Run, run, Mum!: training

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Training Plan!

Here's my (tentative) training plan for the next few months. After reviewing three or four different 'suggested' training plans, I modified them to meet our needs. I can't really run 4-5 times a week, that's just not do-able. I also just don't like to build on long runs, I enjoyed the three up, one back, mileage increase that Meredith and I did in preparation for the '09 MCM. I based it off of a book (Here!) entitled "Four Months to a Four Hour Marathon" and it got me to within seven minutes (!) of my goal time. I tried to mimic the patterns, and I will most likely do the Thursday runs for speed, hills (if I can do them pre-wake-up time), or tempo runs. We will see.

I've already put in my cross training for the first week of this year, and will continue to do so. I like to keep track of it, especially when it comes to off days and yoga/pilates.

The ability to stick with this running plan will obviously depend a lot on the weather, whether I can get a membership (relatively inexpensively) to use the Rec Center or local Y once or twice a week (early morning or after bed time), and how O and I are both feeling on a weekly basis. I might add a few miles if it's beautiful out, and I'd be fine with cutting a few out here or there as well. As I'm learning, this whole "mum" thing is about flexibility. So don't hold me to this schedule, okay? :)

[You can click on each month to view a larger version in which you can actually read the mileages]

Where do you get your training plans from? Do you plot out your routes the night before? Or do you just head out and see where the run takes you?

Six mile training run

This morning was my first 'training run' in preparation for this spring's half marathon. Having only done a few runs recently, I decided to push myself and do 6 miles. We parked in Old Greenwich, ran down to Tod's Point, around and back for exactly 6.0 miles - good estimation on my part. Here is a recap of today's run.

Last night, I charged my Garmin, laid out clothes, and found my ipod in preparation. I've been missing my ipod charger (it's the old shuffle, with the odd headphone charger port) for a while, but haven't gotten around to replacing it. Needless to say, when I put the headphone in and pressed play, it didn't work. Oh well. An ipod-free run!

I love the scenery at Tod's Point (also known as Greenwich Point), it's so beautiful although it can sometimes be a bit windy. From CVS (where we parked) to the entrance to the park, it was about 1.75 miles. My co-pilot was asleep before I even started the Garmin (I guess that's what happens when you are up at 10:30pm and 3:00am the night before).

As we entered the park, I was overwhelmed with the smell of my Yankee candle, I mean... with the smell of fresh Christmas trees. (We rely on candles, due to that investment of fake tree - still up....). I had seen a few cars drive past with their trees strapped to the top. Why? Here's why. Apparently this is the town dumping ground for old trees! Wonder what they do with them.... it sure smelled good!

As we hit the halfway mark of our run, the wind picked up a bit, and we got a wiff of seashore smells. I just love all of the shells on this section of the beach. And the view of NYC in the distance. So pretty.

This has always been one of my favorite places, and I love that it's open to non-residents in the winter. PLUS, there was a very nice Parks and Rec worker (who gave me a thumbs up, thanks!) who was blocking the road from car traffic for "Safe Streets Sundays." How nice is that?!