For 10 weeks, I trained. Sure, I missed some runs and wimped out on others, but generally, I had my mind and body wrapped around my first half marathon this time last year. Then that day came, and I hurt like crazy those last 3 miles, but I finished, and I was so excited about earning my first bling. And then, I did something shocking... I stopped running. I'm not talking about completely, but my focus got lost, and I just ran a few miles here and there when I felt like it. No more training schedules, no more ultimate goal.
Staying in shape is so much easier than getting into shape. I think BEFORE the big event is when we should decide what post-race will look like. Will I do this kind of race again? What kind of base mileage would I like to retain? How many days a week should I continue to run? Are there any races I can put on my calendar now to ensure I keep moving?
Anyhow, for myself, I have already started to plan what post-26.2 looks like.
-Maintain a 10 mile weekly long run to ensure I can do a half marathon at any time.
-Run 3-5 days a week with one of those days dedicated to speedwork (which I do not currently do).
-Do one day per week of strength/core training.
-Focus on nutrition and shave off another 15 lbs. or so.
Fortunately, I already have a string of races lined up to keep myself focused... the New Years' Day Half Marathon (1/1/11), Disney Princess Half Marathon (2/27/11), and Rock 'n Roll Dallas (3/27/11). I'm sure I'll squeeze more in there because I'm crazy like that, but I at least have one race a month already planned for the next few months.
Need somewhere to put your bling? Have you entered my SportHooks Medal Display giveaway. Do it now!!!
19 comments:
I love GOALS! I think most of the running blogs I've been reading are written by goal driven people..you have to be a runner...especially running marathons. Since staying home for a couple of years in mommyhood land, I've found that having goals for myself are even more essential to keeping myself alive! Good luck to you on your first marathon! I love you Blog Lesley.
Doesn't sound like you'll have too much time to have a post 26.2 period with your schedule. I've read a whole bunch of stuff on training cycles and periodization, but I can never get my head around it enough to implement it. So I just keep going with more of a tactical approach. Train when it feels good, back off when it doesn't.
It's also easier for me to ride, run and swim than watch calories...
Im the same way needing goals - it keeps me going forward. I ran my first half marathon last month. I picked my next race a month before my half - running a full in March. SO I decided that my base when I finished the half would go to 5 miles 3 times a week and then last week in November I will go back into training mode.
Having a set running schedule - it didnt always happen but most of the time - got me to the point where I was 100% ready and really showed me that if you really prepare and put the time and work in then you can do it... Im taking that mentality into full marathon training.
Not bad for someone who was a nonrunner last year and 60lbs overweight :)
Christina
http://last-weight-loss-journey.blogspot.com/
I am totally the same way! If I don't have something to train for I will loose focus and motivation and slack off. I like the idea of maintaing a weekly long run of at least 10 miles to you can always be half marathon ready...that is awesome! :) I have also found that having a plan for after the big race helps keep the blues away.
Very cool that you are doing Princess!! I'll be at Rock and Roll Dallas, too! :0)
Love the medal hanger and I think it's great to make goals like you have! Way to stay motivated! :0)
Very exciting goals! Keep in mind though that recovery is a very important part of training. Enjoy!
Once again, another family trait. I trained with the Livestrong Challenge as my focus this year and after it was done? I barely rode the next 2 weeks. Lucky for me that's exactly what my coach wanted me to do so I could transition freshly into an offseason strength training program. I've read a lot from endurance athletes that says pinpointing a couple weeks to take off is a good thing both mentally and physically. That being said I had a long discussion with my coach concerning reasonable winter goals otherwise I know I will only succeed at sitting on the couch.
thanks Lesley! I feel like I could've written this as well - same thing happened to me after my first half (and then I got a toe injury that rally put me out for a few weeks) that really made it tough on running...
It's easy to lose focus when there isn't something bigger hanging over your head... Probably a good part of the reason I put the RNR marathon on my head for June.
I will always have to be training for the "next" race.
Aren't you awesome?! :) You should be so proud of how far you've come, and of the fact that you're committed to maintaining it!
I'm completely goal oriented as well, and have been definitely thinking about my post-marathon life as well, especially since it's also my first! I definitely agree with the 10 mile long runs to maintain the half marathon endurance. I find that as long as I'm registered for another race, I'll keep training. I need to go look for other races in my area but I know there aren't many after my full in January.
Great post! I ran my first half almost 3 weeks ago and have only run once. I have been sick but I need to get back on track.
So I will be registering this week for my next race!
I love this post! I'm a new runner (started in March) and am very goal-oriented. Having a race to train for has been critical for me, but now my 3rd race is done and I feel myself drifting a little. Time to register for another race!
My first marathon is in about 2.5 weeks and like you, I am already planning what is going to happen next.
I am the same way Lesley - if I don't have the next race on the schedule then I will stop running. Hopefully I will be coaching a half class that is from Jan - May to keep me entertained for a while. Then after that, I will be gearing up for Fall marathon again, and I think the 3 day. My marathon coach is really wanting to do it and of course, I don't know how to say no so we might sign up! I'll be with you at 2/3 of your scheduled 2011 races!!! Good luck this weekend in Ft. Worth.
Sherry hits on a good point -- coaching or leading a regular group is a great way to make sure you at least stay active. I lead a fitness bike ride out of Rockwall Cycling every Saturday morning. Even during my 2 lazy weeks post-Livestrong I still rode with the group.
I have severe motivation issues without a goal as well - which is why I planned out my 2011 race calendar this year. You're wise to be thinking about "the after." So many fall into a post-marathon slump and that can last for six months or more if you let it.
i am soooooooooooooo goal oriented too! i haven't really thought too much about post WR mostly because it was such an impulse race. t-3.5 weeks indeed!
Leslie, you are very smart. The one thing I tell all first timers is to start planning what they are going to do after the marathon. It is too easy to get the post race blues otherwise. Good luck on your first.
I'm pretty much the same. If I don't have a race scheduled I become a slacker ... like right now. I mean I have the 1/2 - but that is farther off. I think it is time for me to schedule a December race and get my butt moving!
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