training begins. DAY 1

(i rolled around in bed longer than usual this morning. if i get up, that means the day has started, which means i have to start training: day 1. in my half-awake state i wondered what i had gotten myself into. i am not good at running. i am not built like a runner. i don't have a long or lean body, and i have feet that resemble those of an aquatic bird more than those of a human. but this is the power of...announcing your plans to "the world". it's much harder to disappoint "the world" than just yourself. also, i paid money to sign up for this race. that helps too.)

DAY 1: 1.5 miles
total run time: 16.5 minutes (11 minute mile pace)
it's so cold these days so i'm going to run on the treadmill for now. eventually i'll also up the incline on the treadmill to mimic the unevenness of the outdoors, but today is just day 1. so i just aimed for 1.5 miles on the treadmill with no incline. i was really scared that i wouldn't be able to do it, but i'm proud to report i was able to run the whole 1.5 miles without stopping. the shoes really make a difference. with my old shoes, i'd start feeling the pain in my ankles by .5 miles (so i never ran more than .5 miles at a time). i started getting really tired around 1.25 miles so the last quarter mile i really had to push myself.

strength training. i don't want to ignore strength training while i run. again, i started out lightly today. i did 3 workouts: 
1. tricep workout with dumbbells 

2. dumbbell squat + lift

3. dumbbell figure 8s

once i start feeling stronger in my legs, i'll incorporate more leg-intensive workouts like squats. holla for a successful day 1! do i deserve a carvel ice cream cake now?