Hi all. I'm back. Ready to talk about exercise and training goals once again. Hallelejah. I've missed myself, my exercising self. And I'm VERY excited to re-emerge from the pregnancy exercise intensity restrictions with plans to be a much stronger, faster athlete than ever before in the next year. First let's recap where I've been in the past year....
Last summer I completed my first and second triathlon, both while pregnant though I didn't know I was pregnant for the first one- the Chicago Triathlon in August 2012. I had just finished a very difficult, time consuming year of work so was starting to re-build my fitness and was excited to throw biking and swimming into the mix. I had my sights set on Ironman Wisconsin 2013 though since Adam and I were hoping to get pregnant I knew it was very possible that I would have to delay the Ironman. And sure enough, over Labor Day weekend, we noted I was a couple days "late" so decided to take a pregnancy test really more for fun than anything else. I thought the chances that I was pregnant after only 1-2 months of trying at my advanced maternal age was very unlikely. Luckily I found out I was pregnant about a week before registration for the Ironman so didn't lose the registration fee!
I have a handful of posts on exercising during pregnancy so I won't rehash here. Here are some of my previous exercising during pregnancy posts:
--Exercise During Pregnancy...In General
--Exercise During Pregnancy...What I've Done (so far)
--Pregnancy Fitness Goals
--The New Hardcore...Running at 30 Weeks
--The Ultimate Pregnancy Niggle
--Running Year in Review 2012
The bottom line is I stayed pretty darn active right until the day of delivery, keeping up my daily mile of running and also spinning, swimming and weight training until the end. My final pregnancy mileage is as follows:
549 miles run
24 miles swum
261 miles cycled (doesn't include the months of October, November, December as I didn't keep track of spinning mileage those months)
Because our Zooey was small and breech the decision was made to have a c-section at 36 weeks and 5 days. I knew a c-section was certainly possible since up to 1/3 of women end up delivering this way, and I certainly have no romantic notions of "labor" and am sorta glad I got to bypass that process. However, returning to exercise after pelvic surgery wasn't really part of my fitness plan for Spring and Summer 2013, and I have had to re-build much more gradually than I would like. But I've stayed as aggressive as I thought I safely could, kept up with my mile a day including the day after delivery, first with walking and then with intense hill walking as soon as my incision healed. At one month, I was really starting to feel the emotional and physical toll of not running. My knees and shoulders were starting to hurt. No amount of hill walking, even at 15% grade provided any endorphins. So after one false start (I ran 0.25 miles a few days before 1 month and felt it in the incision), at exactly one month after my c-section I went for a mile run.
For more detailed info on my early recovery:
--Turns Out I'm Just Like Everyone Else
I've worked up to 3 miles as my "long" run and hope to be up to 10 for my annual 4th of July "long" run. I still think a marathon in September is possible and I have my sights set on the Mill Race Marathon in Columbia, Indiana, a great suggestion made by my cousin Karin, also a runner. There is a half as well so Karin, Adam and maybe some other family members can run as well!
But my short term goal needs my undivided attention for the next few weeks- the Chicago triathlon in August. Last year I did the sprint, but this year I plan to do the International Distance. I've talked some great friends into participating as well, providing additional motivation ensuring that I can't back out! My plan is to continue my slow mileage build for running with occasional ad lib speed work. Running is also the core of any training plan for me. It is the activity I most enjoy, that provides the most mental benefits, and that I'm most comfortable with. But the sport that I'm weakest at really needs some attention- swimming. Ug. Once I'm back at work (read: have full time child care) I need one or two lessons to adjust my form but in the meantime I need to log some serious pool time. I'm in a post-natal strength training class that meets twice weekly (and allows the babies to come to class) and if I can muster a third session a week on my own that takes care of strength. I'm going to actually delay any focus on biking until I go back to work, partly because I definitely need child care for this activity and partly because I feel like I can ramp up to 22 miles biking without much problem. I may not be fast, but I can get it done, so time to focus on swimming and strength is probably most important for the next few weeks.
