Up early this morning, 4:20am to get dressed and head to the gym to swim. It is a cross-training day in my marathon schedule. Swim lasted 22:50 minutes and I swam 700 yards.
My triathlon club, Desert Sharks, is competing in the USAT National Challenge for the winter. This competition is to keep athletes motivated and active during the off season. The Challenge begins tomorrow, December 1 with swimming being the focus for December. January the focus is cycling mileage, and February running mileage. Each participating club in the USAT has its members record distances and we compete against each other.
Within our club we also have a competition to swim 8,000 yards in the month of December if we want to be entered in a special drawing. I don't know if I will make that goal or not with all the running I will be doing, but I can help the club with what I do swim each week.
Good thing 95% of my Christmas shopping is done and wrapped. House decorated. I'm going to be a busy grandma.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Day One
I wanted to start my training outside, but Mother Nature just did not cooperate. Too much snow piled in the streets and everywhere to run safely, "but it doesn't matter" because I belong to a nice gym. After work I headed to Lifetime Fitness and the treadmill. Next time I run indoors I will remember to dress in tank top and shorts, I got hot. With all those TV's I was able to watch Glen Beck and Dr. Phil at the same time! How cool is that. Not. But since I wasn't going anywhere it made it less boring.
Today I ran 2 miles, a time of 25:10. Not quite as nice a pace as race day, but on the treadmill I seem to be a little bit of a foot dragger. After experiencing the start of a trip I didn't want to take, and feeling like I could have done a face plant and embarrassed myself, I was careful with my speed. Happy Day. I achieved my goal of one training session.
Today I ran 2 miles, a time of 25:10. Not quite as nice a pace as race day, but on the treadmill I seem to be a little bit of a foot dragger. After experiencing the start of a trip I didn't want to take, and feeling like I could have done a face plant and embarrassed myself, I was careful with my speed. Happy Day. I achieved my goal of one training session.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Extreme Makeover: Marathon Lifestyle
Well official first day of the 25 week program starts tomorrow. I am excited. Many changes to make. It won't happen overnight, but gradually... hopefully I can sneak the mileage in on my body without it noticing too much. Yeah right. Well it was a thought anyway. Too late to escape now body, I am a marathoner.
You are probably thinking I've already been running, which is true. But I have been able to pull off 3 miles with not a whole lot of practice. This will be different. No cramming for the final will work. This is a whole lot of 5K's in a row.
In one of her serious moments, Dawn Dais says, "Keep in mind the new habits you're forcing on yourself aren't just a good idea- they are habits that will literally make or break your entire training. And if you're going to bother to venture off your recliner, you may as well bother to do it right."
Extreme Makeover: Marathon Lifestyle
The Day
The daily routine must stretch to include running and cross-training.
Get creative.
Find what time of day works:
"Regularly Scheduled Time of Movement" it can become part of my routine. It has before, it can again.
What happens EVENTUALLY.... "you wonder what you used to do with all the time you now spend running." Got a little caught up in TV lately. That has to end. Gotta go to bed early. Tonight the snow covered the dish. Easy choice.
The Food
Best part of marathon training is food food food. And carbs are on the list.
You have to take in a lot of calories the more the distances and times increase.
And MOST of the time they have to be good ones.
And lots of water. Easy for me I am the water queen. I actually rarely drink anything but water.
And once in awhile Dawn recommends the "I so deserve this" reward meal. You know what I'm talking about, you can taste it now.
The Energy
"Training turns your lifestyle upside down and is a tremendous undertaking. But your energy level increases to meet your body's need. Instead of feeling exhausted after a run, you'll often feel recharged." Dawn Dais
I thought this was funny what Dawn says about the Long Runs: "Every week they wait for me, these long runs, and I can see them in the distance throughout the week, as I begrudgingly make my way closer to the dreaded Saturday."
I am hours away from my training start line. I'm ready.
You are probably thinking I've already been running, which is true. But I have been able to pull off 3 miles with not a whole lot of practice. This will be different. No cramming for the final will work. This is a whole lot of 5K's in a row.
In one of her serious moments, Dawn Dais says, "Keep in mind the new habits you're forcing on yourself aren't just a good idea- they are habits that will literally make or break your entire training. And if you're going to bother to venture off your recliner, you may as well bother to do it right."
