Training for Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

After that tragic 5 mile run following a steak dinner on October 19, I was back on track. With my midweek runs on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Lifting on Monday's and Friday's. And cross training where I could fit it in, I was rolling. and the mileage was increasing.

Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training increases mileage every week. There is no way even the best athletes who haven't run in a long time can go from running 3 miles to running 13 without increasing week to week. You are teaching your muscles how to burn energy in the most efficient way and learning about yourself, your barriers, running hills, etc.

November brought new challenges, finishing October with a 6 mile long run felt like an accomplishment. I hadn't run this far since I ran the Cowtown 10K in February 2008. My time back then was 1:09:52 (11:30/mile). On October 26, 2014, I ran 6.12 miles in 1:00:43 (9:56/mile). I remember huffing and puffing in that 10K back in 2008. But my training consisted of running once per week and never stopping for water during the training or during the race. That was back when the Cowtown started and ended in Downtown Fort Worth. I had run the Cowtown 5K years before when it started and ended in the Stockyards. Now the Races begin and end by the Will Rogers Memorial Complex. A great place to have the Expo, Start, and End of Race Activities. There is more cowtown in my future.

During November, I committed to something new. No-Shave November. Here's the thought. I will be training hard for this Half-Marathon. Its going to get colder. Having a beard won't hurt. And I won't shave until after the race in December. But I needed a warm-up race before then. The training schedule encourages a 10K during this time-frame, and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. My running friend from Houston was planning on running the YMCA Turkey Trot in Dallas. It is sponsored and proceeds benefit the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, which is a great organization my family and I have benefited from and was a great cause to run for. Our YMCA, Cross Timbers YMCA of Flower Mound, is a part of the Metropolitan Dallas group of YMCA's. Here's the thing, The Turkey Trot is either a 5K or an 8 mile race. Luckily, looking at the schedule, it seems as if I would be doing about 8 miles that week, so the timing was perfect.

The second week of November began with the same 6 mile route from the previous week. The Good news is that I  bested my time by 5 minutes cutting about 53 seconds off my pace! The mid week runs threw me for a curve, however. At 4.5 miles, they didn't fit my ideal distances (all whole numbers), I needed to find an extra half mile. Although, it was brought to my attention by my loving bride, whether or not I found the extra 1/2 mile, my training wouldn't suffer, but that's how I am. I said in my first post, "My world needs two things. Order and Reason. Rules apply to everything." Therefore, I had to find the extra half mile. However, figuring out an extra half mile wasn't hard. The end of my street has a cul-de-sac and is about .2 to .25 miles away. Down and back was all I had to do. Problem solved. 

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Energy Gels come in many flavors

By this time, I was clocking anywhere from 15-20 miles/week. I started using Gu Energy Gels during the long runs. I still use them for any run over 5 miles. Energy gels are basically 100 calories of Sodium, Potassium, Carbohydrates, and protein for your body to maintain through long runs. My favorite flavors are Salted Watermelon (has a little caffeine too), and Strawberry Banana. During this time, I was trying several different flavors, but settled on these two. 

This was also about the time a cold snap came through town. November 16 saw some snow flurries in the Dallas area and I had to adjust my outer wear for running. I really only had a long sleeve running shirt from 6 years ago and one of my new dri-fit shirts. In October, because of all of my running posts on social media, I got a surprise in the mail. An old friend, who manages a movie theater out of town, sent me a gift. Some Headbands and wristbands. Leftovers from a marketing promo for the movie Neighbors, starring Zac Efron and Seth Rogen.

I was prepped and ready to go.

I found that the headbands helped keep my earplugs in. And the wristbands were good at wiping sweat out of my eyes. This has become my thing. I love running with the headbands. Still do. 

So I signed up for the Dallas Turkey Trot and would prep to run 8 miles on Thanksgiving Day. I thought this was great since I could burn 1000 calories and then eat Thanksgiving Dinner. My training was on schedule with the exception of some midweek rain which put me on the treadmill and then the race, which would be on a Thursday. And Thursday is not a normal Long Run day. Some adjustments had to be made. On top of that, I found out my buddy from High School would be running the Fort Worth Turkey Trot instead. I was rolling this race Han Solo. 

