23 days until race 1.

I went for my run first thing this morning, before I could let anything get in my way. Today was my first time running to the 'Gate-way to 8K' Podrunner series. I ran week 1 which alternated 7 mins running with 1 min walking. I felt like the intensity was a higher than it was in the C25K series, and it was definitely faster than the playlists I made to run to, but that's probably a good thing!

The weather was quite cool this morning, but once I got running I felt fine. I think I'm getting back into my running grove :-)

Getting back on the wagon...

As I pledged last night, I went for a run after work tonight. All afternoon I actually looked forward to getting back out and running. I hadn't downloaded the Podrunner podcasts yet (I'm actually downloading as I write), so I just used the 30 min run playlist I made. To make it an interval run/walk I did my warm up, then ran for 2 songs, then walked for about 1 minute of the next song, then ran for 2 songs again. I think I managed the run quite well despite the break I've had.

I took a route I've never run before because I don't normally run near my work. I enjoyed running in a different environment, and even thought of some route variations I could try in the future. Now that winter is nearly here and the days are getting shorter I think I'll have to schedule my runs straight after work more often. It's good to know there are some enjoyable safe routes nearby.

I feel good knowing I have taken the first step to get back on track with my running.

Only 2 runs in the past 2 weeks.

I'm disappointed in myself. I have only run twice in the past 2 weeks.

I have not been prioritising my runs and I have allowed myself to make excuses. I've told myself I'm busy with uni work and that uni is more important than running. I've told myself it's too wet/cold/dark to run. I've told myself I will skip running today, and run tomorrow instead, then I repeated the same excuse the next day. The excuses stop today. RIGHT NOW!

I did not complete the C25K only to give up running a month later. I now enjoy running. I want to get back to my running schedule. I want to be a runner. So I WILL get back on track.

First step to getting back on track is addressing my excuses. If I am tempted to use the excuse that I am too busy with uni work to run, I will remind myself that a run takes less than an hour and it's good to take a break while studying. If I am tempted to use the excuse that it is too wet/cold/dark to run I will put on a rain coat and hat, or go to the gym and run on the treadmill. If I am tempted to use the excuse that I will skip today and run tomorrow, I will remind myself of my running goals, and change into my running gear.

Second step is reminding myself of my running goals and recommitting. Tonight I registered for my first official race, the Mother's Day Classic 4K. It is 26 days until the race on 10 May 2009. I am still committed to finishing the 4K in 25 mins or under, so I have to get back to training.

Third step is planning a new training program. I am missing the structure of the C25K program, so I have decided to download the Podrunner Intervals Gateway to 8K podcasts. Even though they are aimed at training for a longer distance, I think they will still be a good next step. I had planned on starting the one hour runner program, but I think intervals will be a good way to get back into a regular program of running. I commit to running the weekly Podrunner interval track twice a week, plus 1 long run per week (starting at 30 mins and building up 1 min per week). I will also continue with my weekly yoga class at the gym.

This week I will run intervals on Tuesday after work, and on Thursday morning before uni. I will do my longer run on Saturday. I will post here after each run so that I am accountable.

It feels good to have a plan. I am confident I can get back on track with my running. 26 days to go till my first race!