Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Long time, no post!

It has been over 2 months since I posted. I really struggled after the marathon. I did the Living History Farms cross country race, but had to walk a lot, even though it was only 7 miles. I had a hard time getting back into running and working out. I was dealing with some personal stuff too and that didn't help. BUT, I am excited as I have some exciting goals for 2011.

Before I share my goals, let me clarify: I do not believe in "New Years Resolutions" as it never fails, we fail. But, I do believe in daily resolutions. Every day is a new day and whatever goals you have before you, whatever God has shown you that needs to change in your life, every day is a new day to strive toward that. Having overall goals to accomplish in a year is a good thing. But, I know myself, I know I am not perfect and no matter what I resolve, stuff happens. Just as the Lord's mercy is new every morning (Lam. 3:22-23) every morning is an opportunity to start anew and seek after the goals set before you.

First of all, I am planning on recording every mile I run over the next year as well as total miles cross training.

Secondly, a great friend, Wendy, is running a half marathon with me on my birthday, April 23rd. We aren't doing an actual "race", but are running 13.1 together here in Ames. Training for that started this last week and I've finally gotten my groove back as far as my workout routine and excitement about running!

Thirdly, I will be completing my second full marathon on October 16, 2011. I am hoping to finish in under 6 hours.

Lastly, but certainly not last in priority, is to be consistent in every area of my life. I need to be consistent in my working out, but also in my eating healthy, spiritual discipline, taking care of my home, etc. I have always struggled with consistency so I am hoping to be more consistent in the next year.

I will seek to be more consistent in blogging as well. I'm gonna shoot for at least once a week!

Looking forward to a great 2011!

Sherri :-)

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

FINISHED!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, I DID IT! I completed my first marathon. It was AWESOME! It was such an incredible experience, words can't even begin to describe it! The race was so symbolic of the past several months of life. There were ups and downs, joy and pain, times when I was feeling great and times when I wondered how I could go on. Through it all, just like over the past several months, God was there by my side providing me with strength and showing me His faithfulness through friends via text messages and facebook messages received along the way.

My official time was 6 hrs. 56 min. 29 sec. (The clock on the picture says 7 hrs. 3 min. but the clock starts when the first person crosses the start line and I started way back in the pack of people!) My goal was to finish between 6 and 7 hours so I did achieve my goal. I am planning on doing the DM marathon again next year - October 16, 2011. I would like to complete it next year under 6 hours!

Last year after the 1/2 marathon I experienced a major let down After all the training I felt like "Now what?" I also had a very hard time being motivated to get back out there to run. I anticipated that this year and fully expected to have the same issues this year. To help stave off this let down and lack of motivation I registered for the Living History Farms Cross Country race on November 20th. It is a 7 mile run and I've never done it, but have heard it is a lot of fun. Surprisingly I did not experience the let down this year. I am relishing in the accomplishment, extremely proud, but even more grateful for the way God showed Himself to me through the training and through the marathon. I am grateful for his protection from injury, in spite of a major bike crash just 7 weeks before the marathon. I am grateful for the ability to run and the beauty of God's creation I am blessed to enjoy while running. I am grateful for the friends He has provided me who supported and encouraged me through it all.

I went for a run today after work - not a long one - but certainly enjoyed being back out there pounding the pavement.

While the marathon is done, I am still running the race of life and want to run it well and finish well. So, I will continue blogging. I admit I slack and don't post as often as I'd like, but I will keep writing. Next year I am planning to log every mile I run starting January 1st. I'm interested to know how many miles I run in one full year.

Running the race to the finish,

Sherri

Saturday, October 9, 2010

From 233 days to only 8 more days!

When I first started the "countdown" for the marathon there were 233 days. It seemed like a long way away. It has gone fairly fast in some ways, but slow in others. I've gone through a lot physically, emotionally, and spiritually over the past 4 months especially. It has been a difficult journey, but thanks to God and wonderful, supportive friends and family (that's you Aunt Gail!!), I am doing OK. At first I was hoping to have someone to run with, but now am glad that I will be doing it myself - just me and God. There will be hundreds of other people around me - but this marathon is symbolic of my life this year. It's been full of ups and downs and I felt like giving up on my dream of doing the marathon. But, giving up is not in my vocabulary.... I'm far too stubborn.... I mean DETERMINED! I'm overwhelmed with emotion just writing this and am sure I will shed many tears as I'm running and walking next Sunday. I'm grateful, even for the hard times because I've learned so much and everything has worked to make me into the person I am today.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Nineteen days!