Extreme Makeover: Marathon Lifestyle
The Day
The daily routine must stretch to include running and cross-training.
Get creative.
Find what time of day works:
"Regularly Scheduled Time of Movement" it can become part of my routine. It has before, it can again.
What happens EVENTUALLY.... "you wonder what you used to do with all the time you now spend running." Got a little caught up in TV lately. That has to end. Gotta go to bed early. Tonight the snow covered the dish. Easy choice.
The Food
Best part of marathon training is food food food. And carbs are on the list.
You have to take in a lot of calories the more the distances and times increase.
And MOST of the time they have to be good ones.
And lots of water. Easy for me I am the water queen. I actually rarely drink anything but water.
And once in awhile Dawn recommends the "I so deserve this" reward meal. You know what I'm talking about, you can taste it now.
The Energy
"Training turns your lifestyle upside down and is a tremendous undertaking. But your energy level increases to meet your body's need. Instead of feeling exhausted after a run, you'll often feel recharged." Dawn Dais
I thought this was funny what Dawn says about the Long Runs: "Every week they wait for me, these long runs, and I can see them in the distance throughout the week, as I begrudgingly make my way closer to the dreaded Saturday."
I am hours away from my training start line. I'm ready.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Focusing On The Positive
I'm back to today to the serious book, The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer. Lots to think about as I begin my training program which officially starts Monday. The authors talk about needing a positive attitude about life in general in order to maintain a positive attitude about training and running. Their suggestion, "begin using a particular phrase whenever you catch yourself saying or thinking something negative. The phrase is, '..but it doesn't matter.'"
When I think or say something like "my legs are sore" or "the weather is rotten" (I can hear these excuses loud and clear right now) I say or think "but it doesn't matter." Authors say, "It really DOESN"T matter unless you believe it does. You can, and will, run anyway. And you will be really glad you did when you are finished." And the key is to use the phrase for everything negative in daily life. Negative can happen quickly with me - this will be useful tool and a great life changer as I make this a new habit.
My sweetheart, Jan, is so good at this, actually he helped me yesterday when some holiday trim wouldn't stay where I put it. I am way ahead with a good example and great support.
In 25 weeks my training program will be over, and quoting the book again "but the skills you learn during that process can have lifelong consequences if you continue to apply them. One of the most important involves adopting the habit of seeing the positive instead of the negative."
Ready. Set. Positively Run.
When I think or say something like "my legs are sore" or "the weather is rotten" (I can hear these excuses loud and clear right now) I say or think "but it doesn't matter." Authors say, "It really DOESN"T matter unless you believe it does. You can, and will, run anyway. And you will be really glad you did when you are finished." And the key is to use the phrase for everything negative in daily life. Negative can happen quickly with me - this will be useful tool and a great life changer as I make this a new habit.
My sweetheart, Jan, is so good at this, actually he helped me yesterday when some holiday trim wouldn't stay where I put it. I am way ahead with a good example and great support.
In 25 weeks my training program will be over, and quoting the book again "but the skills you learn during that process can have lifelong consequences if you continue to apply them. One of the most important involves adopting the habit of seeing the positive instead of the negative."
Ready. Set. Positively Run.
Black Friday Shoe Shopping
Merry Christmas. Neal. Black Friday. 11am. Salt Lake Running Company. Took Neal to pick out his Christmas present. Quite a few people in the store checking out the sale shoes. Neal brought running shorts and superman t-shirt to change into before he tried on shoes. That's my boy. The runner/salesman watched Neal walk, then went and got him some shoes. Then with those shoes on they video recorded him running on the treadmill. Then we reviewed his footstrike, the position his foot strikes the ground with each stride. And the other two positions of his foot and leg as it leaves the ground. Salesman brought out a few more shoes for him to try on. Neal made several runs on the treadmill to get the most comfortable pair. He decided on a nice pair of Addias. Bought some inserts to help stabilize his foot. Hopefully no more looking for a rock to step on to easy the pain in his arch. A free pair of socks. And Black Friday shopping done!
BTW: I also replaced the socks a Sheltie in my house chewed a hole in. Shopping experience would have been perfect if I could have bought a pair of one sock. Now I have three. I guess on the positive side I have two to use one to loose. No, not one to chew, that doesn't rhyme.