Well, there you have it. My rough plan to return to fitness glory. I don't have a day-by-day plan as I suspect it would be very constricting and bound to fail given Zooey duties. But as long as I get in one work-out most days and two work-outs one or two days, I should be good.
I hope.
Wish me luck.
This is going to be hard.
!
Showing posts with label Gotta have Goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gotta have Goals. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
It's the End of the World as we Know it (and I Feel Fine)
I was supposed to run a half marathon on Saturday. The Polar Dash half marathon here in Chicago, to be exact. But I woke up Friday with a terrible sore throat that developed into a full blown head congested, runny nose, sore throat tornado of a cold by Saturday morning. Initially, I was going to run anyway. I thought, 'come on, it's just a half marathon'. Indeed I did run a marathon just two months ago also with a cold, also while pregnant (14 weeks at that point). But I wasn't quite as sick and I was definitely 'less' pregnant! Adam tried to be the voice of reason, trying to talk me out of the race, especially given the pregnancy. But he also knows me well and didn't want me to be full of regret if I didn't run. To be honest, I was most worried about my mental health. I'm a runner. A distance runner. That's a a huge part of my identity. And let's face it, my next opportunity for (marathon) distance running isn't until next fall given babybison's much anticipated arrival in May. I was worried that if I didn't do the race, it would be the beginning of the end of pregnant running. And the beginning of the end of my endurance and cardiovascular health. And the beginning of the end of my mental health.
Adam and I compromised by dressing for the race, jogging to the start, and making a final decision about the race en route. That was a wise decision. About 0.5 mile into the jog, I felt pretty miserable from the cold. But I also was feeling a bit of pelvic pressure- no pain, nothing serious- but not something that I'd want to carry on with for 13 miles. So we took off our bibs and went for a leisurely 3 mile run together instead which was really nice.
Initially, my back up plan was for Adam and I to make our own half marathon this coming weekend (assuming I'd be all better). But as the weekend progressed, I gained some insight into myself and my motivation for running the half marathon in the first place. The first insight occurred during my treadmill work-out on Sunday. After my 1 mile run, I did a 35 minutes hill climb (walking) and read the latest Runner's World. There was a touching article by Marc Parent, writer of The Newbie Runner. He was reporting on his first ever half marathon experience. It was a good article- it really took me back to my first marathon experience. The feelings of pride and invincibility. Struggling through the tough miles, feeling like a rock star during the good miles, digging deep to get through the last miles. The spectators, especially friends and family. Doing something you never thought you could do. It really reminded me of some of my proudest athletic accomplishments. And I realized: I'm a runner. It's who I am now. I think I've always been a runner, but I didn't actualize this part of myself until I started running and ran my first marathon back in 2006. At this point, 6 years later, I'm not in danger of NOT being a runner EVEN IF my running mileage goes downhill (WAY downhill) over the next few months. I realized I had a deep fear, that if I didn't keep up at least 1/2 marathon level mileage during this pregnancy, I'd be in danger of never being a runner again. Like I'd fall into some deep abyss of lethargy and inactivity. But reading that article, and remembering the positive emotions and memories from my marathons, reminded me that I am not only a runner, but I'm a marathoner and while I may be a low mileage runner temporarily, I will NEVER be a non-runner again. That will not change, baby or no baby.
I realized the other reason I was so bummed about missing the Polar Dash was that I really wanted to do the half as a pregnant runner. Yes, I did the Chicago Tri, the Lake Geneva Tri, the Des Moines Marathon and the Outer Banks Marathon pregnant. But I was in the closet! I couldn't advertise the pregnancy. Silly as it sounds, I want to run a race with my "running for two" tee shirt on. Primarily, running is important to me and my well-being. But, part of my identity as a runner is being a motivator to others. I'm vocal about running and its many benefits, in my real life and in my social media life. It's a big part of who I am. It's my little way of doing good in the world (well besides my job- hope I'm doing some good there, too!). I can think of at least a dozen people whom I've helped or encouraged to start running for the first time, to run half marathons, to do a triathlon, to do a marathon, or just to do a quick 5 minutes of cardio prior to Thanksgiving dinner. That's important to me.