I am running the DM marathon on October 17th to raise money for the American Cancer Society. I know money is tight right now for all of us and there are a lot of great causes out there

My challenge is this - if you normally buy a pricy coffee from a coffee shop once a week, skip a week and take that $5 and donate it. Or is there someth...ing else you spend $5 on each week that you don't really need?

I'm sure many of you have been touched by family and or friends who are suffering from cancer, or have passed away from this terrible disease. My goal is to raise $1000.

Will you take my challenge? Will you help the American Cancer Society as they work to prevent cancer and to diminish the suffering of those with the disease? Every dollar counts! Your gift is tax deductible... just follow the link below! Thanks!

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/DetermiNation/DNFY10Midwest?px=12503826&pg=personal&fr_id=26690


Sunday, August 22, 2010

EIGHT more weeks!

The past two weeks, training has gone very well. I have actually exceeded my overall weekly miles the past 2 weeks. After not even coming close for many weeks, this is a HUGE accomplishment. Last week I exceeded my goal by 3/4 of a mile, this week, by FOUR miles!!!

Unfortunately, the weather is not cooperating and it's been hot and humid which means my long distance days have been done in the gym. Ideally these will be done OUTSIDE for the best training. Hopefully September will bring some cooler, if not, at least less humid weather.

I got a new pair of running shoes a couple days ago, tried them out at the gym on Saturday and they rubbed one of my left toes. So, I went back and got a different pair. I ended up with a pair of ASICS Gel Nimbus. ASICS have the widest toe box of any running shoe and that's what I need. I also ended up in a men's shoe because the women's shoe didn't have a wide enough toe box. I wore them today during my 12 miles in the gym and they felt GREAT! This will likely be the shoe I run the marathon in. I may end up buying one more pair and wear the newer pair the few weeks right before the marathon.

There has been a lot going on in my life which has made it hard to train, but I am bound and determined to do this!

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Frustrated yet determined

Things have not been going well at all. I've had some physical illnesses which have made things hard and my motivation has been lacking. However, it's now 10 weeks until marathon day and I am frustrated, yet determined that I am going to do it. At this point I don't care how long it takes me, if I have to walk a lot of it, or even crawl to finish. I am going to complete the 26.2 miles NO MATTER what!

I'll try to do better these last 10 weeks at keeping you all up to date.

Running the race to the finish,

Sherri

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Determination and Focus!

Since Dam to Dam I haven't been doing so well. I bruised my right big toe and have now lost almost the entire toenail and it is a little sore. I have had a hard time getting out there lately with a lot of stuff going on. However, tomorrow is 16 weeks until the marathon and most training plans are 16 weeks, so I feel pretty good about getting back at it next week. I've got to plug away to accomplish this goal. I got a "new" training plan from www.marathonrookie.com - here is my new 16 week plan.

It's going to be a lot of hard work, but I am determined to do this and know that I can. I just have to stay focused!

Week 2 on Saturday I am running Midnight Madness in Ames - it's a 5K run in downtown Ames and is a lot of fun. That's a little "extra run" I'm throwing in there!


Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Total
1 3 4 3 Rest 5 Rest Rest 15
2 3 4 3 Rest 6 3.1 * Rest 19.1
3 3 4 3 Rest 7 Rest Rest 17
4 3 5 3 Rest 8 Rest Rest 19
5 3 5 3 Rest 10 Rest Rest 21
6 4 5 4 Rest 11 Rest Rest 24
7 4 6 4 Rest 12 Rest Rest 26
8 4 6 4 Rest 14 Rest Rest 28
9 4 7 4 Rest 16 Rest Rest 31
10 5 8 5 Rest 16 Rest Rest 34
11 5 8 5 Rest 17 Rest Rest 35
12 5 8 5 Rest 18 Rest Rest 36
13 5 8 5 Rest 20 Rest Rest 38
14 5 8 5 Rest 9 Rest Rest 27
15 3 5 3 Rest 8 Rest Rest 19
16 3 Rest 3 2 Rest Rest 26.2 34.2
423.3

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Nineteen weeks!