So I scrapped the plan for the week, keeping the long runs in place. Rather than run my two 5-mile runs during the week of thanksgiving, I would run 2 and 8 leaving the 8 mile race as part of my regimen, but also a race warmup. 

Not having ever done a race in downtown Dallas. I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew the race started near city hall, which was fine, I grew up driving there since my dad worked there for over 20 years. He used to take me to work, or to his office and we'd drive underground and he'd park in the employee parking. He used to love showing me around and introducing me to the people he worked with. He also liked showing me where scenes from 1987's Robocop were filmed. Looking back, I didn't think much of it at the time, but I cherish those memories now. He was always proud of us and I think about him often. He passed away in 2007, but having this run start and stop at City Hall was important to me. It meant that he would see me start and finish something. The same would be true for the Dallas Half-Marathon. As you train, the harder training may sometimes require a deeper motivation. My training was getting tougher and so for me, motivation was my dad. I was doing this for him and making sure he'd be proud of me. On these November/December Long runs, I would always think of him to keep me going. 

The race started at 9. I wasn't sure what to expect as far as crowds were concerned. I had read that this event would be attended by over 10,000 people. The DART light rail was being fixed downtown that week, so taking the train in was out of the question. And since we were having Thanksgiving dinner at our house this year, I needed to book it after the race to get home and help out. So I needed my car. And I needed it close. So I looked into Parking Panda. Parking panda is a site where you can reserve and pay for your parking before the special event. They had a 50% off deal through the Turkey Trot people, so I thought it was a good deal. I found an underground garage only a few blocks from the start of the race. 

Pandas help you park. (not really)

I arrived at about 7 AM because my reservation urged me to arrive before roads were closed off for the race. The lot I secured was inside the route. This was 2 hours until the gun would start the race. And it was cold. Race time temp would be just shy of 50, which would be perfect. But it was about 35 at 7AM as I wandered around the desolate downtown area. Learning: DON'T GET TO A RACE TOO EARLY. Very little was set up. Vendors were still setting up. So I basically wandered around for about 30-45 minutes. I tried not to use my phone because I wasn't sure if I'd have enough battery to play the music and use mapmyrun for the 8 mile run. I'm pretty sure I photobombed a few TV interviews going on that morning, then I contacted a friend who was volunteering for the event. He got me into the hospitality tent where there would be coffee and restrooms. 

A little after 8, I headed to my corral. There would be 2 corrals for this race. The front corral for those who were interested in being timed, and the second corral for anyone running with a dog on a leash and everyone else. I got in the corral and still had to kill about 45 minutes. I was probably the 20th person to report to the corral. So I had plenty of time. I found a spot where the sun was peeking through the buildings and began stretching a little and warming up slightly. 

There was a row of port-a-potties, so I tried to use it one last time before the race. I had been drinking water on the drive down, so I knew I needed to empty as much as possible before starting and dropping a deuce if possible. I popped in, got my clothes situated. It was less windy in there and nobody had really used it yet, so I took my time. Fixed my headphones, headband, Got my gloves on and ready, then stepped out. The moment I stepped out, it was a new world. 

Lines had formed. I mean LONG LINES. Pre-race lines. I found out later on, that these lines form approximately 30-45 minutes before race start time at big races and they don't go away until about 5 minute after the start. Everyone is trying to go now, so they don't harm their time on the course. Good advice.

I meandered toward the starting line. The "Elite" runners were warming up on the other side. I was right on the starting tape. Waiting patiently. The Emcee of the event began talking thanking everyone who made the event possible. I people watched. Listened in on others conversations. Watched people learn that only elite runners could be in the warm up area, but then break the rules and then cross the line and get in anyway. 