BTW: I also replaced the socks a Sheltie in my house chewed a hole in. Shopping experience would have been perfect if I could have bought a pair of one sock. Now I have three. I guess on the positive side I have two to use one to loose. No, not one to chew, that doesn't rhyme.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Utah Human Race - Thanksgiving Morning 8am
Race morning was VERY cold. The sun did come up, probably it got up to 7 degrees before the race was finished. 3000 people raised $40,000 for the Utah Food Bank. Had a great running time, 35:18.9 for second place in my age division. Pace was 11:23.5. I think that is my fastest time yet.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Getting Ready: Race & Thanksgiving
Day before Thanksgiving. Day before race day. I've been running this week in a heat wave compared to the temps for tomorrow. At 8am predicted to be 4°F. 4 is not a big number in temperature. Then it says "feels like -6° F." What's up with that? See why my 40's were a heat wave? The faster I run the warmer I get and the sooner I can hop in the car and be done. Am I crazy???!!! I hear you laughing. It sounded good when I signed up when it was in the high 40's. No worries, I paid the extra $10 and got the long sleeve shirt. Thinking ahead.
Left home today at 7:15am it was 1°F. Off to an 8am Muscle Works appointment to get a "performance enhancement" (I told you I needed those) done on my legs. Should help the race go well tomorrow. Nails done (also critical component for race day), pick up rolls, a few last minute groceries and race packet pickup this afternoon. Pie baking tonight.
Left home today at 7:15am it was 1°F. Off to an 8am Muscle Works appointment to get a "performance enhancement" (I told you I needed those) done on my legs. Should help the race go well tomorrow. Nails done (also critical component for race day), pick up rolls, a few last minute groceries and race packet pickup this afternoon. Pie baking tonight.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Beat the Blizzard
Looks like Utah is in for a blizzard. Many activities canceled for the evening. Someone in the weather department is really trying to challenge me. No canceling of the run today. So off work a little early to get it done before the storm (and hair appointment - critical since I am using photos). In agility it was pictures of the dog, sooooo much easier. They were always cute!
This is my training run for Thanksgiving morning. Decided I needed a running buddy, so since Tinkerbell's agility class was canceled she got picked. Today's temp 41 degrees, the wind again from the north about 20-30MPH - with lots of big gusts. Into the wind caused me to push pretty hard to go forward and I got a very cold face, wind at the back gave a nice push. Tink looked back several times wondering who was blowing on her butt! I was tired when we got back, Tinkerbell on the other hand got the zoomies as soon as we got home after jogging 40 minutes. So much for tiring her out.
My thoughts on the run....with such a crazy day I was thinking there must be another reason I am doing this! No one else is out running. And then I remembered- 6th grade and the President's Physical Fitness Award. I qualified in everything except the One-Mile Run. I remember getting two chances. I know my second try was very close to the time. I did not get the award. I was crushed- I wanted it bad. So this marathon will erase the thoughts stored in my head that I can't run distance.
BTW lost my black cap to the wind. I got that cap last year on clearance. Grrrrr.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Finally, first bike ride on my new bike!
Have been waiting to ride.....first it was because I had to have shoes and get my pedals installed on the bike...then because every day I had time it was a RUN day and that had to come first. This bike is sweet. And light. And pretty. I am definitely going to be faster. No one will be saying they "should give you extra points for riding that bike." I need a little time to practice shifting since I don't have the cute little number dials like on my comfort bike, now I have "big girl" SRAM shifters. And the path by the Jordan River, almost completely snow free so I cruised along enjoying the scenery. Was a cool 42 degrees and I had a couple of cold spots on me but I will figure out how to dress to make those spots warm. My first official group bike ride, Thanksgiving Day, after I run the Utah Human Race its off to Infinite Cycles and their Fight the Fat Road Ride. (Weather permitting) Running I'm going snow or shine!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
My Reasons: CHAPTER two homework
Time to present to myself at least one very very good reason to do what it takes to complete a marathon:
REASON:
I'm going to run this marathon because I paid $75 to enter.
Exhausted on a bench counterargument:
I've made much more expensive mistakes than $75 worth. I can afford to loose that much.
REASON:
I have family members and several friends who think I can do this.
