Exercising after the marathon

Today I did some weight training. I wanted to run but it's raining (it rained all weekend too). It's supposed to continue to rain until Saturday. So instead of braving the rain I decided to do some weights.

I'd like to do a short run tomorrow morning but if it's pouring out...I'm not pressed at all.

What I did today was very basic. I just did some squats, lunges, wall sits, one-legged squats, butt exercises, back exercises, abs and pushups (diamond and normal). It felt good to do some strength exercises again.

Thursday I'll do something else. I wanted to start CrossFit Endurance but I've decided it's way too complicated for me to attempt right now.

First off, I'd need steady access to a track for the running portions and I don't. Plus a lot of the exercises require gym equipment, which I don't have. Then the majority of the strength training exercises are not new to me.

I've done the same things for so long that I want to try something completely new.

Yesterday I was thinking that for Christmas I need to buy some DVDs and maybe even some new workout equipment. Specifically a bosu ball, a kettlebell and a medicine ball. With those tools I can do the same type of exercises but with a whole new challenge.

This stuff I've wanted to try since forever but with me moving around from country to country every five seconds it hasn't worked out. My goal is this Christmas to get at least a couple things on my list.

However, I still need a routine for now. So I will do some more searching on the web. I think I'll probably hit Runner's World first and then figure out a game plan from there.

Unforeseen Circumstances

WARNING:

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This will be a short post, hopefully, on some (unforeseen) circumstances coming up that I hope won't hinder my marathon training progress.

NEGATIVES

 

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1) Moving to another country

So it's not exactly what you may think. I've been living abroad (meaning outside the United States) for the last four years. I previously lived in England and currently live in Spain. I was studying while In England (where I got married) and then my husband and I left and came to his country (he's Spanish). 

We are leaving Spain in September because the crisis has hit the country bad. The unemployment rate is at 20%: so 1 in 5 Spaniards are unemployed. He has been out of work for more than a year now and so we decided to leave. 

The silly thing is that I'm more concerned about having to change my running routes than the move! I know the move will work out with some effort and hard work. 

But it's hard for me to leave my tried and true routes! I mean now I have to re-map everything, kind of start from zero, and so I'm a little worried. That will take some time and I don't want it to disrupt my training.

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 2) Jobs

I've been lucky in that my work in Spain has allowed me to be flexible. I worked for myself and so could schedule my workouts in whenever I pleased. Now I will most likely have a 9-5 job, working for "The Man," who won't let me come in late or leave early because I need to get a run in. 

So my schedule will be a lot more restrictive. I'm worried that I won't have the energy after a 9-5 to do my runs or the time. Again, it will just take some adapting to it (time) but I hope it won't disrupt my training.

POSITIVES

1) Documentation

Something I am really excited about with this move is that I am motivating myself to be a lot more proactive about documenting my journey. There will be a lot more videos and pictures to come on the blog, so stay tuned! 

2) Running Team

I've already done some research about the area where I'm moving (North Carolina) and there are a couple of running teams near me! This is going to be the push I need to stay motivated. As well as make some new friends and connections to the running community in my area. I've always wanted a running buddy so I'm thrilled with the possibilities!

3) Half Marathon       

The day before yesterday I signed up for a half marathon race in North Carolina! It will be my second one and will be held on November 6th. I am super excited! My plan is to also run some 5ks and 10ks leading up to that race. I want to get a few more races under my belt before I run the marathon in 2012.

4) Marathon   

I also found a marathon in 2012 in the area! It is a qualifying race, which is perfect. It is in Myrtle Beach (technically South Carolina) and takes place February 18th. Registration begins in August.

 5) Odds and Ends

One last positive is since I will be in the States again I can try/do some research on a ton of things I couldn't find abroad (future posts on these products coming soon):

• Kettlebell
• P90X
• Insanity
• Bikram Yoga (aka hot yoga)
• Bosu ball
• The 4-Hour Body (controversial, I know)
• Barefoot Running and the Complete Idiots Guide to Barefoot Running
• Tons of fruits, veggies, nut butters, and grains (ie. millet, jicama, almond/cashew butter...) for much more inspired recipes

 

Moving is always stressful. It is only heightened when you have to pick up and move to another country. But I (and my husband) look at it as another adventure. I'm cool with that...as long as it doesn't screw up my training!