Well, I finished Dam to Dam yesterday. For me it was a HUGE triumph in spite of not having a real good run. Some days you have good runs, some days you don't and yesterday was not a good one. There were several reasons it wasn't good. First, because of weather conditions - it was raining at the beginning and we were all pretty well soaked. I was definitely grateful I got the water resistant jacket, but it was still wet and windy! Secondly, I was really tired... I have not been sleeping the best and it's hard enough to run when you're well rested, but when you're not it's even harder! Thirdly, life has been kind of "lifey" lately - just a lot going on causing some stress in my life and it's been hard to get the training in like I've needed to. These are NOT excuses, but reasons why my run just wasn't a great run yesterday. It was a big accomplishment to do it in spite of all this "stuff" and I feel awesome that I ran a 20K even though, as I said at the beginning of the run, "I'm just not feelin' it!" Several friends reminded me today that most people will never go out and run a 20K so no matter what my time was, the fact that I did it was HUGE!

So, now it is 19 weeks until the marathon. Right now it seems like an impossible task. However, "impossible" is not in my dictionary. I am going to take one day at a time and do the very best I can with the training and I will go out there and complete the marathon... because as you all know by now... I'm not stubborn, I'm just determined! I'm exhausted tonight and hoping for a good night sleep. I'm going to set my alarm for an early morning run and hope to get at least 3 miles in before going to work tomorrow.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Finished Dam to Dam. Unofficial time 2:54. Slow, but I did it!

Friday, June 4, 2010

Ready or not....


Well, Dam to Dam is tomorrow... ready or not. I certainly don't feel physically ready. But, as a good friend reminded me today, I am mentally ready. I am determined to do this and know I will accomplish my goal. It's been tough training because of busyness of life and some other "issues" that have impeded my preparation. However, I'm not stubborn... I'm determined and I am absolutely determined to finish this run. I know I will have a great sense of accomplishment once I do, and hopefully it will be a great motivator to really step it up as the Des Moines marathon gets closer and closer... about 4 1/2 months away. I'm just going to go out there tomorrow and have a good time and not worry about my time. My goal for this run is simply to jog the whole thing and not have to stop and walk. I may slow my jog down, but I WILL jog/run the entire 20K! :-)

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Rain? Bring it!

Well, I'm officially prepared for running in the rain. The forecast is calling for possible rain this Saturday morning for Dam to Dam. So, I went out today after work and bought a nice lightweight waterproof jacket. It was a little expensive, but it has a lifetime guarantee so it was worth it. Now, I'm all ready for running in the rain. I even went out this afternoon hoping to give it a test run. Well, I found out it runs well... nice and lightweight and breathable, but it didn't get wet. Oh well, I'm sure I'll have another chance and now I'm prepared for Saturday no matter what the weather brings. I got a good 4 1/2 mile run in this afternoon. I'm not feeling very ready for Saturday, but ready or not I'm determined and I know I'll get 'er done! :-)

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Started my day with a 4 mile run - at 3:30 in the morning! I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. I'm amazed at what a difference it's made in my day! :)

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

H O T

I DON'T like running in the heat. I do it because I HAVE to in order to train for Dam to Dam coming up. And I will do it this summer to train for the marathon. BUT - whenever possible, I will try to get my runs in when it has cooled off because running in the heat and humidity is NOT fun.

I was planning on getting 5 miles in today, but only managed a 3 mile run. It was so hard to breathe in the heat. Oh well, 3 miles is better than nothing... hopefully it will cool off a little bit this week! :-P

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Less than 2 weeks 'til Dam to Dam

I just finished my 2nd week in a row of not getting my runs in like I need to. I only got two 3 mile runs in this week. Yesterday I was supposed to do my long run, but didn't get it done. Today, Sunday, the forecast was for HOT AND HUMID - my absolute worst nightmare for running conditions. So, I got up at 5:15 a.m. and headed out the door at 5:45 a.m. It was 73 degrees and humid. Thankfully it was pretty cloudy and there was a little breeze to help me out.