It was almost time: I set my music to start, I got ready to set MapMyRun, and the horn blew. We were off to the races. It took me all of 10 seconds to realize I lost a glove. This sucked because I had just bought them and there were 6000 people behind me, so I wasn't going to go back. But I kept up. I was pretty close to the front of the line, but was learning quickly that finding my pace among racers can be a difficult task. We headed down Young Street toward Deep Ellum and crossed 75-Central Expressway when before making a left on Hall, the MapMyRun lady was telling me I was passing the 1 mile mark at 7:30. My mind was blown! I was running a 7 1/2 minute mile? Could I keep this up? Then my brain broke into math (as it usually does for time, speed, and distance calculations). Could I finish this 8 mile race in 60 minutes? The answer was quickly figured to be a, "no." I started dropping pace immediately after that. Down to 8:00/mile, then 8:30/mile. But still doing very well. 

I passed the first group of water stations on Main Street in Downtown. I got out of the way, because I didn't feel like I needed it, and I think the first fluid station during a race is a big mistake. It's a time-suck. Too many people are too close at the beginning of the race, too easy to trip on someone, I politely move out of the way and let others get their sip of water. 

There was also a bank of toilets (about 20) off to the other side, I didn't have to go. So I kept on. I got to mile 3 and did get a sip here. 

I read Hal Higdon write about walking. Many long distance runners, or those who begin training from couch to 5K, use the run-walk method. It works something like this, run for 10 minutes, walk a minute. Run 10 walk 1. Or some variation thereof. You may read or hear people say, I'm here to run, not walk. Or If you're going to run 5K, 10K, or a marathon, then run it, don't walk. That's all poppycock. Hal writes that he once ran a 2:29 marathon walking through every aid station. That's my strategy. If I stop at an aid station, I walk. It rests me up and frankly, its easier to drink while walking. 

I saw some port-a-potties at the second water station, but there were only a few and they had lines, this is when it hit, I needed to take a leak. Running past the site of the old reunion arena on Hotel street, there was a temporary building, like one you'd see at a school or a construction area. I saw a few runners dip behind there, and pop back out again. I thought it was strange at the time, but later I'd find out they were relieving themselves. At the 4 1/2 mile aid station, there was a port-a-potty and I had to go. So I waited in line. At this point my miles were about 8.5 minutes each. But the guy in front of me was apparently having worse issues than I had. This stop cost me about 2 minutes on my time. This mile was clocked at nearly 11 minutes. But it felt so good! Afterward, I popped another Gu. (one every 45 minutes after the run starts) and I kept running.  

The route went down South Lamar, which is a cool area to run and it ran us down to Pennsylvania. Many who live down there would come out on their porches and watch us run by. Some would waive. We made it over to Harwood and ran back north towards downtown again. I was ready for this to be over But I kept thinking about my dad and how proud he'd be. We ran past Dallas Farmers market, the photographers took a snapshot of me, and I made the turn toward city hall. I pushed myself and tried to hit the gas, but there was nothing there. I finished in 1:12:41 (9:05/mile). I was very pleased with this time. Especially since I wasted 2 minutes going to the bathroom. 

My first organized major(ish) race.

Once I crossed the finish line, I grabbed some bananas, a water, and a powerbar. Looked around at the crowd. It was VERY crowded. I didn't see anyone I knew, so I made my way back to the car. as I did, I saw the finish line to the 5K race still had mobs of people finishing. I know a lot of families do the 5K together, many walk. Its more about the time together and the donation than the competition. 

I finally made it to my car, and left to get home. Then there was traffic. Tons of it. It was very slow getting out of there. A lesson I would learn for future races in Downtown Dallas. Lesson: Don't get there too early, but when you do,park outside the route and walk. The walking is good for you after a run, anyway.  I would be putting my running to good use in 2 1/2 weeks when the Dallas Half-Marathon would be run. 

Early Training for my First Half

So I got started with Hal Higdon's Training program during September. It was 12 weeks out from the Dallas Marathon (Formerly known as the White Rock Marathon), and I was playing around with posting my runs from the MapMyRun App to Facebook and Twitter. (BTW, you can follow me on Twitter @JLiewehr) The Half-Marathon Novice 1 Training fit me like a glove for the fall.

