I was out-of-country the last two weeks in January, during New Jersey's coldest days so far in 2013. I didn't think I missed out too much on marathon prep, since it was too frigid to run anyway. But I was worried the time spent in India might set my training back even after I'd gotten home. I figured I'd eaten way too much naan, hadn't gotten enough exercise, and breathed a lot of bad fumes. Which was true.
Still, I was surprised my first week back running went just fine. I ran my three-mile route a few times without a problem.
My winter training schedule is lighter than usual anyway--I run slower in the cold, and the arctic winds and occasional blizzard offer ample excuses to take additional rest days. So the pressure is off to begin with. And despite being off-kilter in this off-season, I'm still officially in what one marathon training guide calls 'pre-training condition,' meaning 'you should be able to run for at least 30 minutes without stopping.
Phew.
So where do I start? How do you actually 'run a marathon'?
A Google search turned up a couple marathon training schedules that seem like they could work. I hope to run the Philadelphia Marathon on Novemeber 17, 2013. So that leaves me 40 weeks to learn to run 26.2 miles. DH suggested I get started now, and 'see how it goes.' I figure that's as good a plan as any.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Getting the Ball Rolling, Sort Of
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.
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.
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.'
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)