Reed Dunn, Senior Recruitment Manager, Marketing:
Push. Then push a little harder.
As I inch closer to the December 4 Rock ’n’ Roll Half Marathon in Las Vegas, I continue to look for ways to push myself a bit harder by adding a new challenge or additional time to my workout. That has proven a touch difficult at times.
Last week was what I would consider a successful training week, though I stumbled quite heavily over the weekend. My six-mile run – one that should be considered relatively easy at this point – was a disappointment on many levels. For starters, it ended at the 5K distance, just 3.1 miles into the scheduled distance.
Mentally, I wasn’t present. I had defeated myself before even starting, not giving myself ample time before my Saturday night plans. My mind wandered, and it was a half-hearted effort, at best.
I wouldn’t call it a complete failure, considering the workouts that led to that day. I completed an intense four-plus miles of steep hill running at an eight-minute-per-mile pace earlier in the week, and I added at least another seven miles to my total distance of running for the week.
On top of the running, I completed an upper-body workout with my personal trainer Tuesday morning and I competed with my league volleyball team later that evening. And then there was my Thursday yoga class – the new favorite addition to my training regimen. Typing this out makes me realize that one bad run is not, well, that bad. And it should probably be expected. Plus, a friend and coworker – someone I would consider an elite runner – has been beyond encouraging about my efforts. If she’s supportive of my progress, then I’m certain things are not too far off track.
Back to the yoga class. Yoga is a practice I re-introduced to my workout calendar several weeks ago, and the class I chose is also taught by my personal trainer. It’s challenging, and I think it’s absolutely crucial for this preparation process. My achy muscles welcome it.
Incorporating proper stretching is an important element to any training program, and it’s that much more important when preparing for long races. That’s not anything ground-breaking or shocking. Yoga, something I hadn’t practiced in a few years, has proven a true reward. It’s relaxing and is great for run recovery.
This week’s yoga routine targeted back bends and stretches. The timing couldn’t have been better, following the previous weekend’s eight-mile run. My lower back remained sore mid-week, and the yoga practically healed me from soreness.
Next weekend, I’m pushing for nine and a half miles. That’s going to be a big step, but I’m focused and ready to push myself.
Reed Dunn is senior recruitment marketing manager at Alere Wellbeing. Follow his journey with regular updates on the Alere Wellbeing blog, as he prepares to run his first half marathon on December 4 in Las Vegas. Read his first post here.