I'm one of those people who thrive on a To-Do list. So even when it comes to running, I need it written down and mapped out to stay focused. And when I throw it out there publicly like this, I'm more apt to succeed. It's just the way I'm wired... So here we go!
Month of January - focus on conditioning and strengthening, i.e. get my running endurance back. Bottom line is I want to get the extra holiday pounds off and back to a respectable running shape (and no, round is NOT the shape I want!) This will be my month to enjoy fitness flexibility... pick my own workout on a daily basis. However, I did commit to a Spinning class every Mon and Wed morning.
February-March-April - Official training months for the Illinois 1/2 Marathon on April 30, 2011. Now we get serious, deep into a training plan (that I am yet devising...). I'm currently reading the book "Run Less, Run Faster" to decide whether I want to try this popular new method of training. I squeaked out a 2:09 in my September half-marathon, which now has me eyeing the 2 hour mark. But whew! 9:09 is tough pace for 13 straight miles! Thinking 2:05 might be more realistic.
May-June - Run the Komen Race for the Cure in Peoria, IL on May 7. This one is an inspiring and meaningful day for me; the fight against breast cancer is on! The rest of May-June I want to slow it down and recover - have some enjoyable runs along the river, the trails, neighborhoods at a relaxed non-training pace.
October - First full 26.2 Marathon!! St. Louis 10.23.11 just one day after my 37th birthday! So July-Aug-Sept-Oct will be four months of tough training...
I did my first Marathon last October. I was so nervous. I never thought I would ever run a marathon. But my running partner talked me into it. It was the so much fun. It felt amazing just crossing the finish line. We hoped to finish in 5 hours. We actually suprised ourselves and finished in 4:38. Good Luck on your journey.
ReplyDeleteI like your plan. Not too specific, but great goals. I am 51 days away from my first triathlon, and given my poor past performance with training plans, i'm doing it by feel, like your January, taking it as it comes. We'll see how i do, and perhaps for the standard distance one later in the year, i may make a training plan.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your journey to the Full M!
In my attempt to map out my to do list for my first 1/2 marathon I stumbled upon your page and so glad I did!
ReplyDeleteMy first 1/2 is in St Louis the day you run your first Full! Excited for you and I look forward to following your journey! Best of luck!!