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<p>It's 5 degrees in Minnesota today. Snow is falling. I live in a rural area with plenty of trails and some great running routes. But, I won't get to use them for at least another month. Twelve weeks - that's I have before Dam 2 Dam. "How am I going to get in shape in just 12 weeks?", This is the thought I had as I started the treadmill at SNAP fitness. For the next four weeks, my running will be on the dreadmill - I HATE running on a treadmill! Add that to being so out of shape with 30 pounds of extra weight and its going to be a long four weeks!</p>
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<p>I have about four weeks in which to build a running base before I can start training for Dam2Dam. 8 weeks to train will be enough but it will require a commitment to running that I've not had in about 5 years. I figure in the next four weeks, I'll need to drop at least 10 pounds and build a base of 20 miles a week with no pain and no injury. I've run enough to know that its 'doable' - but it will require me to 'remember' the pain of running and remember that the pain will subside.</p>
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<p>Day 1:</p>
<p>Until I can get outside, I'll have to do this on the treadmill - I've actually done about 4 treadmill runs over the last 3 weeks; but it's time to focus. My goal for now is to simply run and see how it feels. I was able to get 2 miles on the treadmill today. Based on my recollection of the route for Dam to Dam, that gets me across the Dam and to mile two which is a down hill 2 lane rural road. There will be a lot of people in the first two miles - packed like sardines; especially over the dam since there's no where to go - either to the left or right. The 2nd mile is a bit better, but the runners won't really spread out until you reach mile 3.</p>
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<p>2 miles - Wow. I'll take it - the pace? It doesn't matter at this point. I just need to do the mental work for now. After the first mile (getting across the dam), I felt pretty good. My breathing was consistent and I wasn't struggling at all. However, Around 1.5 miles, I could start feeling some aches in my lower legs. My breathing still was pretty consistent and I wasn't struggling - so I just 'ran through' the uncomfortable feeling in my legs. As it subsided around 1.7 miles, I could start feeling the struggle in my breathing - this sucks! But, my anal side said, "Keep going - you can finish on 2 miles".. I barely made it as I started clicking down the pace, but I got there. </p>
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<p>Max heart rate at the end of the 2 miles - 175bpm. That seems high, but I know my running heart rate has always been high. Four minutes later - walking on the cool down, it was down to about 135bpm. I am out of shape - and my heart is reminding me of that.</p>
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<p>12 weeks to go - that's too far out there. I need to do this one day; one run at a time.</p>
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<p>It's 5 degrees outside - there's snow on the ground.. Soon spring will be here</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I have about four weeks in which to build a running base before I can start training for Dam2Dam. 8 weeks to train will be enough but it will require a commitment to running that I've not had in about 5 years. I figure in the next four weeks, I'll need to drop at least 10 pounds and build a base of 20 miles a week with no pain and no injury. I've run enough to know that its 'doable' - but it will require me to 'remember' the pain of running and remember that the pain will subside.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Day 1:</p>
<p>Until I can get outside, I'll have to do this on the treadmill - I've actually done about 4 treadmill runs over the last 3 weeks; but it's time to focus. My goal for now is to simply run and see how it feels. I was able to get 2 miles on the treadmill today. Based on my recollection of the route for Dam to Dam, that gets me across the Dam and to mile two which is a down hill 2 lane rural road. There will be a lot of people in the first two miles - packed like sardines; especially over the dam since there's no where to go - either to the left or right. The 2nd mile is a bit better, but the runners won't really spread out until you reach mile 3.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>2 miles - Wow. I'll take it - the pace? It doesn't matter at this point. I just need to do the mental work for now. After the first mile (getting across the dam), I felt pretty good. My breathing was consistent and I wasn't struggling at all. However, Around 1.5 miles, I could start feeling some aches in my lower legs. My breathing still was pretty consistent and I wasn't struggling - so I just 'ran through' the uncomfortable feeling in my legs. As it subsided around 1.7 miles, I could start feeling the struggle in my breathing - this sucks! But, my anal side said, "Keep going - you can finish on 2 miles".. I barely made it as I started clicking down the pace, but I got there. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Max heart rate at the end of the 2 miles - 175bpm. That seems high, but I know my running heart rate has always been high. Four minutes later - walking on the cool down, it was down to about 135bpm. I am out of shape - and my heart is reminding me of that.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>12 weeks to go - that's too far out there. I need to do this one day; one run at a time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It's 5 degrees outside - there's snow on the ground.. Soon spring will be here</p>