I like to think that continuing to run (and vigorously exercise in general) while I'm visibly pregnant can be a motivator and an example for others to follow. It wasn't so long ago (1970s, the decade in which I was born!) that women were told they couldn't run marathons because 'their uteruses may fall out'. And I'm sure that are some old-school obstetricians who advice against running or exercise during pregnancy even for super fit, healthy ladies. (Again- some pregnant women have complications and shouldn't run- clearly there are exceptions.) And using pregnancy as a excuse to take it easy and eat too much and move too little is rampant in our society. So, maybe it's silly, but I really do want to do a race or two in the next few months. But there's no reason they need to be half-marathons. A 5K will do!
Finally, I also realized how glad I am that I did those two triathlons this summer/fall. As my running mileage decreases, I can easily fill in the time with spinning and swimming. Both of which I'm starting to enjoy more and more. In fact, I can take this opportunity to become better at both. Especially swimming. I really think I can become a stronger swimmer over the next 4 months than I ever was before (starting from a base of non-swimmer, I have lots of room for improvement!). And with two triathlons on my athletic goal list for 2013, this will serve me well!
So while endurance running may be over for a while, it is not the end of the world and I feel fine about the whole thing. Running will continue, distance running will take a hiatus and spinning, swimming and hill walking (seriously, you'd be surprised how short of breath you can get climbing a treadmill hill!) will take over. So without further ado, here are my athletic goals for 2013, i.e. the Year of the Babybison!
1. Chicago Triathlon, International Distance August 24, 2013
2. Half-Ironman Triathlon, Fall 2013 (destination tbd)
3. Sub 4 hr marathon Fall 2013
4. Boston Qualifier Spring 2014
5. Ironman Wisconsin September 2014
(6. Continue working on my 50 in 50 goal with marathons in 2 new states in 2013.)
Short-term steps I'll take during pregnancy to help achieve these goals:
1. Finish 45 minutes of exercise in 45 days
2. Increase swimming distance to 1700 yards.
3. Increase biking distance to 20 miles
4. Strength training weekly with the pre-natal group
So, for a few minutes Saturday morning when I realized I would have to bail on the half marathon, I felt like it was the end of my (running) world. But I've done some thinking. I've adapted. And at the end of the day I am just so grateful to be able to exercise at all. So I feel fine:)
Adam and I compromised by dressing for the race, jogging to the start, and making a final decision about the race en route. That was a wise decision. About 0.5 mile into the jog, I felt pretty miserable from the cold. But I also was feeling a bit of pelvic pressure- no pain, nothing serious- but not something that I'd want to carry on with for 13 miles. So we took off our bibs and went for a leisurely 3 mile run together instead which was really nice.
Initially, my back up plan was for Adam and I to make our own half marathon this coming weekend (assuming I'd be all better). But as the weekend progressed, I gained some insight into myself and my motivation for running the half marathon in the first place. The first insight occurred during my treadmill work-out on Sunday. After my 1 mile run, I did a 35 minutes hill climb (walking) and read the latest Runner's World. There was a touching article by Marc Parent, writer of The Newbie Runner. He was reporting on his first ever half marathon experience. It was a good article- it really took me back to my first marathon experience. The feelings of pride and invincibility. Struggling through the tough miles, feeling like a rock star during the good miles, digging deep to get through the last miles. The spectators, especially friends and family. Doing something you never thought you could do. It really reminded me of some of my proudest athletic accomplishments. And I realized: I'm a runner. It's who I am now. I think I've always been a runner, but I didn't actualize this part of myself until I started running and ran my first marathon back in 2006. At this point, 6 years later, I'm not in danger of NOT being a runner EVEN IF my running mileage goes downhill (WAY downhill) over the next few months. I realized I had a deep fear, that if I didn't keep up at least 1/2 marathon level mileage during this pregnancy, I'd be in danger of never being a runner again. Like I'd fall into some deep abyss of lethargy and inactivity. But reading that article, and remembering the positive emotions and memories from my marathons, reminded me that I am not only a runner, but I'm a marathoner and while I may be a low mileage runner temporarily, I will NEVER be a non-runner again. That will not change, baby or no baby.
