So I've hit the four week mark. I'm still considering it my month mark even though I had to take a week off due to personal reasons (see my post Reflections: Hiatus for more details). I feel good. I definitely don't think I'm in the "thick" of it yet. For me, it's just started.
The good stuff comes in the next few months as I plan to run a few 5Ks, 10Ks and my half marathon November 6th.
For now I'm staying healthy, motivated, and injury-free!
The good stuff comes in the next few months as I plan to run a few 5Ks, 10Ks and my half marathon November 6th.
For now I'm staying healthy, motivated, and injury-free!
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WEATHER
Some people are so good on their blogs and record the actual temperature each time they go for a run. That's great. I don't and really don't plan on it. I mention weather here only to say that I'm pretty positive that this summer is a lot cooler than last summer! It's crazy, but I would remember running at like 930-1030pm and the temperature was definitely in the high 90s. Perhaps even surpassing 100 degrees!
It sucked because I would wait all day to escape the sun's rays to run at night in the same temperature! This month I've noticed that my nightly runs are so much cooler. I prefer to run in the morning but in the summer my body is on vacation mode. I have no problem in the winter when it's cold and dark and miserable outside. Interesting observation huh? Suffice to say, my running has been that more bearable.
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RUNS
I cut back the frequency from last year: I only run 3 times a week and supplement that with interval training on my static bike. My body seems to like this combination. I also make sure to have a day in between running. So run days are usually on Sundays (long run), Tuesdays and Thursdays (short tempo runs or fartlek). I say "usually" because sometimes something unexpected comes up and I have to switch days around a bit.
Either way I always run the same frequency, weight train twice a week and have two rest days. Once I become a stronger runner, and have more races under my belt, I would like to increase to 4 times a week. But for now I'm content with my training and feel I will be adequately prepared for my first marathon in 2012. Be sure to check out Marathon Training: Running Schedule for details.
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WEIGHTS
As I mentioned above, I weight train twice a week, typically on Mondays (arms, back, abs) and Fridays (legs, abs). I also do ab exercises on my shorter run days. No complaints about my routine at this point (see post Marathon Training: New weights routine for details).
I will change it up at Month 3 though. I like to do something a bit different every three months or so to avoid plateauing.
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THE FUTURE
I will probably start incorporating weekly updates into my blog on my training. This first month wasn't too eventful. So I figured this all-inclusive post was good enough. Once I start getting into the longer runs and race days I know I will want to be a bit more detailed on my progress.
So look for those posts coming up soon. Also check out my post Unforeseen Circumstances for more changes that are coming my way!
I am so glad I've kept details on all my marathon training runs.. especially now since I am nearing the start of the race! It's nice to see my improvements you often forget about on present runs, and see areas I could use improvement in or things that did and didn't work!
ReplyDeleteI really like your training plan, you are gonna rock it in February!!
Actually, when I first started I kept a written journal. I recorded my pace, the distance and how I felt. It was a lot more detailed. I think I'm going to try and do the same for my blog. You're right about seeing improvements and things that did or didn't work. I don't know how February will go...I just hope I finish!
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