Exhausted on a bench counterargument:
If they are family and true friends they will love me no matter what I do.
REASON: In the past I have enjoyed challenging myself with difficult goals.
Exhausted on a bench counterargument: Haven't I done enough difficult goals. Maybe I should choose something less physically demanding. Something more suited to an 8 times grandma. Like learning to sing? At least I could be out of breath while standing in place.
REASON:
I'm going to do this because at my age this is my last chance to get in shape.
Exhausted on a bench counterargument:
I think I already use this reason to "get in shape" for sprint triathlons? What more do I need to prove to myself? Out of 3 people in my age group I got 3rd place in my first triathlon!
REASON:
In my dreams while sleeping I run and I like it and I'm good at it.
Exhausted on a bench counterargument:
Yeah, that says it all, in my dreams.
REASON:
I can run it in honor of my sister, Nancy, a now 5 year breast cancer survivor.
Exhausted on a bench counterargument:
I did already honor her a couple of years ago by actually not walking but running the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, my first ever 5K in 45 minutes! She should be happy with that.
REASON:
I could run a marathon like many others do, as a fundraiser for a cause I believe in.
Exhausted on a bench counterargument:
Except for the fact that I dislike asking for donations maybe more than I don't like running. How would that work?
REASON:
To have a runner's body and happy running attitude.
Exhausted on a bench counterargument:
Believe it or not, this is a get off my butt motivator for me. I want to be slim and in shape because I have a vague memory of how it feels and it tends to enhance all areas of my life. And as I age I am finding I need more and more enhancers. Also I can travel lighter because my clothes are smaller, so I can take more stuff in my carry-on luggage, like running shoes. Plus taking a little weight off my body is definitely cheaper than buying something else expensive made of carbon to keep me riding light on my bike. And attitude, well I look at all the smiling runners and wonder if that could be me. It would make less wrinkles on my face than the tortured look I'm wearing now.
REASON:
I could run in memory of my mom, she was so courageous during her battle with leukemia. It was inspiring how hard she fought because she knew her family here on earth wasn't ready to let her go. Looking back I realize she protected us from the truth. Also she didn't complain, except about hospital food but that shouldn't count. Most of all she kept her unique sense of humor until her passing- something I just can't help but admire.
Exhausted on a bench counterargument:
How can I argue. What a great lady to honor with a marathon run.
I am counting on my last two reasons get me through the toughest times, and my other reasons actually hold a lot of motivation for me too. I'm hoping that they "don't crack under pressure" of all the training I need to do.
REASON:
I'm going to run this marathon because I paid $75 to enter.
Exhausted on a bench counterargument:
I've made much more expensive mistakes than $75 worth. I can afford to loose that much.
REASON:
I have family members and several friends who think I can do this.
Exhausted on a bench counterargument:
If they are family and true friends they will love me no matter what I do.
REASON: In the past I have enjoyed challenging myself with difficult goals.
Exhausted on a bench counterargument: Haven't I done enough difficult goals. Maybe I should choose something less physically demanding. Something more suited to an 8 times grandma. Like learning to sing? At least I could be out of breath while standing in place.
REASON:
I'm going to do this because at my age this is my last chance to get in shape.
Exhausted on a bench counterargument:
I think I already use this reason to "get in shape" for sprint triathlons? What more do I need to prove to myself? Out of 3 people in my age group I got 3rd place in my first triathlon!
REASON:
In my dreams while sleeping I run and I like it and I'm good at it.
Exhausted on a bench counterargument:
Yeah, that says it all, in my dreams.
REASON:
I can run it in honor of my sister, Nancy, a now 5 year breast cancer survivor.
Exhausted on a bench counterargument:
I did already honor her a couple of years ago by actually not walking but running the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, my first ever 5K in 45 minutes! She should be happy with that.
REASON:
I could run a marathon like many others do, as a fundraiser for a cause I believe in.
Exhausted on a bench counterargument:
Except for the fact that I dislike asking for donations maybe more than I don't like running. How would that work?
REASON:
To have a runner's body and happy running attitude.
