running was the pain from my achilles and the pain from being so out of shape, it turns out I was wrong.

My good old friend is a runner, the first day of my training we went for a run along the Ottawa Canal, a few hundred meters after we started, I found me a bench and sat on it, while he ran in place to keep himself warmed up. A short day out for sure. When he finally got back, we went for a beer and he started talking to me about running. You know, you should do the 10 – 1 running method, its the “Running Room” method. What you need is a running watch he said. Some good shoes, oh shoes make a huge difference he said. Eat carbs, you need carbs (great, I am starting off well with the beer). You know when you run the 10K you need some running clothes, you don’t want to look like a  loser he said. Don’t wear the T-shirt they give you to the race, that is a no no. etc… I had a headache.

A month after that run, we got together again for a run at an indoor track, he got a head start on me, each lap was 400 meters. One my 10th lap, I was in serious pain, but i insisted on running 5K no mater what. I finished running after my 13th lap, he finished after 40. I waited for him on the side line, when he finished his run, he ran over to the cafeteria and bough me and himself half a liter of chocolate milk each. Here drink it, you will feel better tomorrow. WHAT? yea yea, don’t you know, chocolate milk helps you recover the fastest from you run, blah blah blah. Did you get running gear? nope. Did you go get your feet tested? Nope. Make sure you rub your thighs with antiperspirant when you run, OK that’s is where I draw the line… I just want to build strength in my heal. What is all this about, runners you can’t be that serious

There are two things that I found extremely hard about running.

1) The easier of the two, is training, and the hardest thing about training is actually doing it, there is an old Arabic saying that goes, “2/3 of the way is your door step” and that is so true for running, getting out the door is the hard part

2) Runners. If you are a runner, please shut up and don’t try to be helpful. I have a 10K run to train for, having me rub antiperspirant on my legs is not helpful at all!

Do you run? or trying to run? what are some of the more interesting training “tricks” you heard off?