Gear’d up: Running shorts, Camelbak FlashFlo, Running Watch (which has now become my every day, casual watch), Running Hat, and some new (much needed) socks. I acquired some new Nike running shoes a ways back, so I’m not really throwing that into this grouping.
No excuses for a lack of gear, right? If anything, I’ll at least look like I know what I’m doing eh?
Program’d up: Master spreadsheet with training log has been created, fine tuned, and put into motion. I’m tracking everything. Miles run (of course), average pace, fatigue & soreness level, nutrition info (was I good, yes or no?), and a few other things. It’s inspirational to watch those miles increment every week.
I’m gradually getting into a system that I’m starting to feel comfortable with. Long runs (currently 4 miles) on Sunday mornings (to emulate race day – which is on a Sunday), running 3 other days throughout the week (ranging from 2 – 3 miles at this juncture), lifting once a week (to maintain muscle and build stride strength), and cardio 2 other days a week (bike for one, basketball the other) to enhance stamina. As busy as that sounds, I honestly feel like I’m working out less. I was used to heading to the gym for 90 minutes 3x a week, and playing softball every Tuesday & Wednesday. Now I can fit in a run in less than 30 minutes (aside from Sundays), and I only lift and do cardio for 30 at a time. This training program has me feeling more time efficient, mainly because I’m doing less yet more of it. Make sense? That, and I can run anytime and anywhere – which is nice for such a night owl like myself.
I’m really enjoying one of my marathon books I bought last month. After my long run last Sunday, I headed to Einstein Bagels before church. I grabbed my coffee, cracked that thing, and consumed every word for a solid hour and a half. I literally had to pull myself away to get to the service on time – which thankfully I did because our guest speaker (Dr. Richard Dobbins) was very bright, insightful, and loaded with immense wisdom.
Now, how do you officially know if you’re training for a half or full marathon? Check your nipples. No, I’m serious. I’ve gotten to a point where I’ve needed to put band aids on my nipples during my runs. Yes, crazy as that sounds, raw nipples on a sweaty shirt is grounds for some serious pain. Don’t believe me? Enlighten yourself.