The basic premise of these work outs is routine. The routine includes lifting weights and cross training. He coaches that weight training can be helpful if you have been lifting weights in the past, which I have (on and off) since Jr. High. I had been lifting more as of the last 2 years. Basically, my week looked like this:
Monday: Stretch and Lift
Tuesday: Run
Wednesday: Run or Cross Train (Biking, cycling, elliptical, or swimming)
Thursday: Run and Lift
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Cross Train
Sunday: Long Run

As previously mentioned, this was perfect for me since I had already been attending the Satuday Cycle Class at the YMCA. Likewise, Coaching soccer at the Y on Saturdays meant I was already there anyway. Plus, doing the "Long Run" on Sunday was fine since we went to Late church, I had plenty of time to get that run in. Everything in between was just a matter of waking up on time and getting the runs in.

Here are my learnings during the first six weeks of training.

1. I gotta get done with my run and in the shower by 6:15-6:30, otherwise, I can't leave the house by 7:10 and get to work by 8. This means that for a 3 mile run, I have to leave by 5:45 and awake by 5:30. But for a 4 or 4.5 mile run, I had to be up by 5:15.  In the last post, I mentioned my excuse for not running was that I "didn't have the time." Well, I just made the time. I found that waking up earlier wasn't the problem I imagined it to be. What helped with that? Going to bed earlier.

2. Adjustments have to get made from time to time. Rain happens. Can't get the run in like normal. But having access to the community gym means I can always get a 3 mile run in on a treadmill. I also learned later down the line that the max I'm willing to run on the treadmill is 3 miles and only 3 miles. Wake up late on a Wednesday? May have to skip the run and do cycle at the YMCA in the evening instead.

3. I learned that 50 degrees is the perfect running temp. More than that means too sweaty and uncomfortable. Moisture wicking clothes are a must. Cotton is no bueno for running.  Name brand clothes are expensive, too. I found the lesser known brands from Target and Academy to work just fine. On occasion, I did find some good deals on Nike, Under Armour, Asics, and Brooks.

4. Pooping is essential before a long run. If you've ever run seriously, this is one of the first things we learn. You don't want to be caught miles from the house, and without a pot to poop in. Or worse, waddling home and making a bee line for the bathroom. Although, it occasionally happens, I became much more aware of when I was making this act happen. The mess isn't the problem. Its the pain. Runner's World devoted an article on this topic.

5. Its amazing how many people are runners. And the serious runners like to help out. I got a dose of this from an old High School friend as he was preparing to run the New York Marathon. I had seen him post some things about running. A long run here, some pre and post marathon pics there. So I knew he was serious. He was more than helpful with advice. From Energy Gels to Salt tablets, Clothing to race selections and helping me through injuries. He's my running consigliere. We began making plans to run some of the same races together too.

Throughout this time frame, I began with some easy 2 and 3 mile runs. Small. Doable. I live in Lantana, Tx. Which isn't a city. Its actually a master planned community which is located in southern Denton County. Behind our house is a running path, which is great, because there are no cars that might hit you. However, we live near a creek and some woods, so there are the occasional pesky animals. You know, rabbits, raccoons, armadillos, copperheads, & skunks. My wife's favorite stories aren't about the snakes she has to avoid while running, its the skunk that came in our house one time back in 2011. I digress. Lantana is a wonderful community to live in if you run. It didn't take long for me to figure out where to run when I needed a prescribed distance. I have a 2 mile loop. 3 mile loop, 4 mile, 5 mile, 6, 7 and 8 mile course. This is really great, so when I need to run, say, 10 miles, I can do the 8 and 2 or the 7 and 3, two 5's, or maybe the 6 and 4. I have options, you know? It was throughout this part of the training I started figuring all of this out.

It was also during this time that I stopped posting every run and only posted the long runs. I forgot how many people hate workout posts and running posts. But I did it initially maybe because I needed validation or bragging. I'm not sure which one.  Probably both.

I always tried to learn something about myself during these long runs. In the beginning, its easy because everything is knew. So everything was a "Long Run Learning."  And the long runs started at about 4 miles. So it was about 35-40 minutes of just jogging and thinking. Of course, my music helps. The 5 things I listed previously were just a few of the things I used to put in my social media posts after long runs. At this time, in October, I had thought about creating this blog, but never had enough motivation. It wasn't until others in my family decided to blog that I finally built up the courage to share through this medium.

