Why Run by Alicia Coil

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My Journey Journal
By Alicia Coil

Why Run?

The most often asked question when I say that I’m training to run a marathon is, “why run?” A fair question. After a little thought, I came up with my top 5 reasons to run.

5. Workout Outside!
Spring is here! The weather is nice; why not take advantage of the outdoors? Who wants to be inside a stuffy, crowded gym working out on machines? Outside, James and I enjoy the sunshine and fresh air, choosing different routes and scenery everyday.

4. Long Term Goal
Running 26.2 miles (or 13.1 miles, I haven’t quite decided yet) is a BIG GOAL!  By breaking it into smaller goals, I have a sense of accomplishment at every step. At the gym, you workout by doing endless reps on the machines and mark achievement by adding more boring reps. But running, each week I move closer and closer to the Big Event. And going slowly, I track my progress by every goal reached, no matter how small, knowing I am a little stronger and running a little farther than the week before.

3. Get In Shape
One thing I have always noticed about runners is they have long, lean muscles and bodies. I want to be in better shape, but I don’t want to bulk up. I’m not very tall; 5 feet even, so leaner is better. And in my research, I’ve also noticed that training for a run is so much more than just running. It emphasizes nutrition as fuel for hard working muscles and a greater sense of health in all aspects for overall wellness, which leads me to…

2. Strong Body = Strong Mind
Running is a great way to work out stress and tension in both my body and mind. It allows me uninterrupted time to think, as well as the ability to spend the excess energy of tense muscles. And, this is my own personal opinion and I can’t prove it, but I believe an active, strong, healthy, fit body facilitates an active, strong, sharp, healthy mind. If I can encourage a sharp mind as I get older by becoming more fit and healthy now, and maintaining physical activity throughout the upcoming years, why not? Seems like a no-brainer!

And my Number 1 reason to run…

1. The Stamina to Keep Up with My Daughter!
I am 48 years old and I have a 4 year old daughter and 3 grand children ranging in ages between 1 and 3 years old. They have limitless energy! I have a responsibility to set a good example for these little ones. When I complete a training session, I am exhausted, but feel stronger and energized. At this point of my rookie training, I am incorporating running with brisk walks. Each week, I will run more, farther and longer, building the strength and stamina I need to keep up with these bundles of energy for years to come!

My Journey Training to Run a Marathon by Alicia Coil

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My Journey Journal

No one has actually said, “YOU’RE CRAZY”. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Everyone’s been extremely supportive. But, I’ve thought it. I’m 48 years old, and I’m training to run a Marathon.

A month ago, I “retired” from a job where I was fairly physically active. Nothing too strenuous; I was walking, climbing ladders, and lifting boxes between 10 and 20 pounds throughout my 8 hour day. Suddenly, my work is 100% in a chair, in front of my computer screen. After one month, I’d noticed a difference. I felt heavier and sluggish. I needed to become more active.

The idea came to me when a good friend sent me a text message after he completed the Los Angeles Marathon. At first, I was first thrilled for his accomplishment. Then I realized, we’re the same age, and he just ran a Marathon! Perfect! I won’t need any special equipment or an expensive gym membership. After all, I already have what I need to run…FEET! I made up my mind right then and there; I would start training the next morning!

I hopped on the internet looking for a marathon in my area about a year from now, and I found it, The Rock and Roll Marathon in Phoenix, AZ.
January 2011.

This is my Journey Journal.

WEEK ONE

Now, I know a little about human nature, and a lot about myself. That Sunday evening, when I decided to run a marathon, I immediately recruited my oldest son, James, to train with me. I knew if I have someone to train with, I would be accountable to follow this journey through to the finish line. I also knew I needed to set a consistent time of day to run; to make it a routine. Being an early riser, and since I have responsibilities during the day, we agreed on 4 a.m.

Our next decision was the route. The one we chose seemed reasonable, around the block, 4 miles around the perimeter of our neighborhood.

4 a.m. Monday morning was cold and dark. We started down the driveway jogging. I lasted maybe a quarter of a mile before I had to stop. “Let’s just do a brisk walk,” I said, when I was able. So, a brisk walk it was. We also opted for about half of the distance we’d originally planned, jogging the last quarter mile. Forty minutes, and two and a half miles later, we’d completed our first session, exhausted and energized!

That same day, though, I headed back to the internet, this time looking for guidance on how to train for a marathon. Low and behold, I found a site specifically for rookies. I noted that we had been a little too enthusiastic with our first session, and adopted their advice to start slowly, with rest days in between runs. The schedule consists of twenty-six weeks in-training for the Big Event. The remainder of the week, 3 more training days, we walked briskly for 20 minutes each day.

I’ve been back to the internet several times this past week, on several different websites, and I’ve learned that I have a lot to learn: nutrition, vitamins, hydration, and shoes. I know it’s just the beginning, but I feel better. Stronger and healthier because the first step of my year long journey of body and mind, was the first step out my front door!

Next week, James and I incorporate running with the brisk walks!