I set out determined to do at least 6 miles, but in the back of my head I had the idea that I wanted to do 10 miles. So, I knew what that meant, I was going to do 10 miles. It was slow going and hard to breathe but I wore my camelbak and made sure I drank plenty of water along the way. I couldn't believe HOW hot it was that early in the morning. I got the 10 miles done, even with a hill at mile 8! I trudged up the hill determined to get it done! It felt great to get it done, especially after the past 2 weeks being so hard.

When I got back to my apartment when I finished, my head was pounding. It's 6 p.m. and my head still hurts. I'm exhausted and ready to go to bed. I wonder if I got a little dehydrated, although I felt like I drank plenty of water. Hopefully a good night sleep will help.

Dam to Dam is less than 2 weeks away and up until this morning I wondered if I'd be able to run 12.4 miles. But, after getting 10 miles in this morning, even though it was slow, I know I can do it! After Dam to Dam I can start thinking about the marathon. 26.2 miles seems pretty daunting at this point!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Back in the saddle again!

Well, after taking far too many days off I got out for a run today. I realized yesterday that it was 5 months to the day until the Des Moines marathon. I got my marathon sweatshirt in the mail yesterday so that was cool. I got it personalized and it says "I''m not stubborn, I'm just DETERMINED!" Today I got out for a good 3 mile run. It felt great to get back at it. It was strange, today at work my legs ached. It wasn't a sore ache, it was an ache like I've GOT to get these legs moving... I was literally aching to run. Dam to Dam is less than 3 weeks away and I don't feel like I'm ready at all. If I get a good long run in this week I know I'll feel a little better. I'm gonna try to do 10 or 11. Well, until next time...

Sunday, May 16, 2010

What's done is done, LOOKING FORWARD

This past week was BAD. I only got 2 days of running in, only 7 miles. I got one day of strength training. Overall it was just BAD! I could dwell on it or I could move on and I'm choosing to move on. I have a new week ahead of me... 3 weeks until Dam to Dam and I know I can hunker down and be ready and I will! So, forgetting what is behind I will press on to the goal before me!

Monday, May 10, 2010

First day of week 5

Considering today was rainy, windy, cold, and I was ABSOLUTELY DRAINED, I got a good start to my training week. I forced myself to go to the gym even though I really didn't want to. I did 3 1/2 miles with sprints/speed training and did strength training for the first time in WEEKS! Even though I was so drained to begin with and really not motivated, it felt great to push past what I wanted to do and do what I KNEW I NEEDED to do!

Sunday, May 9, 2010

OK, now week 4 is done!

I decided to go out for a run today because the weather was really nice and the forecast is calling for rain the next 4 days. After my 11 miles yesterday I was thinking maybe 2 or 3 miles. Around 1 3/4 miles I thought, phew, I'll be doing good to get in 2 miles. But, then I pushed through and figured I'd go for 3. At mile 3 I was feeling really good so decided to do 4. At mile 4 I felt great and thought about continuing on, but wisdom told me I better not push it. Funny thing is I was exhausted before I started, really low on energy and now I'm feeling pretty good. I've run 70 miles in my first 4 weeks which is 11 miles more than my plan! I'm feeling pretty good about how I'm doing on my training.... just need to work on my speed and strength training. The rain in the forecast will be good for that - it's gonna force me to the gym!

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Week 4 done! 4 more weeks 'til Dam to Dam

Well, week 4 is done and it's 4 more weeks until Dam to Dam 20K! I didn't get my strength training done this week, but I got 2 more miles than planned done. NEXT WEEK - BIG GOAL.... get strength training done.... 2 days! I REALLY need to make this a priority!

I feel great about how my running is going. I want to get back to doing some speed work to try to improve my speed a little bit. I'd like to do that one day a week. I have a good plan for speed work on the treadmill.

