According to the Runner's World book I am using (see link in original post), I needed to start walking 8 days prior to the onset of the training schedule. I started this on Sunday, and its going pretty well, since walking is not a hugely difficult thing for most. The basis behind this is for people who have been sedentary or have never ran, they need to get their legs kind of "broken in". So, this is what I have been doing since Sunday. Monday Jan 14 will begin my first week of training. I am easing into things, so that I don't burn myself out too early. I am sure that there are those people out there that have done just that, and not made much progress. I myself have done that several times in the past! I am going shopping tomorrow with my sister, and on my list of purchases is a new pair of running shoes. Usually, I have always bought athletic shoes for look and not so much on function. I have had cross trainiers, walkers, runners, fashion sneakers, etc. I don't really know much about what characteristics to look for in a running shoe, and I am hoping that there will be a sporting goods store with knowledgable staff to help me. I will bring along my orthotic inserts that I wear with all my shoes, and prevent having to buy corrective shoes. This should be fun! I am anxious to break them in in this pre-training training period.
Diet is something that I have been thinking of on and off with this whole new thing. Again, with the all the different excersice programs I have tried, I have also been with that many diets and dietary guidelines. I was a vegetarian for about six months this year, and actually liked it pretty well. I have done the low-carb, the Zone, and my personal favorite Bill Phillips' Body for Life Program. His website. This is the book that I always go back to when it comes time to shape up my eating habits. I like it because it is not a restrictive plan, but it is rather a great way to modify the way that you eat in almost any situation. The plan basically takes shape in the portion size of your protiens, carbs, and veggies. No weighing food, no cutting out foods, and my absolute favorite part of this....the built in "Free Day"!!! Phillips recommends that you pick out one day during the week to allow yourself to eat anything that you want, from pancakes to ice cream to a whole chocolate cake if you want. This way, we are not totally depriving ourselves of the tempting foods. Also, it serves as a bit of a reminder as to what we feel like when we eat like crap. I myself have run into this problem, and I have seen my friends with the same problem of friend and family get-togethers ruining their diet plans. This way of life and free day allows for that. You can plan your free day, I usually like mine on a Saturday or Sunday, or you can adjust your plans if something comes up, like a party or night out with friends and family. I also find that it gives me something to look forward to. If I wake up and crave the Bavarian Creme filled donught with extra chocolate frosting on Tuesday, I know that I can get up and eat it on Saturday, if I still really want it. It makes me work harder during the week to maintain my good habits, and gives me a little reward for doing so. If you have never looked at this program, do. He also has a cookbook with really great recipes, and the website is a wealth of information.
Just my little update for the week. I will be back to talk about getting ready for the first day of training next week!
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