My first few long runs were 4 miles each. The Half-Marathon training was about routine. The Novice training is about building up muscles in your legs. Therefore, at the beginning, you generally run the same distances for 2 weeks at a time before going up a distance. The first 2 long runs were 4 miles each, then there was the 5 miler. The 5 miler felt great. It was a beautiful day. 54 degrees. Shorts and a shirt, headphones, and I was off. This was probably the first time I can remember getting that "runners high." If you've never heard about a Runner's High, Its perfectly safe and perfectly legal. Its the enjoyment we find in running. It makes you happy, and feeling accomplished. Runners find it for different reasons. Its what happens when the endorphins are released in your body. It feels great.

Portland, Oregon: Site of The Leon Bradley Scholarship 5K

This Long Run was the day before I was scheduled to be in Portland for my week long conference with AASPA, the American Association of School Personnel Administrators. This is my national professional organization. Every year we try to raise money for a scholarship for young minority students who are seeking the education field as a career. This year, in Portland, the conference committee had an idea to hold a 5K, and I was ready. I wanted to show well. On top of all this, The training program encourages a few races before your peak. He does this to provide ample opportunity to learn about running with the pack. A lesson I quickly learned. When Tuesday, October 14 rolled around, I hadn't ran since Saturday of the previous week when I ran 5. My legs were tight and I was needing a run to work the muscles out. I made it down to the starting area to meet up with my colleagues and run the race. This wasn't a massive 1000 person event. It was more like a small 50 person event. I stretched, Got my shirt, took some photos, got on the starting line, they gave us some directions: Down to the 4th bridge, cross it and come back. The first three places would win a prize.  Then, the horn blew and I was off!

Arial view of Portland's Bridges

Portland is situated on the Willamette River. Known as the Bridge City, it has several historic and scenic bridges crossing the river. We started at the base of the Hawthorne Bridge, and ran north to the bridge past Burnside. When I hit my first mile, the Map My run voice said I did my first mile at a pace of 8:03/mile! This was the fastest I had paced yet. I was out of the start really fast. In fact, I led for about a half mile before I was passed by someone who looked like he had been running much longer than I had. Passed by another person as we crossed over the bridge to the east bank of the river, I started my way back figuring I was about half of the way through the race. Desperately trying to keep my pace up, that funny smell hit my nose. It wasn't the river. It wasn't trash. It wasn't the homeless. It was weed. And I HATE the smell of weed. So I kept running. Back to the Hawthorne bridge, I ran up the ramp and over the bridge. With Traffic whizzing by, I got passed by a third person. Now I was in 4th place. I'd be out of the money (So to speak).  I could see the finish line. Then, as we made it over the bridge, we ran down the ramp, and I kicked it into overdrive, putting all my energy into my muscles, I sped up for the last 100 meters and passed the runner in front of me and finished in 3rd place. It was a sense of accomplishment. For a guy who had really only started running about 5 weeks before, It felt good.  A little drizzle started to fall. I was handed my prize (A gift certificate to AASPA's bookstore) and had my photo taken. I cheered on most of the other runners (And walkers).

Finishing my 5K - Photo courtesy of @_AASPA_

The first thing I realized was that this wasn't 5K. 5K's should be approximately 3.1 miles. This was 2.81. But it was close enough as far as I was concerned. My time was 24:19 and I finished at a pace of 8:39/mile, which was my best time since I started running. I was excited and proud of this accomplishment. Although, I kept it in perspective. I posted on Social Media, that I came in 3rd in this 5K and one person asked who the other 2 people in the race were.

The rest of the week was great. As I mentioned, Portland is a great city. Excellent for runners. The River is a nice jog. On Wednesday, I ran the reverse of the 5K stopping on the way back to the Hotel for VooDoo Donuts, which is a local establishment known for their funny take on Doughnuts.

The selection at the donut shop.

Then on Thursday, I was scheduled for a 4 mile run. This was the first time a midweek run was as long as one of my previous long runs. This is a phenomenon which would repeat quite often in the first 6 months of running. But I was out of town. I didn't know where I could run 4 miles. And it was 5AM since I can't sleep in on the west coast.