Exhausted on a bench counterargument:
Believe it or not, this is a get off my butt motivator for me. I want to be slim and in shape because I have a vague memory of how it feels and it tends to enhance all areas of my life. And as I age I am finding I need more and more enhancers. Also I can travel lighter because my clothes are smaller, so I can take more stuff in my carry-on luggage, like running shoes. Plus taking a little weight off my body is definitely cheaper than buying something else expensive made of carbon to keep me riding light on my bike. And attitude, well I look at all the smiling runners and wonder if that could be me. It would make less wrinkles on my face than the tortured look I'm wearing now.
REASON:
I could run in memory of my mom, she was so courageous during her battle with leukemia. It was inspiring how hard she fought because she knew her family here on earth wasn't ready to let her go. Looking back I realize she protected us from the truth. Also she didn't complain, except about hospital food but that shouldn't count. Most of all she kept her unique sense of humor until her passing- something I just can't help but admire.
Exhausted on a bench counterargument:
How can I argue. What a great lady to honor with a marathon run.
I am counting on my last two reasons get me through the toughest times, and my other reasons actually hold a lot of motivation for me too. I'm hoping that they "don't crack under pressure" of all the training I need to do.
SLaMMed with the "S" Word
SLaMMed. Salt Lake Valley has been hit big time with the "S" word. My beautiful running trail has disappeared! Even the less favorite sidewalks are gone. I got up at 5am to shovel the deck and a grass area out back just so the dogs could go outside. And when I finished I had another inch already back and had to go over everything again! Do you think maybe parks and recreation is up too shoveling my trail? Yeah, right.
I think this morning I am going to have to go back and actually complete the assignment in CHAPTER two "The Reason" of Dawn's book, and remind myself why I thought training in the winter was possible in Utah. While I'm busy doing my reason homework you can check out her so so funny book, The Non Runner's Marathon Guide For Women.
I think this morning I am going to have to go back and actually complete the assignment in CHAPTER two "The Reason" of Dawn's book, and remind myself why I thought training in the winter was possible in Utah. While I'm busy doing my reason homework you can check out her so so funny book, The Non Runner's Marathon Guide For Women.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Practicing for the Utah Human Race
What did Winnie the Pooh call it? A blustery day? That is today in the Salt Lake Valley. A storm has moved in but the temps are still in the high 40's. This week I have been on my beginning training program, getting ready for another 5K, the Utah Human Race in Draper. The race proceeds go to the Utah Food Bank. Jan is also entered in the walking division.
I emailed my sister Nancy that I was writing a blog so she would come take a look. She replied what does the 26.2 stand for? I said, "26.2 miles is the length of a marathon. try to stop laughing cause i think i just wanna cry. how crazy am i?" I love her so much, this is what she replied, "Not laughing at all. I’m very proud of you and I know you can do it. Just as your blog indicates, when you’ve asked yourself 'can I?' and given yourself that challenge, you come through. This is no different."
So this week I have been jogging on the Jordan River Parkway Trail. Behind the house. Easy to get to. Tuesday I made it to a little before the walking bridge (WB) at 11400 S. (I just remembered there were a few walking steps that popped up during the jogging part.) Then walked to the highway bridge (HB) and back to the stopping point and jogged all the way home. I overdressed. Wanted to try out my new coat. Coat came off pretty fast and gloves soon after. I am a hot jogger! Take that any way you like.
Thursday I did so not want to go. But after visiting teaching, which hopefully brings blessings of increased energy, got dressed and at 4:30 off I went. The wind was blowing... nice on the the way out but on the way back not so fun. I jogged to the WB, then walked over the WB a little ways then back to the WB for an non-stop jog home.
Now we are to Saturday! The blustery day where the wind has picked up significantly. I could swear wind was out of the north on my way out and switched to south on my way back. At times I felt like one of those slow motion movies. Or a bad dream where you don't get very far. Very peaceful tho, saw a pretty doe. A few joggers out and some dog walkers. Ran past the WB this time and around the HB at 11400 S. and then back on the trail towards home. Wind in my face. A fellow jogger with the wind at his back comments to me it is easier running if I go the other way. Thanks buddy, but how the heck will I ever get home? No walking today. Ran 50 minutes.
BTW, don't air out expensive running socks when you have 4 dogs in the house, they don't work so well with a 2" hole in the bottom. Just put them in the laundry basket. I guess they didn't notice the 60 or so dog chew toys I have all over the house.