I wasn't real happy with the new shoes I got a while back. They just didn't feel right. I got a new pair yesterday and my feet feel "at home" now. It's amazing what a difference the right pair of shoe makes!

I haven't been sticking EXACTLY to my plan as I set it out... but realize that it's really more of a guide... it doesn't have to be exactly as I have it laid out.

Well, this post has been kind of random and not real cohesive, but these are my thoughts as I finish week 4!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Fair weathered runner!

I am an admitted fair weather runner. I like it best around 65 degrees with just a slight breeze. I DON'T like running in heat or wind, and REALLY don't like running in heat AND wind. So, when I was driving back to Ames from work this afternoon struggling to keep my truck on the road in 83 degree weather, I was VERY tempted to skip my run today. I almost had it justified... I could make it up later in the week. However, I decided I needed to suck it up and just get out there and DO IT. So, I changed clothes, slathered on the sunscreen, filled my camelback with water and headed out. Just before the end of mile 3 I thought, I am gonnna have to stop and walk a little bit. But, I got to mile 3 and kept plugging away. I slowed down a little bit, but kept going for 2 more miles. I admit that I felt great when I got done for accomplishing what I didn't think I could do. There's just something about pushing yourself beyond your limits that makes you feel great.

On another note.... there's just something about a "thumbs-up" from a fellow runner to help keep you motivated as you're running.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Strength training struggles

Well, week 4 started off great. I ran 2 miles tonight, at a faster pace than my normal. I am admittedly more of a slow jogger than a "runner" (although people say even if you're jogging you are a runner) But, I digress... I ran 2 miles tonight at a 12 minute mile pace. When I did the half marathon last summer my average pace was 12 1/2 minutes which was faster than my normal. I would really like to maintain that pace at Dam to Dam and the marathon. But, I would rather jog at a slow pace and jog the entire thing without having to stop to walk.

On another note, I haven't been to the gym in a long time and am struggling at getting my strength training done. Since I switched to my day job I am having a harder time getting motivated to go to the gym. For one thing, it is much more crowded at 4 in the afternoon than at 9 or 10 in the morning. And, another thing, the weather has been SO nice I haven't wanted to go inside to the gym. I need to get 2 days of strength training in a week. It seems several mornings I wake up at 3 a.m. and have a hard time getting back to sleep. So, I'm considering going to the gym before work a couple days a week, or maybe one day a week and then going on Saturday mornings for my other day of strength training. I know it is important to get this in so my goal this week is to make sure I get my strength training done!

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Great start and great finish to the week!

I started the week off great and ended it great. Thursday and Friday weren't so great though. I was dealing with a little stress, and resorted back to old habits... the good ol' comfort of food. Of course, I regretted it and ended up feeling miserable as usual... BUT, I got up this morning and it was an absolutely gorgeous day. So, I headed out for a walk/run. I ended up running 7 miles and walking 3. It felt GREAT! Lesson... when stressed DON'T go running to comfort food, GO RUNNING!!! :)

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

3 days in a row running, phew!

I typically try to not run 3 days in a row, but have a cross training day in between. However, the weather forecast this week caused me to change my plan and I did 4 miles Monday, 6 miles yesterday, and 3 miles today... after doing 7 miles on Saturday. It felt great to push myself to do this, plus the weather the past few days has been wonderful, however, my body is telling me it is ready for a break. So, tomorrow I will hit the gym for cross training and strength training. Considering it is supposed to storm that will work out great! It's hard to imagine running over 20 miles at ONE time after doing it in a span of 5 days. Right now that seems overwhelming, so I guess I'll just not think about that. One day at a time... one run at a time...

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Another BEAUTIFUL day!

Wow, what a beautiful evening. I got done with work today and it was 60 degrees, perfectly blue sky, very little wind. I lathered up with some sunscreen and headed out. Since the weather forecast calls for storms on Thursday and Friday I decided to knock out my long run today and do cross training and strength training later in the week when it's stormy out. So, I got my 6 mile run in today. It was really pushing it since I had done 7 miles on Saturday and 4 miles yesterday, but I did it! It felt great!

Monday, April 26, 2010

Week 3 starting off great!

