For those of you interested in joining in on the virtual race fun, check out these couple of races: 1. Runner's Bugs Virtual Race - You have the option of doing the 5K, 10K, or 10 miler. It's a non-race, and just for fun. You have until October 8th to run it, and then until October 15th to post about it. 2. Running Diva Mom's Virtual 10K - It's free and there's cool prizes. You can run it anytime between October 1st and 15th.
Carly over at Tri-ing My Hardest is hosting a giveaway. Check it out HERE!
I think I might have signed myself up for another committee at work. Gasp. As if being the building rep for our department and on our RtI committee isn't enough in addition to managing my caseload and paperwork! This new committee and I are working on figuring out how to reach those kids that stuggle with behavior through positive behavior supports, mentoring, and such. I think much good will come of this.
3. Half Marathon/Marathon Training:
Do you make up your own training plans or do you follow one? What kind of training plan do you follow, or do you create your own to fit your needs based on other training plans?
When I trained for my first half marathon, I used the Jeff Galloway plan and found it to suit me the best. It didn't require running more than 3 days a week and the long runs were only every other week. I have looked at Runner's World training plans as well as Hal Hidgon's, but know that I would have to alter them a bit so they work for me. I am not really looking for speed, even though I would like to do better this time around.
Also, how do some of you train during the winter months? Especially those that are like me, and will have to do most of my long runs for this race in May during the cold winter months... on a treadmill! It's one thing to train for a half marathon on a treadmill during the winter months, but I can't imagine doing the training for a marathon during those months. How do y'all do it?!
19 comments:
I am a believer in the Galloway system.
I've done Hal Higdon for both my half marathons, and they seem to work fine for me. For my half next May, I am going to attempt the FIRST Program that was profiled in Runner's World. I, too, face winter running for half training. Sometimes I run in the snow (carefully), and I just push myself to be outside running as much as possible. Once you warm up, it isn't too bad outside. At least in Ohio. I have yet to make friends with the treadmill, so I just deal with cold :-\ This year, i will be investing in yak traks for my shoes though :-)
I really prefer to run outside in the winter, but it doesn't get super duper cold here. So a headband and a long sleeved shirt usually is fine. Maybe you can get a treadmill buddy to run next to you?
I'm interested in hearing what you decide to do for a training plan! I'm racing in April and need to get started ASAP!
I run outside all winter no matter how cold it is! For long runs I drive to a place where I know they clear the pathways of snow so I don't have to worry about falling.
I run outside all winter... although I think your winter is a little harsher than mine!
I like Higdon, but I do my long runs on Saturdays instead of Sundays.
The most I've run on a treadmill is 7 miles. Load up the iPod, get in front of a TV if you can. Might also help to throw a towel over the readout so you're not constantly looking at how much longer you have to go.
In the South we pay dearly for the hi temps in the summer but it's all worth it in the winter :)
I have used a Hal Hidgon plan before and also just taken bits and pieces from other training plans and made my own. I think its best to alter a plan to make it better for you, because everyone is different.
I do train in the winter months and it really is a day by day thing. I look at the weather for the next day and decide if I can run in the morning outside or if I will have to go to the gym. I try to do doubles in the winter a lot because then I at least get to run more mileage and get to run in the day time. Training for a marathon on the treadmill would be tough. I think you can total do marathon training in the winter it just takes a lot of planning and rearranging of the schedule.
I like Megan's idea of a treadmill buddy. And I don't know if it would work for anyone else, but I like listening to books on tape when I'm running. Then it gives you something to focus on that's not tempo or pace. Unless of course that's what you WANT to focus on ...
I ran through last winter and really liked it. I have some nice spandex pants for winter running and I got ear muffs that have headphones built in for Xmas. I also bought some cheap cotton stretch gloves and went at it. I think layering is key and to go later in the day. Also, if your roads and sidewalks are icy, get some Yaktracks.
Once you get used to it, it's really not so bad. :-)
P.S. Thanks for sharing!
I am currently following the Kenyan Way plan with my own small modifications to suit my current circumstances.
That committee sounds like a worthwhile committment, but it is tough to try and limit yourself to how much you pile on. It's also tough when you're a young faculty member because you are eager to show your level of committment and to advance yourself professionally.
Good luck finding the time for it all!
I'm bad at saying no, too! Good luck with the endevour - sounds like a good program!
I started with a Runner's World program for my first and now I use Pfitz. And even now, after 7 marathon's and a slew of half's, I always alter it to get what I want out of the training. I think that will come for you as you learn more about your body and what you want to accomplish. If things are working though, stick with it!
I do use the treadmill, I don't mind it too much. I once did a 22 miler on it. Not fun, but when push comes to shove you can do it! Play with speed and incline, it makes the time go by faster ;)
I followed Hal Higdon for one of my half marathons, but for the Green Bay Half I did back in May, I followed the program that was on the race's website and felt pretty prepared on race day. Last year's calendar is still on their website (http://bit.ly/dhGdCf), take a look if you'd like.
I do a lot of training on the treadmill in the winter. It's tough to do. I do try to do the long run outside each week though. Just because I generally can't handle much more than 8 miles on a treadmill.
Those cookie cutter plans are great until they don't meet your needs. I almost always start with a given then change up based on what I want. If you can identify the "spirit of the plan", then you can easily adapt that to meet your needs while maintaining the same basic ideas/goals.
As far as training long during the winter?!? That's exactly why I will never do an early season Ironman. Even training for a half Ironman that early in the year is hard. But don't let that stop you. You can embrace cold weather running. You can also do things like break your long runs up into a morning and evening run. Try new things. Experiment! Take risks!
It is so wonderful that you are so involved in doing so much good for your students. I can understand how it is hard to say no.
As for winter training...My sweet husband just bought me a treadmill (it was delivered this morning!). With a new baby, it will be great not having to go to a gym. I can't use it yet as I am only 10 days postpartum, but it is going to get a lot of use this winter!
Winter training is easier for me. It's cold, but we don't get much precipitation, so I don't have icy or snowy roads/trails to deal with
I suck at saying no too.
I use Hal for my half marathons, but I do always tweak them in some way. As far as winter running, if I can get outside, I get outside. When we had the ridiculous amount of snow last winter, I found a .7 mile safe route and ran it several times and then finished on the treadmill. The longest that I've ever managed on the mill was 10 miles, so I have no really good advice.
I'm never good at saying no either! :(
WE follow our own plan for racing and in the winter, I scale back a bit on distance, but ramp up speed and intensity. And always try something new - a new class, a new workout, etc. It's easier to try new things when I'm not training for a race!
I like Hal Higdon's training plans, they offer the right balance for me with cross training, rest and running. I've tried to make training plans for myself.. but that failed, I realized I have no experience with this and I really shouldn't.
In the winter months, I've stuck to the treadmill in the past. But if I'm training for something this winter, I think I will at least try to do my long runs outside - bundle up with lots of layers!
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