I emailed my sister Nancy that I was writing a blog so she would come take a look. She replied what does the 26.2 stand for? I said, "26.2 miles is the length of a marathon. try to stop laughing cause i think i just wanna cry. how crazy am i?" I love her so much, this is what she replied, "Not laughing at all. I’m very proud of you and I know you can do it. Just as your blog indicates, when you’ve asked yourself 'can I?' and given yourself that challenge, you come through. This is no different."
So this week I have been jogging on the Jordan River Parkway Trail. Behind the house. Easy to get to. Tuesday I made it to a little before the walking bridge (WB) at 11400 S. (I just remembered there were a few walking steps that popped up during the jogging part.) Then walked to the highway bridge (HB) and back to the stopping point and jogged all the way home. I overdressed. Wanted to try out my new coat. Coat came off pretty fast and gloves soon after. I am a hot jogger! Take that any way you like.
Thursday I did so not want to go. But after visiting teaching, which hopefully brings blessings of increased energy, got dressed and at 4:30 off I went. The wind was blowing... nice on the the way out but on the way back not so fun. I jogged to the WB, then walked over the WB a little ways then back to the WB for an non-stop jog home.
Now we are to Saturday! The blustery day where the wind has picked up significantly. I could swear wind was out of the north on my way out and switched to south on my way back. At times I felt like one of those slow motion movies. Or a bad dream where you don't get very far. Very peaceful tho, saw a pretty doe. A few joggers out and some dog walkers. Ran past the WB this time and around the HB at 11400 S. and then back on the trail towards home. Wind in my face. A fellow jogger with the wind at his back comments to me it is easier running if I go the other way. Thanks buddy, but how the heck will I ever get home? No walking today. Ran 50 minutes.
BTW, don't air out expensive running socks when you have 4 dogs in the house, they don't work so well with a 2" hole in the bottom. Just put them in the laundry basket. I guess they didn't notice the 60 or so dog chew toys I have all over the house.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Choosing a Training Schedule
A task that has taken me a couple of weeks is selecting the training schedule to use to get ready for the marathon. Turning to all the library books I'd checked out and had been reading before I made that final mouse click that put me in the Ogden Marathon I went back to the one that sounded most like me, The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer by Whitsett, Dolgener & Kole. It is a good book about over 200 people who signed up for marathon classes and finished a marathon. And one was actually my age. After a preliminary training program of walking and jogging, this program is 16 weeks, running 4 days a week, never over 18 miles. Their goal is my goal, FINISH! And they have a great answer to my question to myself, Why a marathon? "Running a marathon is a peak experience available to anyone that will take you to the brink of what you thought were your personal limits and beyond."
The next book, Run Your First Marathon by Grete Waitz, she also has a 16 week program after completing a walk to run beginning program. Her longest run is 20 miles. In her training schedule you run a certain number of miles each week. Also she has you run 4 days a week. I love her basic philosophy, "hurry slowly. Get there, but be patient. I want you to get there, but do it smart, do it right."
My next training option comes to me at work, my boss brings in his wife Kelli's book Runner's World Complete Book of Running. Of course I open this book too and begin reading and find something totally unexpected, Oprah finished a marathon in 1994?! Wow. And yes I was thinking like the books says, "she was the last person I would expect to run a marathon." Then my little voice, if she can you can. As long as I do my running homework. They have a beginner program in this book, 18 weeks, with 4 days running, one day cross-training. Longest run 20 miles.
Kelli also put in a copy of her training schedule in the book for the Salt Lake City Marathon. This training program comes right from the Salt Lake Running Company website, a 25 Week "To Finish" Training Program. I looked this program over carefully. Run for 3 days, cross-train for 2 days each week. This appealed to me because only 3 days running and then I could still prepare for triathlons with the cross-training days for biking and swimming. This training schedule also differs in that the 2 runs during the week are measured in time, not distance. Only the Saturday long run is for distance. The cross-training is also for time.
Last is the book, The Non Runner's Marathon Guide for Women: Get Off Your Butt And On With Your Training by Dawn Davis. First off, this book is funny. She has me laughing a lot. Her training schedule is 20 weeks. She uses the 4 days of running, one day cross-training. She says, "How does one go from being a couch potato to finishing a marathon? One consumes a lot of ibuprofen."
