The last time I was a runner it stuck for quite a while. I did one race a month from March to September. From a 5k to a half marathon, I was down. (Let’s use “down” loosely I have hated every half marathon I have ever run except one!!! I mean WHY are we running THIS far?)

Like so many people the Covid-19 pandemic threw me for a loop. I am a shelf employed Massage Therapist, just bought my own home, was a Crossfit coach and I was pretty happy with my fitness. Then, the world shut down. Living in New York State this was devastating, I was closed from March to July. While some people thrived, and got fitter, I Struggled. Every. Day. I lived alone, couldn’t work, couldn’t go to the gym, and had to pinch every penny to make ends meet. I’ll be honest, most days I just sat on the couch at a loss, depressed and confused. I gained 25 pounds in those 4 months.

I have been fighting to find myself again ever since.

Fast forward, here I am world! LET’S GO!! Make no mistake, some days I’m still lost. But here I am, and I’m fighting everyday.

About two weeks ago I looked up a beginner runner training program, then and even more importantly, I signed up for a race!!! Not a 5k. Nope, go big or go home! It had to be something a little scary. A 5k I can easily get by with a run/walk plan and no training. I signed up for the Syracuse Mt. Goat Run. This is a 10mile road race that hits the many high peaks of the city. The idea of getting stuck walking this course is a nightmare. This is a race you really need to train, or you will be sorry!!! Here we go.

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Week 1	1 Mile	Cross-training	2 Miles	Rest	1 Mile	2 Miles	Rest
Week 2	1 Mile	Cross-training	2 Miles	Rest	1 Mile	2 Miles	Rest
Week 3	2 Miles	Cross-training	3 Miles	Rest	2 Miles	3 Miles	Rest
Week 4	2 Miles	Cross-training	3 Miles	Rest	2 Miles	4 Miles	Rest
Week 5	3 Miles	Cross-training	4 Miles	Rest	3 Miles	4 Miles	Rest
Week 6	3 Miles	Cross-training	4 Miles	Rest	3 Miles	5 Miles	Rest
Week 7	4 Miles	Cross-training	5 Miles	Rest	3 Miles	5 Miles	Rest
Week 8	4 Miles	Cross-training	5 Miles	Rest	3 Miles	6 Miles	Rest
Week 9	4 Miles	Cross-training	5 Miles	Rest	4 Miles	6 Miles	Rest
Week 10	4 Miles	Cross-training	5 Miles	Rest	4 Miles	7 Miles	Rest
Week 11	5 Miles	Cross-training	4 Miles	Rest	5 Miles	7 Miles	Rest
Week 12	5 Miles	Cross-training	4 Miles	Rest	3 Miles	8 Miles	Rest
Week 13	5 Miles	Cross-training	4 Miles	Rest	3 Miles	8 Miles	Rest
Week 14	6 Miles	Cross-training	5 Miles	Rest	4 Miles	9 Miles	Rest
Week 15	6 Miles	Cross-training	5 Miles	Rest	4 Miles	9 Miles	Rest

I just finished week one and I feel fantastic. This time I even bought myself some waterproof running shoes, what an invention!! Just imagine, being able to run outside everyday, rain or shine, and your feet won’t be wet!!! Yes! BTW, I can not say enough about the On Running Shoes, they are amazing!

As you can see with my program I’m starting off very easy, and with a lot of time before race day. I think the key to success is lowered expectations at the start, less stress, and seriously ENJOY this process.

For me, distance running is so much more then just running.

If you do run with a group, I would encourage you to run alone at least once a week. In this modern world people have lost sight of the importance of being alone.

I know that with every training program, there will be ups and down. There will be good days an bad days. Great runs and runs that you just need to get through so that you can check the box. I will continue to blog about this journey because I am sure many people are in a similar situation. If you are, then welcome friend! You are in great company! If you are thinking about starting a running program then I encourage you to DO IT! If you are much more serious and have very high goals then I encourage you to seek out an endurance coach!! Personalized programing and coaching is such an immeasurable asset.

To Be Continued…