With my New Year's resolution behind me, I started my marathon training in earnest. And what inaugural step took me toward that lofty goal? Reading a book.
OK, this wasn't what I had planned. But facts are facts: I came down this week with an awful head cold that took my voice away, made my nose run like a spring torrent, and darn near sapped every ounce of strength I had just getting through my work day.
I wanted to run today, but my husband forbid it.
So I did what any rookie marathon trainee would do in my shoes: I started learning. More specifically, I opened 'The New Rules of Lifting for Women' by Lou Schuler, with Cassandra E. Forsythe, MS and with workout programs by Alwyn Cosgrove. And took copious notes.
My hubby gave me this book for Valentine's Day 2008, and it's sat on my bookshelf ever since. I was saving it for 'when I start training for a marathon,' and lo and behold that day has arrived.
Why read about weight lifting, if my goal is to run 26.2 miles? I learned from DH's own experience training for his marathons--tight on time, he'd traded in some of his runs for intense gym workouts instead. His method built muscle, increased metabolism, and gave him added leg strength. It worked--at age 36 he ran his fastest marathon time yet.
I want to try a mixed workout routine too. I hope to increase my pace and prevent injuries along the way.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Starting thoughts
I'm an average runner doing average mileage. So what business do I have trying to run a marathon?
It's a question I've asked myself since 2006, when I finished the NYRR Grand Prix: Staten Island half-marathon (it's official name). I trained half-way decently for that race. I came in at my target time. But it was pretty hard. Was I really capable of running twice as far, just as fast? Without the pain, and having more fun? Was I game?
What would the training be like? Would I have to give up beer? Go to bed early Friday nights? Could I still have a social life?
All this speculation led me to where I am today: still an average runner wondering what it'd be like to train for a marathon. So this New Year's Day I finally said to myself: Laura, if not 2013, when?
Really it's time....well, you know the saying---to 'just do it.'
It's a question I've asked myself since 2006, when I finished the NYRR Grand Prix: Staten Island half-marathon (it's official name). I trained half-way decently for that race. I came in at my target time. But it was pretty hard. Was I really capable of running twice as far, just as fast? Without the pain, and having more fun? Was I game?
What would the training be like? Would I have to give up beer? Go to bed early Friday nights? Could I still have a social life?
All this speculation led me to where I am today: still an average runner wondering what it'd be like to train for a marathon. So this New Year's Day I finally said to myself: Laura, if not 2013, when?
Really it's time....well, you know the saying---to 'just do it.'
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