Yesterday was a big day for me. I finally made up my mind to cross the double digit in miles. I initially planned on running the 2.5 mile loop in roosevelt park. But the bad weather sustained throughout the day and wiped that option out. I did not want to achieve my double digit run on a treadmill, therefore, I headed out to the YMCA nearby, where they had a pretty big indoor running track.

10 miles. The figure seemed a little intimidating as I warmed up and started my run. I run without music when I run indoors, since I need to keep track of my lap count. That makes the run tougher mentally. Anyways, the first 3.5 miles flew by, in 30 mins. I was not tired at all, my knees and ankles were in great shape and I took a few mins water-stretch break. I began the next round and stopped at 5.2 miles – the time was still good – 55 mins, including the break.

I stretched out a little and then started to run. Surprisingly, the reached the 7 mile mark, without much stress or pain. I was actually beginning to get real pleased about myself.

The times so far:

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I started to feel a little pain in my right knee, and my right ankle at around 8th mile. I crossed the 8th mile mark, without stopping, patted myself on my back to have crosses the longest run I ever did so far.

After the 8.5 mile break, it was really tough. My body was very tired, knees hurting and my speed was down to a dead slow pace…I slowly crawled to the 10 mile point. At the 10th mile, I was elated, but it took me 10-15mins more than what I had planned for. But, the fact is, I ran the 10 miles…and I didnt give up. Special thanks to my buddy for standing by and giving me the countdown for the last mile..you know who you are

There are so many things I could be doing right now, but I am still thinking hard about something that needs to be done….Almost midnight (yawn) ..update you all soon.

I had made the commitment to myself that I would run the NY Marathon this year, along with the San Diego Rock n Roll Half Marathon. I was lucky to be part of team in training for the SanDiego HM. I was looking to find an active running group to train for the NY marathon in november.

That’s when I came across Team Asha’s website. I am looking forward to the info session this evening at Maya Lounge, where I get to meet experienced runners as well as aspiring newbies like myself. I will update the blog about my experience at the info session tonight. on May 6th.

I finally did it. I decided I have to do the 8 mile crossover today. I diligently got out my running shoes and hit the track. The first 4 miles was a breeze. I stopped after 4 mile mark even though I was not tired. I just did it anyways, since I didnt want my legs to hurt or end up injured. At 5 miles, I took a water and stretch break. I was slightly tired at this point. The first 5 miles took about 50 mins. So far so good

I then decided to take a bigger break for about 10 mins. I should not have done that – because, I started feeling really tired, once I started running. I pushed myself past the 6. By now my knees were hurting a bit and I was taking a 2 minute stretch break every mile. I finally counted the 132 laps….that meant the 8th mile. More pain in the knees.

I will have to sleep on this and hope I didn’t overdo the run.

Clocked 8 miles at 1:40:00

Pretty good

I have reached the final and the most crucial 6 weeks of my training. The exercise and the healthy diet regimen will not stop with this 6 weeks though. The point is that during these 6 weeks I do not want to miss even a single day of exercise and neither do I want to sway from my diet plan, since this is crucial for making or breaking my half marathon.

I will post daily – What I eat and what I train – Maybe it would be useful for someone else beside me also out there

I also stress the importance of muay thai in any exercise regimen – Nothing beats this kind of cardio that also induces flexibility and control into the body

I had been always skeptical of using supplements with my diet – partly because I don’t believe in processed food and partly because I never was sure what went into those supplements. However, with the marathon training growing more intense day by day, I bit the bullet and decided I would go for it.
Actually, one of my good friends blogged about the importance of supplements here

I also discovered a website where I could order supplements at a good price.

I will try them this weekend – starting with the Greens and Whey – Vanilla.

Thanks Nkem!

Yes. I am at that point where I am breaking out of my comfort zone and going into unknown beyond – The exhilaration of becoming a long distance runner.The other day I crossed 7 miles and that was the longest non stop single distance I have ever run at a stretch. I had been building my mileage very carefully over the last 2 months and now is the time to finally see if I have it in me. This weekend will be the 9 mile run followed by a 11 mile the week after.

My feelings right now? – Excited. Scared. But very hopeful.

In search of inspiration, I found one – Paula Radcliffe.

..Wish me Luck!!!