I realized the other reason I was so bummed about missing the Polar Dash was that I really wanted to do the half as a pregnant runner. Yes, I did the Chicago Tri, the Lake Geneva Tri, the Des Moines Marathon and the Outer Banks Marathon pregnant. But I was in the closet! I couldn't advertise the pregnancy. Silly as it sounds, I want to run a race with my "running for two" tee shirt on. Primarily, running is important to me and my well-being. But, part of my identity as a runner is being a motivator to others. I'm vocal about running and its many benefits, in my real life and in my social media life. It's a big part of who I am. It's my little way of doing good in the world (well besides my job- hope I'm doing some good there, too!). I can think of at least a dozen people whom I've helped or encouraged to start running for the first time, to run half marathons, to do a triathlon, to do a marathon, or just to do a quick 5 minutes of cardio prior to Thanksgiving dinner. That's important to me.
I like to think that continuing to run (and vigorously exercise in general) while I'm visibly pregnant can be a motivator and an example for others to follow. It wasn't so long ago (1970s, the decade in which I was born!) that women were told they couldn't run marathons because 'their uteruses may fall out'. And I'm sure that are some old-school obstetricians who advice against running or exercise during pregnancy even for super fit, healthy ladies. (Again- some pregnant women have complications and shouldn't run- clearly there are exceptions.) And using pregnancy as a excuse to take it easy and eat too much and move too little is rampant in our society. So, maybe it's silly, but I really do want to do a race or two in the next few months. But there's no reason they need to be half-marathons. A 5K will do!
Finally, I also realized how glad I am that I did those two triathlons this summer/fall. As my running mileage decreases, I can easily fill in the time with spinning and swimming. Both of which I'm starting to enjoy more and more. In fact, I can take this opportunity to become better at both. Especially swimming. I really think I can become a stronger swimmer over the next 4 months than I ever was before (starting from a base of non-swimmer, I have lots of room for improvement!). And with two triathlons on my athletic goal list for 2013, this will serve me well!
So while endurance running may be over for a while, it is not the end of the world and I feel fine about the whole thing. Running will continue, distance running will take a hiatus and spinning, swimming and hill walking (seriously, you'd be surprised how short of breath you can get climbing a treadmill hill!) will take over. So without further ado, here are my athletic goals for 2013, i.e. the Year of the Babybison!
1. Chicago Triathlon, International Distance August 24, 2013
2. Half-Ironman Triathlon, Fall 2013 (destination tbd)
3. Sub 4 hr marathon Fall 2013
4. Boston Qualifier Spring 2014
5. Ironman Wisconsin September 2014
(6. Continue working on my 50 in 50 goal with marathons in 2 new states in 2013.)
Short-term steps I'll take during pregnancy to help achieve these goals:
1. Finish 45 minutes of exercise in 45 days
2. Increase swimming distance to 1700 yards.
3. Increase biking distance to 20 miles
4. Strength training weekly with the pre-natal group
So, for a few minutes Saturday morning when I realized I would have to bail on the half marathon, I felt like it was the end of my (running) world. But I've done some thinking. I've adapted. And at the end of the day I am just so grateful to be able to exercise at all. So I feel fine:)
Friday, January 4, 2013
45 for the next 45 (Take 2)
But, I think this post is a good lesson to all of us who do a generally decent job of staying in shape but are always trying to improve- sometimes our work-out plans fail and the difference b/t us and couch potatoes is not a lack of failure but the ability to re-group and try again when failure occurs.