I knew a 2.81 mile route. So I walked out of the hotel and just started running up the hill towards downtown. I trusted I could run up to the park in the middle of downtown which was only a few blocks away and run down a few blocks, then back to the riverfront and with the added mileage, it would be about 4 miles. On my way up the hill, I noticed some flashing lights to my right. Then I noticed some crime scene tape. I found out later, there was a stabbing in the middle of downtown Portland the morning of my 4 mile run. I learned another lesson. Run where you're comfortable. Where you're safe. And don't listen to headphones when you're running in a downtown area. This was also the first run where I was almost hit by a car. Due to me not looking.

The run finished strong. I got my midweek runs in and was prepared to head back to Texas. Upon my return on Saturday, there was never a good time to sneak in a long run, so I put it off until Sunday Evening. Bad idea. Sunday evening long runs are the worst. First, I made the colossal error of doing it after dinner. And I didn't leave enough time between dinner and the run. Pain. A bunch of pain in my gut (It wasn't the voodoo donuts either). It was the huge meal I had just eaten. Learning? Yes, As I said, during every long run, we learn something new. Don't eat and run. Also. Running along F.M. 407 in the evening can be a little scary. 18 wheelers travel this road. I'm on the sidewalk going 6 mph, they're on the street going 50 mph. I'm not gonna win that one.

So early training is complete. I ran in my first "practice race" before the half marathon. The schedule was working and it was all coming together. I began looking forward to some real races in Dallas. And I felt confident I could surpass my own minimal personal success in running.

After my 3rd place finish in front of the Hawthorne Bridge. 

Jason Lives with his wife, dog, 2 daughters and all of their toy shopkins. He is a school district administrator and works as the Director of Secondary Personnel. 

Long Run Learnings - A Prehistory

Before we go to far, lets get one thing straight. I'm not a writer. Words are not my forte. I do hope this blog will increase my self-efficacy with writing.

Another note of value. I've only been running regularly for 6 months. These initial blog posts will attempt to cover that history. 

My wife runs regularly. Like 6 days/week. She is super woman to me. 3 miles/day Monday - Friday and 6 on Saturday. Like clockwork. Usually takes the dog too. She is very strong. You need a running partner for a 5K or 10K, she could run it on the spot. She always encouraged me to run, but my excuse was that "I didn't have time." We've all heard that excuse before. What I learned in the last 8 months is that you make time for what you want to make time for. 

It all started with the kidney stone from March 30, 2014. Kids were at a sleepover party, thankfully, and I woke up a little after midnight. Then the pain hit. It really hurt. Fast forward to the hospital with scans, drugs, and falling back to sleep on pain meds. Went to the Doctor on Monday for more pain meds when he said, after looking at my weight, "Hey, when this stone passes, lets schedule a checkup and look at your weight." I didn't think about it much at the time, but that was a huge motivator which led to my current course. 

I made a few dietary changes according to the stone, but most other workout and dietary habits remained unchanged. Then June hit and my eyes opened up. I started noticing things in social media. Those annoying workout checkins were one. My very dear friend assured me they were only for the purpose of winning some social media contest. I also started noticing the runkeeper and mapmyrun (www.mapmyrun.com)posts. With maps, data, calories burned, and pace. I didn't think much of them. Then my friend accidentally posted from the loseit app (www.loseit.com). This is one of those apps that helps you keep track of the calories in and calories out for the purpose of weight loss.

Don't worry, all of this leads up to the running. 

Picture of Fat Jason from May

I started using the weight loss app. Tracking calories in and calories out. My goal was to lose 20 pounds. 2 lbs per week for 10-11 weeks. The app allows you to put in your workouts and subtract the calories burned from your daily intake. That meant I needed to burn some cals. I started with cycle class at the Y.  We initially joined the Cross Timbers YMCA to gain discounts for the kids summer camps. I thought, since I was paying, I should make use of it. Timing was perfect. Cycle (or Spin Class) was twice per week. Time is tight during the summer when I have work 4-days per week at 10 hours/day. But we made it work. Cycle class was awesome. It was an activity I enjoyed and with music. The music is what drives me. (Even now with running) But after a while, it felt like it wasn't enough. Then I went on a short business trip and had to miss my cycle class a few days and replaced it with some elliptical workouts. 

