Jodi’s Running Blog

When I began training for the Portland Marathon almost three weeks ago I was forced to move most of my workouts to the morning because I have not been arriving home from work until almost 9PM on most nights. The first few days were tough - having to get up at 5:30AM to run, shower, eat breakfast, and be out the door in time to catch the bus around 7:30AM. Now, while there is still some hesitancy each morning to leaving the warmth and comfort of my bed that early, it has gotten much easier. I am finding that, on my morning-per-week that I have off from working out, or on my Core Strength training morning, I am not in the greatest mood during the day, whereas after a good run in the morning I feel wonderful. This sounds idealized to many, I’m sure, and I wouldn’t have believed it either, but I think I very much prefer morning runs. When I start my day at work, my body feels toned, I am wide awake, and my mind is clear. I never feel groggy and half-asleep after a solid run.

I have decided to amend my training schedule slightly. Currently, I have Strength Training alternating between one and two days a week (2 days one week, then 1 day of the next week, then 2 days the following week…). I’m scrapping that - one day per week should suffice. I would rather have an extra running day than an extra strength day.

My other thought for now is that, once I am finished with my 8AM to 8PM schedule (one more week!) and once I am back from my upcoming two-week vacation, I am going to start attending local running club meetings. I very much need to meet other runners in Seattle and find some good running partners (although Daniel and Matt are fun interval buddies!). It would be nice to enjoy more of the social aspects of running, although feeling fit is definitely a plus.

The forecast is calling for a high of 75 degrees in Seattle today - the kind of day where I would rather be outdoors. However, there are plenty of glassed-in hospital wings where I can enjoy springtime today. Happy running, everyone!