I'm ready to re-group and try again. I have a few things in my favor this time, like no more procedures related to the pregnancy (hopefully) and a good work schedule for the next two months. And I'm going to start going to pre-natal small group training classes which I'm super excited about. While all of family and friends (with a couple rare exceptions) have been completely supportive and frankly not surprised by my two triathlons and two marathons while pregnant, it will be nice to actually work out with some other fit-minded pregnant ladies with a trainer who specializes in pre- and post-natal women!
I'm also going to give myself some leeway mostly because of the pregnancy- I want to be absolutely realistic and sure I can accomplish my new goal of 45 minutes of exercise for the next 45 days (Jan 1-Feb 14). So aggressive walking on an incline that results in sweating and/or shortness of breath will count. I did this for the first time yesterday, and yes, walking can be a workout at 3.8-4.0 mph and 5-6 grade or higher incline. I imagine there will be days when I'm exhausted and sore and not mentally (and eventually physically) able to deal with any other form of exertion so I'll leave this in as my back-up. But I promise I will walk with a vengeance and I think if the hill is steep enough I can get short of breath enough to get some cardiovascular benefit from this! Mostly I will be running, swimming, occasionally spinning and strength training with the pre-natal group. Oh- and the 45 minutes a day is an average- I can bank extra time- so Tuesday's 90 minute 10 mile run buys me some time for this weekend when I am working two 12 hour shifts and will likely only get in my one mile a day.
So far, I'm 4 days in and going strong:)
Sunday, July 3, 2011
2011 Goals Post Update
Here are my 2011 Goals (original post here) and my progress report for each.
1. Sub 25 minute 5K (current PR 26:19 in very slick, snowy conditions)
--In progress. I'm pretty sure I can do this, I just need to find a small to medium sized 5k (some of the ones in Chicago are so big that you can lose literally minutes ducking and dodging). As my work schedule materializes, I'll get this done.
2. Sub 2 hr half-marathon (current PR 2:00:19)
--In progress. I have no doubt that I can do this. In fact, my 1/2 split for the Rockford Marathon was sub-2. I just need to find a 1/2 marathon that I can complete to make it official. Honestly I'm not sure if this will work out scheduling-wise this year; it's not the highest priority.
3. Sub 4:15 marathon (let's not talk about my current PR, I'm not very proud of it)
--DONE! Woo-hoo! 4:05 and change at Rockford in May. So, I'm going to change this goal to a sub-4:00. This might not happen, but I gotta shoot high, right?
4. Complete marathons in at least 2 new states working towards my 50 marathons in 50 states goal.
--DONE! Hawai'i and Wisconsin.
5. Qualify for Marathon Maniacs (MM).
--DONE! Rockford and Madison in 2 weeks in May. So I met the goal, I qualified. But I decided to not actually join MM. After reviewing the website, I'm not entirely sure what the entry fee goes to beyond the annual meetings at Hooters (which I think is absurd, btw). So I qualified, but I'm not a member.
6. Weights (a challenging routine) 2 times a week.
--Total and utter FAIL. Thus far. But I have 6 months to go so there's still hope. I wish I could find a way to make weights more rewarding and fun.
7. Do 1 triathlon- can be short or long, big or small, just get that first one done!
--FAIL. I kinda wrote this one off, but then I had a good swim work-out where I covered 0.3 miles and I realized I could probably do a sprint tri this summer or fall. Therefore this is still on the table.
Since I berate myself for goals not achieved, it's only fair that give I give myself some 'extra credit' for add'l achievements that weren't on my goals list. For example, today is the 183rd day in a row that I've ran at least 1 mile. 183 days of streaking! I never thought I would do such a thing but I'm doing it and I think it's awesome:)
Happy 4th of July everyone!!!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Best Races in the States
As many of you may know, one of my long term running goals is to run a marathon in each of the 50 states. Since this will take many years to complete, I have the luxury of choosing the absolute best races to complete in each state. To aid in this mission, I'm going to construct a list of "must-do" races. And I need your input! My current ideas are below, but as you can see there are many states w/o races. Let me know which races you suggest in any state. Trail races wanted also!
