10k

I just mapped out a training plan for an upcoming 10k that will be held in Nago on February 8. Working backwards, the start of this 8-week program just happened to start today, Monday, December 15, 2008. It caught me off guard, but it was good motivation. I put down the training calendar and did my first workout, a strength session using a pair dumbbells and my own body weight.

Tomorrow will be the interesting test – a 4.0 km run. I haven’t run in a while, months I’d say. Sure, I knocked out a half-marathon a few weeks ago, but in terms of getting regular mileage on my shoes, not much has been happening there.

I’m really excited! The motivation of friends and the support of fellow runners are great things to keep in mind when running around the beautiful village that I live in. I remember trying to get psyched up about running in Chicago. Don’t get me wrong; I loved the place with all its neighborhoods and city energy. But getting a good run in usually meant making it all the way out to the lakefront, or looping the park to the west of my apartment for sake of avoiding stoplights.

Here, in Higashi, if I ran north, I could run for hours (at my pace) before seeing a stoplight. The ocean, the quiet, and the lack of traffic – it’s perfect. So I’m looking forward to my first run tomorrow morning, whether before school or during the morning periods (I have no classes tomorrow). And my new running shoes have made it to the local distributor. All that’s left is to put them in my hands…erm, on my feet might be a better idea.