And the winner is, the Salt Lake Running Company program given to me by Kelli. I like the timed midweek runs, the timed cross-training and the fact I actually do have the 25 weeks before I run.
My official training starting day, November 29, 2010. Before I begin, I am working on and I quote from Dawn Davis "at least one valid reason to do something insane...the reason needs to hold up under your own scrutiny once the temporary effects of your spontaneity and/or pharmaceuticals wear off."
Click>>-------for my TRAINING SCHEDULE
The next book, Run Your First Marathon by Grete Waitz, she also has a 16 week program after completing a walk to run beginning program. Her longest run is 20 miles. In her training schedule you run a certain number of miles each week. Also she has you run 4 days a week. I love her basic philosophy, "hurry slowly. Get there, but be patient. I want you to get there, but do it smart, do it right."
My next training option comes to me at work, my boss brings in his wife Kelli's book Runner's World Complete Book of Running. Of course I open this book too and begin reading and find something totally unexpected, Oprah finished a marathon in 1994?! Wow. And yes I was thinking like the books says, "she was the last person I would expect to run a marathon." Then my little voice, if she can you can. As long as I do my running homework. They have a beginner program in this book, 18 weeks, with 4 days running, one day cross-training. Longest run 20 miles.
Kelli also put in a copy of her training schedule in the book for the Salt Lake City Marathon. This training program comes right from the Salt Lake Running Company website, a 25 Week "To Finish" Training Program. I looked this program over carefully. Run for 3 days, cross-train for 2 days each week. This appealed to me because only 3 days running and then I could still prepare for triathlons with the cross-training days for biking and swimming. This training schedule also differs in that the 2 runs during the week are measured in time, not distance. Only the Saturday long run is for distance. The cross-training is also for time.
Last is the book, The Non Runner's Marathon Guide for Women: Get Off Your Butt And On With Your Training by Dawn Davis. First off, this book is funny. She has me laughing a lot. Her training schedule is 20 weeks. She uses the 4 days of running, one day cross-training. She says, "How does one go from being a couch potato to finishing a marathon? One consumes a lot of ibuprofen."
And the winner is, the Salt Lake Running Company program given to me by Kelli. I like the timed midweek runs, the timed cross-training and the fact I actually do have the 25 weeks before I run.
My official training starting day, November 29, 2010. Before I begin, I am working on and I quote from Dawn Davis "at least one valid reason to do something insane...the reason needs to hold up under your own scrutiny once the temporary effects of your spontaneity and/or pharmaceuticals wear off."
Click>>-------for my TRAINING SCHEDULE
Thursday, November 18, 2010
It starts with an idea & then I think could I?
Many of my greatest accomplishments start with something I see or hear and it puts a thought in my head...could I do that? Many years ago, back when I was raising my family, I went to an obedience trial I saw a little Sheltie named Merlin. To me he was magical and amazing. He was an AKC Obedience Trial Champion. Could I do that? So I went out, bought a Sheltie puppy, gave him the magical name of Yoda. I bought some training books and he eventually became OTCH Windshadow's Master Yoda. Then I saw tracking and thought...could I make an obedience champion pull on the leash?, another book and a friend Barbara's help and sure enough we got a TD title together too.
Fast forward. About eight years ago I watched my sister Nancy with her agility Shelties Gizmo & Rush. And here again I thought...could I do that? So, I went out looking for...you guessed! A Sheltie. This time I fell in love with one a little over a year old named Nick. I promised the breeder that I would do agility with him if they would sell him to me. All the while thinking...I know NOTHING about agility. What am I thinking!? No book this time, but I found a class and got started. It wasn't long before I was completely hooked and we were competing, winning, and getting so many titles after his name it was hard to keep track of them all. Of course, there are champion titles for agility and that is what my goal became. With the help of my friend Christa to drive us all over the west we finished two NADAC champion titles and Nick became V-NATCH Paramount Winter Mist. What a wonderful time that was. It broke my heart when I lost him to cancer.
Feeling a bit lost losing my mom to leukemia (one of my biggest supporters who always cheered me on) and Nick within a month of each other I was looking for something to bring me back on track. It needed to be something different. Agility with my sweet dog Glitter was not helping me heal. This time my "could I" happened in a phone conversation with my son Neal, who had just completed a sprint triathlon. I asked him, do you think your mom could do a triathlon? His answer gave me confidence, "you could totally do this mom." Then the little voice in my mind started really thinking, are you sure you want to do THIS? Let's think about. It will involve more exercise than you've been doing. Probably some pain too. You don't know how to train for one of these. Then I answered, "Let's go online to the library and find a book!"