Week 3 began today and I am feeling SO much better after my sinus and ear infection last week! A week on antibiotics and getting lots of rest went a long way! I took advantage of a nice cool, not too breezy day today and knocked out 4 miles. I was emotionally drained today and really needed to just get out there and pound the pavement. It felt AWESOME to get out there and get this week off to such a great start. There's really nothing like the endorphin high of a good run!

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Week 2 finished!

Week 2 brought another round of illness. I only got 3 days of running in. I have not gotten off to the good start I wanted to with my training schedule. However, I finished the week strong. Today I did a 7 mile run / walk. It felt great to get out there and get back at it again. I walked and ran and pushed myself a little bit without overdoing it. I am hopeful that I will be able to accomplish my week 3 goals. The weather forecast is looking pretty promising for being able to get my runs done outside. I also REALLY need to get back to the gym for my strength training days. I know that is important also. Overall I feel good about where I am. I was able to get 12 of my 13 planned miles in even though I was sick.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Week two blahs!

Week 2 is shaping up to be not so great. After starting out sick with both an ear infection and sinus infection, I've been having a hard time getting enough energy to do much running. I managed 2.75 miles yesterday and felt pretty good. But, today barely eked out 2.25 miles. The rest of the weekend is going to be both busy and rainy so not sure how much I'll get done. I REALLY hope that week 3 can start out strong and I can accomplish all the miles I have planned for the week!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Start of week 2 - not so great

So, week 2 started out with a visit to the doctor and a diagnosis of a sinus infection AND an ear infection. The good news is I got free samples of antibiotic and the OK to keep training and running. The bad news is that I am so light headed today that there is no way I can run so I am taking another day off. I am hoping that tomorrow I am feeling well enough to get a couple of miles in.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

First week of training - DONE!

Well, this first week of training didn't exactly go as planned. I had a flu bug and missed 2 days of training, then had a terrible cough and missed another day. I got my long run in this morning after being up half the night coughing. I actually managed to knock out 4.25 miles. The first week was supposed to be 12 miles total, and I only got 10 miles done. But, considering I was sick for 3 days I feel AWESOME about that. I'm going to rest tomorrow and plan to start fresh on Monday with week 2.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Back at it!

After battling a flu bug the past 2 days, I was feeling better today. Not 100%, but better. I went for a 3 1/2 mile run... well, jog! But, it felt great to get back out there pounding the pavement. Aside from some light rain showers toward the end of my run it was awesome. Normally the rain would have been a welcome relief, but after being sick I am just hoping it doesn't set me back! Planning on at least a 4 mile run tomorrow! The weather looks to be perfect!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Day two - sick! :(

Yesterday I completed day one of my marathon training... a short 2 1/4 mile run. Today's plan was 3 miles but I woke up this morning feeling sick to my stomach and I spent my whole day feeling bad and completely lacking energy. Argh! I'm NOT happy about this. I WANT to be outside running. The weather is beautiful and I really wanted to go for a good run this afternoon after work. But, instead I am home on the couch reading the paper and a magazine, planning on being in bed by 7 p.m. Hopefully a good night sleep will be all I need to feel better tomorrow and get back at it!

Monday, April 12, 2010

REGISTERED!

I registered for the marathon today! Now it's official. :)

How often to replace your shoes

OK fellow runners.... any tips on how often you replace your running shoes? A friend shared this link with me which has some good advice, but I'd welcome any tips anyone has. Thanks!

http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/tipsandtricks/a/replaceshoes.htm

Day one - in the books

I planned a 2 mile run and strength training today. One of my friends at work said, "Push it to the limit, run 2 1/4 miles today." So, as I was running, I thought, OK - why not? At 2 miles I started getting a little cramping in my stomach, but nothing too major, so I pushed through and ran another 1/4 of a mile then walked to cool down. It felt good to push it beyond what I had planned. One day at a time I will do this!

