Day 2 back on the road and while running I began to think about all the reasons I run.
Here they are in no particular order:
I ran because:
~I can. I may not be fast but I have the ability to run so I should
~I love to break a sweat!
~you can do it almost anywhere anytime.
~I want to be a healthy role model for my son.
~It makes me a healthier and happier person
~Stress reliever
~I love racing
~it is my therapy and alone time
~it addicting
~I like to push the limits of what my body thinks it can do
~I have some great runner partners
There are probably a million more reasons but these are the ones that popped into my head.
Why do you run??
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Bay State Marathon Spectator Report
On Sunday, I had the privilege of going to Lowell, Ma and cheering my best friend, Becky, in her first marathon. I was so proud of her. This was my first time going to a marathon to cheer someone I knew personally. It was quite the adventure…
A few highlights:
~Made a kick ass shirt for my son to wear
~Getting to see my best friend at mile 13, 25 and 26.2!!! (Would have love to be there sooner but L Boogie would not have love it as much)
~Experiencing the excitement of the crowds it was awesome. I teared up several times… who knew running got me so emotional
~L Boogie high fiving Becky at mile 13
~Being part of Becky's special moment and watching her complete her goal
Some lowlights
~Someone breaking trying to break into my car or setting off car alarm thus draining the battery
~Waiting for AAA to come jump my battery for over 90 minutes on the side of a busy road with a wiggly toddler
~Forgetting my camera so only getting one picture
Overall, it was such a great experience and I was so happy to cheer on my friend. It was an honor to be part of her accomplishment. It made me even more excited for my own marathon in May. And who know maybe I will even do the bay state next year!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Building a Base…
For the past couple of months, I have been wondering why I am struggling with my running. I have been sporadic and lacking a plan in my running which has resulted in soreness, ache and pains. Then it dawned on me I need to build up my base prior to my training for the marathon in May 2011. I did some researched and found this program on Runner's World.
Laying the Groundwork
Use the base-training plan below to develop endurance and strength prior to starting your next race-specific program. Follow this two-week block with one week of moderate runs. Repeat the three-week sequence two or three times for a total of six to nine weeks of base training. On tempo, hills, or fartlek days, warm up and cool down with a 10-minute easy run.
Day 1
Long run 45 to 90 minutes at what coach Jenny Spangler calls "a slight level of discomfort," or a moderate effort
Day 2
Rest, cross-train, or do a short, easy run
Day 3
Run 20 to 60 minutes at a moderate effort
Day 4
Long fartlek 3 or 4 3-minute surges at a 10-K to 10-mile effort, with 3 minutes easy running between fast segments
Day 5
Rest, cross-train, or short, easy run
Day 6
Hills 45 to 60 seconds at a hard effort; start with 4 repeats, build to 8 to 10; walk or jog downhill between repeats
Day 7
Rest
Day 8
Long run 45 to 90 minutes at an easy, conversational pace
Day 9
Rest, cross-train, or do a short, easy run
Day 10
Run 20 to 60 minutes at a moderate effort
Day 11
Short fartlek 10 to 15 minutes of 30-second to 2-minute bursts at a hard effort; recovery is equal to the duration of each fast segment
Day 12
Rest
Day 13
Rest or Run 20 to 60 minutes at a moderate effort
Day 14
Long tempo (or race): 20 to 40 minutes at half-marathon to marathon effort; 5-K or 10-K at a brisk but controlled pace
Use the base-training plan below to develop endurance and strength prior to starting your next race-specific program. Follow this two-week block with one week of moderate runs. Repeat the three-week sequence two or three times for a total of six to nine weeks of base training. On tempo, hills, or fartlek days, warm up and cool down with a 10-minute easy run.
Day 1
Long run 45 to 90 minutes at what coach Jenny Spangler calls "a slight level of discomfort," or a moderate effort
Day 2
Rest, cross-train, or do a short, easy run
Day 3
Run 20 to 60 minutes at a moderate effort
Day 4
Long fartlek 3 or 4 3-minute surges at a 10-K to 10-mile effort, with 3 minutes easy running between fast segments
Day 5
Rest, cross-train, or short, easy run
Day 6
Hills 45 to 60 seconds at a hard effort; start with 4 repeats, build to 8 to 10; walk or jog downhill between repeats
Day 7
Rest
Day 8
Long run 45 to 90 minutes at an easy, conversational pace
Day 9
Rest, cross-train, or do a short, easy run
Day 10
Run 20 to 60 minutes at a moderate effort
Day 11
Short fartlek 10 to 15 minutes of 30-second to 2-minute bursts at a hard effort; recovery is equal to the duration of each fast segment
Day 12
Rest
Day 13
Rest or Run 20 to 60 minutes at a moderate effort
Day 14
Long tempo (or race): 20 to 40 minutes at half-marathon to marathon effort; 5-K or 10-K at a brisk but controlled pace
So here is my plan and I can’t wait to get started! Anyone have any feedback or information on building up a mileage base?? I would love to hear about it!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
My Story…
When I was thinking of how to introduce myself, I immediately wrote I am a mother, wife and runner. Unfortunately, over the last 18 months, the runner part has not been entirely true. Sure, I have done my share of running and even a few races but I have lacked a sense of dedication and motivation toward running and my overall health. Becoming a mother and adjusting to life as working mom of energetic toddler boy has certainly come at the cost of my running and healthy lifestyle. I would not change a minute of the past 18 months nor would I blame this lacking of running on anyone but myself. I have a completely supportive husband, a little boy who to go for a run in the jogger, and really love running. See no good excuses not to run… I just need to learn how to balance it all. Honestly, I am not sure I ever will but who does???
In an effort to regain a commitment to running and health, I have decided to run a marathon. The Vermont City Marathon on May 29th 2011 to be exact. I have always found the best way for me to get back into something is to jump in head first. So this blog will document my journey back to running and that 26.2 on 5/29/11. Also now that I have published this post I can't back down!
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