First training!!

Yesterday was our first coached training. I had followed Mama Lisa’s instructions on food and fluid intake and was prepared with all my gear- a coolmax headband, quick wick  gloves and polypropylene apparel to protect myself against the cold and the rain (just in case). I was excited but also a bit scared. I wasn’t sure I could run more than a ¼ mile. I haven’t exercised in more than 2 months now.  I was praying the whole day that it should not rain while we were working out on the track today- atleast not on our first track workout. I went to the track and sure enough it was cold but it wasn’t raining. Our team was all pumped up. We gave shout outs to our honorees. Coach Van showed us some stretching exercises and told us about proper form and made us run one lap (1/4 mile) for warm up. I could easily run that one lap. Then he made us run the laps for 13 minutes. At first I thought I would run one lap and then maybe walk if I feel tired or if my diaphragm hurts, but I was able to run 4 laps non-stop in 13 minutes and moreover I wasn’t tired at the end of it. I felt like I could run another lap or two easily. I was so proud of myself. I passed the first test.  My gear did help me a lot; since I wasn’t cold I could concentrate on my running.  And trust me, yesterday I actually loved the run.  I thought I hated running but yesterday I loved running.  I am looking forward to the Saturday morning run.

So 3 things I learnt today are:

1. You need proper gear if you are running in the cold; even otherwise I guess.

2. Load up on your carbs and fluids before running and

3. Running in a group is more fun.