Overview

The school year is winding down however, my 20 time project  is not, I will continue to work towards my goal this summer . The obvious goal for my 20-time project was to work towards running a half marathon. However, the deeper goal for myself was to improve my fitness and overall confidence by working toward reaching my goal of running a half marathon. My project has had a positive impact on me so far. It has taught me that no matter the setbacks if you are passionate about something you will find a way to work towards achieving your goal. so far my project has been a success even though my goal hasn't been reached I am getting closer to meeting my goals. This project has taught me that it is important to focus on learning about something that you are actually interested in, not just the stuff out of the textbook that you are required to learn. Independent learning is very important! When you are interested in learning about something you won't give up until you find answers. This will help your research skills and communication skills. So, next time you are interested in something go out and do it or learn about it, and do it for you not anybody else! (:

Setbacks

Time has become a huge setback for me. I barley have any free time as it is between school, homework and sports so my nights seem to pass in the blink of an eye leaving me little or no time to go for a run. Luckily most of what we do during lacrosse practice involves running. Games, drills and conditioning will all help with the strengthening of my lungs and body. I would like to be able to go for more long distance runs but for now I have to settle for short quick runs that i am instructed to do. The weather has also been a major setback. As we all know Michigan weather is very in consistent. It is hard to become motivated when you look outside and it is gloomy and cold. However, now that the weather is getting warmer and it is staying light out later I am hoping to have more opportunities to run. Time and weather are my main setbacks right now but, I am looking forward to overcoming them. Once lacrosse ends and summer comes I am planning to run each day in order to progress. I am not sure how soon I will be able to run a half marathon but i still am determined to do it! I will not give up on this goal no matter the setbacks (:

Inspiration

Sometimes all you need is a good quote to inspire you to get you going! One that I really liked is...

"If you want to become the best runner you can be, start now. Don't spend the rest of your life wondering if you can do it."
-Priscilla Welch

I always find myself saying "Oh i'll just go for a run tomorrow.." when really I should go for a run everyday that I can because, I will never get today back so why wait for tomorrow when I am able to better myself today!

For more inspirational quotes visit...


http://running.about.com/od/runninghumor/a/runningquotes_3.htm 

Strengthen

The first exercise is a burpee, an exercise in which you start with a jump, go down on your hands and toes into push up position, complete a push up, jump back onto your feet and repeat. The second exercise is the karaoke, in which you quickly put one foot in front of and then behind the other. These with both help strengthen you but also increase your foot speed. If I continue to do these exercises I will be able to increase my speed and strength while running.

Runtastic

This week I made sure I went for a few runs they weren't as long as I had hoped because time was restricted but, I was happy I at least got to go. On one of my runs I used a free app I had downloaded on my phone called Runtastic, this app tracks how far and fast you run, along with how many calories you have burned. It also maps out exactly where you went on your run. With the GPS feature you can actually look back at where you have ran and if you liked the route you can do the exact same one again. With this app I will be able to track how much I am running each week and if I am actually making progress. So far I recommend this app to anyone who runs or is interested in starting!

7 tips

This week I researched half marathon training tips so I could see where I am so far and what else I need to improve on and accomplish.

7 tips when training for a half marathon 

1. Build a base

       You need to build a base you can't just get up off the couch and run a half marathon

            I will apply this by setting small goals to accomplish in my running day by day.

2. Pick a plan

       You need to have a plan of what you want to accomplish and by when.

             Once lacrosse ends I will have more free time and be able to set up a plan and work each day to meet certain goals.

3.Think quality over quantity

       You need to focus on the quality of your running rather than just how far you are running, you don't want to over do it and injure yourself.

             I need to make sure I always have a proper form by running and remember to not over due what my body is capable of. The quality of my running is better than the actual distance during training.

4. Cross-train

       You want to do aerobic exercises other than just running this will help strengthen your endurance.

            I already cross train with the lacrosse conditioning we do daily at practice, I will continue to do this.

5. Find a training group

      You tend to more accountable and it is easier to train if you run with some one else or a few people.

            I am going to start running with my friend who has already completed a half marathon in the past, I believe running with her ill be able to easily reach my goal .

6. Research the race

       Once you have a race you want to research it and find out the terrain, climate and what drinks will be provided.

            Once I do choose a race I will make sure to do these things.

7. Rest

       Rest is as important as the running itself you need to give you r body time to build and repair.

           I will make sure to provide my body with rest to I do not end up over doing it and hurting myself.

Conditioning

I have practice each night for lacrosse, so it is hard to find the motivation or energy to run another few miles after each practice. However, my coach is a strong believer in conditioning and "disciplining" ourselves to reach success. Each day I am running short fast distances with my team repeatedly, this will help strengthen my lungs and endurance. Practice is draining though and some days I just simply can't go for a run after as I would like to. The weekends are pretty much the only time I am able to improve my distance running. I'm hoping to go for a three mile or longer run this weekend! I can't wait to start seeing progress and am determined to complete my goal. I am also trying to eat healthier and drink more water because, eating healthy can only help in the improvement of my physical fitness.