Tag Archives: training

May 9, 2014 · 10:09 am

What now?

Some of you have heard me say that I’m done running after Boston. That I’m hanging up my running shoes. As a runner, you and I both know that’s not possible. Since the marathon, I’m left with a lot of time on my hands and empty goals. So what’s next for me?

cartwheel22

I wish my cartwheel form was that good.

At the moment, I’m slowing down. I’m not training for anything. Just taking time to recover and enjoy running (yes, I’m STILL recovering from that Boston course). I want to get back to spinning, swimming, and outdoor cycling. But most of all, I want to enjoy life and the spring/summer without any schedules or training plans. After a hard 14 week training program; my body needs down time and so does my mind. It’s important for me to ‘run for’ fun for a while. Hey, maybe I’ll even work on this blog a little bit. Lucky you.

In the meantime, I have some fun runs coming up – a Ragnar trail relay and a half marathon at a winery. I’m not training for either of these and will let myself just enjoy the runs without thinking about time or pace.  (This is very difficult for me to do.)   I also am signed up for my first 50 mile cycling ride (eek!) in July. Let’s hope I learn how to change a flat tire by then. I’ve always wanted to do a century ride (100 miles) but can never seem to find the time with marathon training. So I will work towards that goal this spring/summer.

I do have a fall marathon in mind (actually 2) with a set goal time but in looking at a training plan the other day; I would need to start training this weekend. I don’t think my body or mind is ready for that yet, so I will have to reevaluate the training when I’m ready….and my goals. Completing Boston felt like the ending of a good book. But I don’t want it to end; so I will start the next series when I’m ready. Until then, I will be lounging around eating M&M’s and doritos all day!

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December 31, 2013 · 11:10 am

The old and the new….

2014Welp, it’s that time of year when runners look back at all the miles the logged in 2013, the PR’s they got, the hurdles they’ve overcome.   And tomorrow begins a new year with new goals.

Last year or even the last training season may have come with some challenges. Those challenges are what will make you better going forward. Use them as lessons to build upon to make you a stronger runner.  We all have lessons we can take from the past and apply that to running (and to life) going forward.  But, it’s also important to not waste energy and emotion on what has already happened. Look ahead.

Regardless of what your goals are for next year and where you are headed; remember what you went through last year or last training season will only make you stronger this time around. Take the old, and learn from it.

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August 1, 2013 · 9:29 am

July Recap: MCM Training Begins

JulyMiles July kicked off my unofficial marathon training for the Marine Corps Marathon. I say unofficial because I don’t ever really follow a plan 100% or even 80%. And in the beginning of training I just wing it.  Lately, I’ve had a lot of social/personal commitments that have kept me from doing my normal long runs on Saturday mornings (and a lot of mid week runs). I’ve had to become comfortable with being uncomfortable.  By that I mean, skipping runs or cutting them short or not being able to fit them in at all.  Last weekend, I had a 3 hour window to run in West Virginia. It was 2pm and a downpour outside. Still, I had to get it in. I had to modify my route and break my run up into pieces just to get it done.  I was all sorts of anxious about it driving to the trail in the rain. But when I was done, I was proud that I went outside the comfort zone.  Also, some spectacular that happened on last weeks long run (brace yourself) – I ran Garmin-less for the 2nd half of the run!  What?! I know!  I never run Garmin-less, I feel like days could pass by and I’d still be running if I wasn’t wearing it.  But because of the torrential downpours; I had to return to my car and leave the Garmin behind so it wouldn’t get soaked. And let me tell you – I ran really well without it. I did note when I left and when I returned and luckily my trail had mile markers so afterwards I was able to calculate my pace.  And I used mapmyrun for elevation and exact mileage. Not bad at all being with the Garmin. No stress over pace or heart rate. Now, I won’t be doing that again anytime soon (lets not get carried away). But now I know that I can do it. And perhaps I’ll try to make one long run a month Garmin-less.

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