Alabama:
Alaska:
Arizona:
Arkansas:
California: Big Sur Marathon International Marathon, (I'd also like to do the Catalina Marathon
and the Napa Valley Marathon)
Colorado: Pikes Peak Marathon
Connecticut:
Delaware:
Florida:
Georgia:
Hawai'i (check!): Maui Oceanfront Marathon-- (Race report here)
Idaho:
Illinois (check!): Chicago Marathon -- (Race report here)
Rockford Marathon-- (Race report here)
Indiana: Tecumsah Trail Marathon
Iowa:
Kansas:
Kentucky:
Louisiana:
Maine: Mount Desert Island Marathon
Maryland:
Massachusetts: Boston Marathon
Michigan: Traverse City Bay State Bayshore Marathon
Minnesota: Grandma's Marathon
Mississippi:
Missouri:
Montana: Missoula Marathon
Nebraska:
Nevada:
New Hampshire:
New Jersey: Ocean Drive Marathon
New Mexico:
New York: New York City Marathon
North Carolina: Outer Banks Marathon
North Dakota:
Ohio: Flying Pig Marathon
Oklahoma:
Oregon:
Pennsylvania (check!): Philadelphia Marathon
Rhode Island: Amica Marathon (in Newport)
South Carolina:
South Dakota:
Tennessee:
Texas:
Utah: Ogden Marathon
Vermont: Vermont City Marathon
Virginia:
Washington (check!): Whidbey Island Marathon
Washington DC: Marine Corps Marathon
West Virginia:
Wisconsin (check!): Madison Marathon (Race report here)
Wyoming:
After working nights for a couple weeks, fending off a couple minor infections, and spending 24 hours straight in the ICU, I'm wiped out. My running is suffering. But, I'm optimistic that once I catch up on sleep, I'll be able to re-motivate!
Alabama:
Alaska:
Arizona:
Arkansas:
California: Big Sur Marathon International Marathon, (I'd also like to do the Catalina Marathon
and the Napa Valley Marathon)
Colorado: Pikes Peak Marathon
Connecticut:
Delaware:
Florida:
Georgia:
Hawai'i (check!): Maui Oceanfront Marathon-- (Race report here)
Idaho:
Illinois (check!): Chicago Marathon -- (Race report here)
Rockford Marathon-- (Race report here)
Indiana: Tecumsah Trail Marathon
Iowa:
Kansas:
Kentucky:
Louisiana:
Maine: Mount Desert Island Marathon
Maryland:
Massachusetts: Boston Marathon
Michigan: Traverse City Bay State Bayshore Marathon
Minnesota: Grandma's Marathon
Mississippi:
Missouri:
Montana: Missoula Marathon
Nebraska:
Nevada:
New Hampshire:
New Jersey: Ocean Drive Marathon
New Mexico:
New York: New York City Marathon
North Carolina: Outer Banks Marathon
North Dakota:
Ohio: Flying Pig Marathon
Oklahoma:
Oregon:
Pennsylvania (check!): Philadelphia Marathon
Rhode Island: Amica Marathon (in Newport)
South Carolina:
South Dakota:
Tennessee:
Texas:
Utah: Ogden Marathon
Vermont: Vermont City Marathon
Virginia:
Washington (check!): Whidbey Island Marathon
Washington DC: Marine Corps Marathon
West Virginia:
Wisconsin (check!): Madison Marathon (Race report here)
Wyoming:
After working nights for a couple weeks, fending off a couple minor infections, and spending 24 hours straight in the ICU, I'm wiped out. My running is suffering. But, I'm optimistic that once I catch up on sleep, I'll be able to re-motivate!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
1:45
Coming off my big Rockford PR, I'm super excited to get back into running and back into running FAST.
