“You have to remember, you’re starting at zero base.”
Julie Amsdell, director of marketing for Fleet Fleet Sports Pittsburgh, said that to me during a fitting Thursday at the store.
Easier said than done, but this 41-year-old is getting comfortable with the fact my fitness is nowhere near where it was 13 months ago. And, in order to successfully build up and train, for the EQT 10-miler, which takes place Oct. 25, it’s something I continually reminded myself during the first week of training.
Unlike most people training for the race through Fleet Feet, I didn’t get started until Wednesday (two days later than the Train to Run program kicked off) and was unable to attend the first Sunday group run. The goal is to get to next Sunday’s run.
Day 1 (8/19/15) – Took part in morning spin class at LA Fitness Greensburg. Class lasted 60 minutes, and it was intense. My weight before class was 150.5 pounds.
Day 2 (8/20/15) – Took part in a brief 30-minute weight training session (core and back the focus) then took part in my first run in two months. I went 3.1 miles on a treadmill in 25:30. The pace was 7.3 miles per hour. I chose a treadmill so I couldn’t slow my pace.
Day 3 (8/21/15) – My legs were sore, but I took part in another spin class at LA Fitness Greensburg. This class lasted 65 minutes, and as the instructor Kevin told me afterward, it’s one of his two toughest rides.
Day 4 (8/22/15) – My first outdoor run since June 21, and I was unable to meet my pre-run goals mainly because I wasn’t ready to conquer the giant hill leading back to my house. (It’s called Summit Drive for a reason). Covered 3.64 miles in 30:08 according to Map My Run. Tired between miles 2 and 3 and endured cottonmouth near the end.
The Adidas men’s Supernova Glide Boost 7 won the “run-off” Thursday at Fleet Feet Sports Pittsburgh.
Day 5 (8/23/15) – Second consecutive outdoor run took place at Twin Lakes Park. Two laps around the lakes covered 4.62 miles in 40:49 according to Map My Run. The trail around the lakes undulates in some places and includes a decent hill with a winding path. As I expected, my pace slowed on the miles with the hill included, but, my lungs felt better than Day 4.
My weight at the end of Week 1 is 149.5 pounds. I lost a pound despite having birthday cake everyday since Thursday, which happened to be my 41st birthday.
On to Week 2.
Kovak's Corner 