Fast forward to the present. I'll come back later and blog about my triathlons, but right now I am trying to figure out how or why in the world my crazy brain came up with the idea of a marathon. I don't really like running. I've never ran more than a 5K. Running has been a weak link in my triathlon experiences. I went from planning to work up to a 10K so the 5K would be easier and all of the sudden I am asking a marathoner Kelli her favorite race and I go online, find the race, the entries are open for 2011 and are filling very Quickly. This race is going to be sold out soon, I think it was one of those split second decisions you make. No time to think, no time to talk myself out of it, I just sign up and become one of the 3000 entered to run in the 2011 Ogden Marathon.
I've been reading several "first marathon" books, I'll be blogging about them later. I haven't finished any of them yet! I decide against the advice in the book where it says tell everyone what you are doing so you'll be committed. I decide to tell no one. That way I will have more time to decide if I am actually going to show up. One fatal error. I guess I hit print with realizing it and it printed out at work and my boss saw it the next morning and said, "You're running a marathon?!" I was floored, how did he know? Then he handed me my entry. So much for my big secret. Ready Set GO!
Fast forward. About eight years ago I watched my sister Nancy with her agility Shelties Gizmo & Rush. And here again I thought...could I do that? So, I went out looking for...you guessed! A Sheltie. This time I fell in love with one a little over a year old named Nick. I promised the breeder that I would do agility with him if they would sell him to me. All the while thinking...I know NOTHING about agility. What am I thinking!? No book this time, but I found a class and got started. It wasn't long before I was completely hooked and we were competing, winning, and getting so many titles after his name it was hard to keep track of them all. Of course, there are champion titles for agility and that is what my goal became. With the help of my friend Christa to drive us all over the west we finished two NADAC champion titles and Nick became V-NATCH Paramount Winter Mist. What a wonderful time that was. It broke my heart when I lost him to cancer.
Feeling a bit lost losing my mom to leukemia (one of my biggest supporters who always cheered me on) and Nick within a month of each other I was looking for something to bring me back on track. It needed to be something different. Agility with my sweet dog Glitter was not helping me heal. This time my "could I" happened in a phone conversation with my son Neal, who had just completed a sprint triathlon. I asked him, do you think your mom could do a triathlon? His answer gave me confidence, "you could totally do this mom." Then the little voice in my mind started really thinking, are you sure you want to do THIS? Let's think about. It will involve more exercise than you've been doing. Probably some pain too. You don't know how to train for one of these. Then I answered, "Let's go online to the library and find a book!"
Fast forward to the present. I'll come back later and blog about my triathlons, but right now I am trying to figure out how or why in the world my crazy brain came up with the idea of a marathon. I don't really like running. I've never ran more than a 5K. Running has been a weak link in my triathlon experiences. I went from planning to work up to a 10K so the 5K would be easier and all of the sudden I am asking a marathoner Kelli her favorite race and I go online, find the race, the entries are open for 2011 and are filling very Quickly. This race is going to be sold out soon, I think it was one of those split second decisions you make. No time to think, no time to talk myself out of it, I just sign up and become one of the 3000 entered to run in the 2011 Ogden Marathon.
I've been reading several "first marathon" books, I'll be blogging about them later. I haven't finished any of them yet! I decide against the advice in the book where it says tell everyone what you are doing so you'll be committed. I decide to tell no one. That way I will have more time to decide if I am actually going to show up. One fatal error. I guess I hit print with realizing it and it printed out at work and my boss saw it the next morning and said, "You're running a marathon?!" I was floored, how did he know? Then he handed me my entry. So much for my big secret. Ready Set GO!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
2010 Thanksgiving Crazy Course
Bib 1595
Women's 3.3 Mile
40:42.3 (12:20 Min/Mi)
65th place overall
3rd in women 55-64Ran this race with the Davey family. This is the race where Kelli told me she did not like runs this short because just as she got warmed up the race was over. I thought this was funny. I was done after the 3 miles.
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