As I mentioned in previous posts, my work life is going to get even worse starting July 1st. Read: 1 day off a week for 12 months, 10-12 hour days every single day. Relentless.
So, unless I want to spend every single day off doing a long run (I don't), my thought was that I'd need to put marathons on the back burner for a while. But I really love them. Despite the truth behind the concerns I addressed in The Marathon: A Race Too Far? post, running 2 marathons in 2 weeks confirmed for me that I really enjoy running 26.2! And I'm so close to sub-4!!
Maybe I Shouldn't Follow "The Rules"....
On further thought, I remembered that I didn't train "properly" according to traditional marathon training rules for any of my 2011 marathons (Maui, Rockford, Madison) but yet I still performed at or above where I would expect for myself. Part of that may be because my expectations are too low but another part is that maybe the "marathon training rules" that we all hold dear are not true for everyone. And not being able to follow those rules certainly shouldn't be a reason not to keep running distance.
I've mentioned before that I've been following Run Less, Run Faster since November 2010. I credit this program for my massive improvements in speed over that time. But- don't tell- I've been cheating left and right. I'm NOT one of those runners who never misses a training session. I don't have that "type A" personality and even if I did, my work schedule would not allow for such dedication anyway. So I've missed runs. Lots of runs. Probably 1/3 of my training runs flat out didn't happen ESPECIALLY the long runs which are supposed to be the most important piece.
So what am I going to do? I'm going to *hopefully* run my 10th marathon, The Fox Valley Marathon on September 18th in hopes of getting sub-4. But my training schedule is going to be super non-traditional. I've basically created a half marathon training schedule in terms of short and medium run distances and paces but I'm peppering in some additional long runs to help me get through Fox Valley. (My current training schedule is posted on my home page, or you can click here.)
Specifically, my goal will be to get my half marathon pace up to Boston pace so I can shoot for a BQ in late 2012/early 2013, once my year from h-e-double-hockey-sticks is over. This means- if all goes to plan- I could run Boston in 2014.
So, unless I want to spend every single day off doing a long run (I don't), my thought was that I'd need to put marathons on the back burner for a while. But I really love them. Despite the truth behind the concerns I addressed in The Marathon: A Race Too Far? post, running 2 marathons in 2 weeks confirmed for me that I really enjoy running 26.2! And I'm so close to sub-4!!
Maybe I Shouldn't Follow "The Rules"....
On further thought, I remembered that I didn't train "properly" according to traditional marathon training rules for any of my 2011 marathons (Maui, Rockford, Madison) but yet I still performed at or above where I would expect for myself. Part of that may be because my expectations are too low but another part is that maybe the "marathon training rules" that we all hold dear are not true for everyone. And not being able to follow those rules certainly shouldn't be a reason not to keep running distance.
I've mentioned before that I've been following Run Less, Run Faster since November 2010. I credit this program for my massive improvements in speed over that time. But- don't tell- I've been cheating left and right. I'm NOT one of those runners who never misses a training session. I don't have that "type A" personality and even if I did, my work schedule would not allow for such dedication anyway. So I've missed runs. Lots of runs. Probably 1/3 of my training runs flat out didn't happen ESPECIALLY the long runs which are supposed to be the most important piece.
So what am I going to do? I'm going to *hopefully* run my 10th marathon, The Fox Valley Marathon on September 18th in hopes of getting sub-4. But my training schedule is going to be super non-traditional. I've basically created a half marathon training schedule in terms of short and medium run distances and paces but I'm peppering in some additional long runs to help me get through Fox Valley. (My current training schedule is posted on my home page, or you can click here.)
Specifically, my goal will be to get my half marathon pace up to Boston pace so I can shoot for a BQ in late 2012/early 2013, once my year from h-e-double-hockey-sticks is over. This means- if all goes to plan- I could run Boston in 2014. Late- or should I say slow?- Bloomer
Now I know there are all kinds of folks out there who BQ'd during their first marathon, or during their first year of marathoning, or whatever. It'd be awesome to be that person but I'm totally not so planning in 2011 to qualify two years later in 2013 is a must.