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Eight short weeks until Dam to Dam

It's hard to believe that 6 months ago I ran a half marathon. Now Dam to Dam is just around the corner. It's a 20K run that goes from Saylorville Dam to downtown Des Moines. Running on the treadmill is SO different from running outside. This winter full of ice and snow on the sidewalks forced me inside to the treadmill. I've only run outside twice this spring and the thought of running 12.4 miles seems daunting at this point. Nevertheless, Monday I will begin my training and 8 weeks from today I will run Dam to Dam. It would be nice to run a faster pace than I did in the 1/2 marathon last fall but at this point I will be satisfied to finish!

Friday, April 9, 2010

OH MY!

So, I just added up my total miles that I will run in my 27 weeks of training. It will be a total of 622.6 miles. WOW! That is crazy! Can I really run that many miles in 27 weeks?

Marathon Training officially starts Monday April 12th

I've been wanting to do a blog for a long time and I decided with my marathon training officially starting this coming Monday, April 12th, I would start my blog. I just finished figuring out my training schedule and to say I am scared silly is an understatement. This task seems overwhelming. I know from running the 1/2 marathon in October of 2009 that the training is the hardest part. But, as most people who know me know, I am determined and I am going to do this.

So, here's my training schedule....



Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
1 2 mile run/Strength 3 mile run Cross/Strength 3 mile run 4 mile run Rest Rest
2 2 mile run/Strength 3 mile run Cross/Strength 3 mile run 5 mile run Rest Rest
3 2 mile run/Strength 4 mile run Cross/Strength 3 mile run 6 mile run Rest Rest
4 3 mile run/Strength 5 mile run Cross/Strength 4 mile run 7 mile run Rest Rest
5 3 mile run/Strength 5 mile run Cross/Strength 4 mile run 8 mile run Rest Rest
6 3 mile run/Strength 5 mile run Cross/Strength 4 mile run 9 mile run Rest Rest
7 3 mile run/Strength 5 mile run Cross/Strength 3 mile run 10 mile run Rest Rest
8 2 mile run/Strength 6 mile run Cross/Strength 3 mile run Rest Dam to Dam Rest
9 3 mile run/Strength 3 mile run Cross/Strength 3 mile run 6 mile run Rest Rest
10 3 mile run/Strength 3 mile run Cross/Strength 3 mile run 7 mile run Rest Rest
11 3 mile run/Strength 4 mile run Cross/Strength 3 mile run 5 mile run Rest Rest
12 3 mile run/Strength 4 mile run Cross/Strength 3 mile run 9 mile run Rest Rest
13 3 mile run/Strength 5 mile run Cross/Strength 3 mile run 10 mile run Rest Rest
14 3 mile run/Strength 5 mile run Cross/Strength 3 mile run 7 mile run Rest Rest
15 3 mile run/Strength 6 mile run Cross/Strength 3 mile run 12 mile run Rest Rest
16 3 mile run/Strength 6 mile run Cross/Strength 4 mile run 13 mile run Rest Rest
17 3 mile run/Strength 7 mile run Cross/Strength 4 mile run 10 mile run Rest Rest
18 3 mile run/Strength 7 mile run Cross/Strength 4 mile run 15 mile run Rest Rest
19 3 mile run/Strength 8 mile run Cross/Strength 4 mile run 16 mile run Rest Rest
20 3 mile run/Strength 8 mile run Cross/Strength 5 mile run 12 mile run Rest Rest
21 3 mile run/Strength 9 mile run Cross/Strength 5 mile run 18 mile run Rest Rest
22 3 mile run/Strength 9 mile run Cross/Strength 5 mile run 14 mile run Rest Rest
23 3 mile run/Strength 10 mile run Cross/Strength 5 mile run 20 mile run Rest Rest
24 3 mile run/Strength 8 mile run Cross/Strength 4 mile run 12 mile run Rest Rest
25 4 mile run/Strength 6 mile run Cross/Strength 3 mile run 8 mile run Rest Rest
26 4 mile run/Strength 7 mile run Cross/Strength 4 mile run 10 mile run Rest Rest
27 3 mile run 4 mile run Cross 2 mile run Rest Rest MARATHON!


I will try to post something at least once a week, but hopefully more about my progress and how I am feeling about the training. I am super excited that I am doing this. Thanks for following along on my journey!