I used to think Elliptical workouts were for the weak. A fake workout. Then I saw the calories I was burning. It was pretty good for the time I was putting in on those machines. So, I slowly switched over the elliptical workouts during the week and cycle on the weekend. Then elliptical got boring. But one of my cycle instructors at the Y pointed out that the cycle classes are excellent training for 5K. So I thought, maybe I can do some running. So I started. It was early September, I had already lost close to 15 pounds and had gotten below 200. I was almost at my goal. This is the second thing I learned through this odyssey. I work well with a goal in mind. So, one day, instead of cycling or elliptical. I put on my shoes, downloaded map my run, and walked to the end of the street. I had a playlist created and I started running. 

The mapmyrun app works well for me because of the data it is capable of keeping. Distance, calories, pace, and elevation. With this data, I am able to fine tune my style and map out my runs (More on that later). As I stated previously, the playlist is the all-so-important cog that keeps me going. I'm an educator first, musician second, athlete third.  

So, it was September 7, 2014 - I ran 1.13 miles (Pace 10:43). I was winded, but no more than when I do cycle or elliptical. Legs felt great. Music was good.  All-in-all, not too bad. Next day 1.49 miles (9:52/mile). I always heard you should increase your pace or your distance by 10% if you have a goal to reach. I was already thinking about the AASPA Leon Bradley 5K in Portland in October, that was a goal of mine. I ran a few 5K's and a 10K in the past. Last time I ran very far was in 2008 for the Cowtown 10K. 

The rest of the week went like this

9/9 - 1.49 miles
9/10 - 1.94 miles
9/11 - rest
9/12 - 2.18 miles
9/13 - cycle class - This is also the day I turned 37. And the day I hit my weight goal! 195 lbs.
9/14 - 3.12 miles (9:31/mile)

That's it! I did it! I hit my goal. I lost the weight & I am able to run a 5K. 

I did it all for the Nookie.  Come' on, the nookie.

We all have different things that motivate us. For me, its having a personal goal. I learned that through this experiment. I found that I was determined and disciplined. I had the grit to see it through. I knew what needed to be done everyday and I felt that sense of accomplishment. 

So September 15 rolled around and now what? Keep working out? Keep up with all those calories? I did that, I hit my goal. I needed a break from the daily grind and annoyance of inputting all the data. I ran 1.34 miles anyway. I accomplished more than expected. Not only did I lose the weight, I accomplished more. I changed my lifestyle. I was no longer working out to lose weight. I wasn't working towards a goal. I was running because of a lifestyle change. I was working out more, and transitioning into Running. Am I a runner now?

It was after the 1.29 mile run on Tuesday Sept 16, when I was on my way to work when this all hit me. I was working out. I was eating better, but for what? Why? Depending on how well you know me, you may realize my world needs 2 things. Order and Reason. Rules apply to everything, and they are there for a reason. Its that answer to the question, "Why?" For me, I was asking myself, "What next?" and "Why run?"  Then it hit me, Half-Marathon.  I could run one. I always knew there were regimens and workouts you could do leading up to a half. I've seen books about them (or full marathons). I just never ran one. There IS this thing called google (www.google.com).  So, I did a google search for marathon plans. And I found Hal Higdon's training site (www.halhigdon.com). On his site, he has recommended training programs for all levels of runner for all distances. He's done the work, he's read the research, he's got a great interactive training program. As I looked at the half-marathon training, I realized I could do this. Little by little. I could work up to the Dallas Half-Marathon in December. The timing couldn't be better. His 12-week training program for novice runners was perfect because the Dallas Marathon and Half-Marathon were still thirteen weeks away.

So there it was, my next goal. With a workout plan prescribed for me. I was ready to take the next big step towards being a runner. 

Next up, Big things in Big D.

Jason lives with his wife, two children and Lola the Lab in Lantana, TX.