So, this summer, my focus will shift to the 1/2 marathon distance, and to getting FAST at the 1/2 marathon distance. How FAST you might ask?
Some Calculations
In 2013 (assuming they don't change the rules again), my posted BQ time is 3:40. But we all know shooting for the posted time won't get us anywhere since the folks w/ the fastest times get to register first. So let's just shoot for an even 3:30.
3:30 for a marathon is an 8 min mile pace. Holy Guacamole, that's fast. But I love that it's a round number, don't you? Makes all the on-the-run-math that much easier.
So my 1/2 marathon goal time (after months of dedicated 1/2 mary speedwork, etc):
1:45
Another nice round number, right? I think it's meant to be.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Madison Marathon Goals
But regardless of my lack of sleep, I have a marathon to run on Sunday, so I need to plan for it! The good thing is, I fully plan to bask in the glory of my success at Rockford for a few more months, and therefore take it easy on Sunday.
I'll keep this short and sweet so I can take another nap:)
A=B=C goal= Finish the race happy and ready to jump into another training cycle! By merely finishing this race, I will meet 2 goals:
(1): Get Wisconsin in my quest for 50 in 50. It will be my 4th state. Boy, I have a long way to go!
(2): Qualify for Marathon Maniacs! By running 2 marathons in 2 weeks, I can apply for my
Maniac number. I had never heard of MM until I started reading running blogs but as soon as I
knew it existed I had to earn my way in:)
It'd be nice to finish sub 4:30, but no biggie if I don't. I guess the only thing I really don't want to do is PW, but hopefully that shouldn't be a problem.
Good luck to everyone running this weekend! Looks like a great racing weekend, in the midwest at least!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Rockford Marathon Goals
I strongly considered letting this one fly under the radar and not writing a goals post. But, goals are motivating and knowing I posted this on Blogger, Facebook, and DailyMile might just motivate in those double digit miles, especially the ones with 2 in front of them:)So what are reasonable goals for a race for which I am sub-optimally trained, occurring just 4 months after a massive marathon PR? I think low expectations are in order here. Long runs were severely lacking. I did 16 on 3/28, 18 on 5/2 and 14 on 5/9. Not ideal, huh?
I'm not mad at myself for my lack of long runs. I'm not sad that sub-4:15 isn't realistic for my Spring marathon as originally planned. Life just got in the way. I have a hard, time-consuming job that doesn't allow me to both prepare for marathons and have anything else going on at all in my life. So for the very few days when I had an hour or two of free time, I saw family and friends. That's more important. One day I hope I have time for all of the above: wor
k, family, friends AND distance running. That time isn't now.But I made a decision to go ahead and run Rockford and Madison anyway. I'm hoping if I go slow enough, they won't suck too much!
Last year, I did the Rockford 1/2 and it was a big PR for me (see Adam and I right). This year my goals are much lower key:
C goal: Have fun! At least until the last 6 miles. I've never found those to be particularly fun;) I enjoyed my 18 miler a few weeks ago. I hope I enjoy this race as much as I did that training run.
B goal: Avoid a PW (personal worst). I think this is realistic. Despite the lack of long runs, I MUST be in better shape than when I first started running in 2006. Right? RIGHT?? I really hope so!
A goal: If the running gods align, and I'm feeling great, I'd love to shoot for a sub-4:30. This would be my 2nd fastest time. But I won't be sad if this is an impossibility.
So that's it. The weather looks favorable (b/t 40-50) though rain may be a factor. I have family kind enough to spectate (though I will not blame them if they don't come out if it rains!) I look forward to delicious carbo-loading w/ the fam tomorrow night, including wine. Yummy.
Good luck to all the racers this weekend! May you have fun even if your 'A' goals are out of reach:)
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