Posts tagged Training Plan
Here Comes The Madness – Columbia Winner Announced
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I should be out running…but I’m not. ”Why?” You ask. When I woke up at 5am to head to job #1 for the day it was mild outside. When I got off of job #1 the wind and snow started. I headed home for a quick daily house cleanup before heading out for job #2 for the day. The wind has progressively picked up and it is now 36* (feels like 26*) with 18 mph winds. But you say, “Bah! You’ve run in worse than that. It’s never held you back before.” True.
Starting Monday I’ll be heading into my half marathon training. Here’s my plan I’ve made myself. It’s based off of Hal Higdon’s plan with a bit of tweaking of my own.
From Monday on out there’s no looking back. After finishing the half marathon we’ll be heading off to Italy for a short break, then once we arrive back to the states I’ll be back at it to train for my Half Rev3. I’m not complaining or saying this as though it a bad thing. I willingly signed up for it all. I’m stoked. I’d also be lying if I didn’t say I’m a bit scared though. I’m scared in the way of, “Am I going to be able to juggle all of this, without breaking physically or mentally?”
For instance, my rest days are scheduled basically around my work schedules. i.e. I work 3 jobs on Thursdays = rest day. So in other words, I don’t necessarily have “rest” days. I know, not a good thing. Working this many jobs and undertaking these new challenges, it going to be, well, a challenge. But I know that’s all part of the process.
Which leads me to this very moment. I somehow feel that these last 2 days are my last “free days” before the madness begins. (Not that I’m not already living through a bit of madness) The word relax isn’t really in my vocabulary but I’d like to try my best to do so. With that being said, I already see my OCD rearing it’s ugly head. When I feel I lack control I organize, purge, and clean like a mad woman. Basically, it’s like I’m nesting. I’ve already had a few moments today that I’ve had to talk myself down and literally say aloud, “Heidi, stop.” The thing is, exercise is a way for me to keep this OCD nastiness in check. At this point it’s a catch 22. Bah.
Heck, who knows, a few minutes after I post this you may find me pounding pavement or jumping on the trainer. What I do know: Monday will be the start of another exciting journey.
My question for you: The last few days before heading into training what do you do? No change? Rest? Indulge?
One last thing! For those that follow the blog, you’ll remember that yesterday was the last day to enter the Columbia Omni-Heat Lush Plush Jacket Giveaway. I’d like to announce that Laurel C. is the proud new owner of the jacket.
I will be sending Laurel an email and get the jacket out to her soon. As for those that didn’t win, I have another giveaway coming up with next week. Say what? And let’s just say, it’s sparkly!
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Figuring Out How To Cross-Train
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I addressed this a tiny bit a few posts ago…I’m new to the cross-training world. You might be thinking, “huh?” Let me explain. When I started running, I ran. Period. I mixed in some leg lifts and crunches every so often, but that was my limit. It’s not that I didn’t want to cross-train, I just didn’t. Now that I’m in the triathlon world it’s been easier to cross-train, mostly because I “have to”.
Having joined the YMCA this is my first year I’ve had access to a pool, which has been terrific. I am in love with the pool. I’ve missed feeling like a fish in water and now that it’s back I find great joy in swimming laps. I know, it sounds crazy. In addition to the pool, having an indoor bike trainer has helped mix things up too.
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With that being said, this off-season has me going in circles a bit. I don’t have anything definitive that I’m training for, so I really have no direction per se. (I plan on starting my half marathon training schedule that last week of January.) I’m still experiencing the excitement of the newness of biking and swimming during the winter (something I’ve never done before) and find myself deferring to them instead of heading out for runs. It’s easy to say to myself, “It’s cold outside, I’ll just stay in and ride the trainer.” With nothing “threatening” me (i.e. race) it’s real easy to do this. I admit, this laid back approach is nice. However, as you well know, I like structure and have had a few anxious moments with my choices. It’s no surprise that I will also admit that I look forward to having a set schedule that will hold me accountable to a specific sport everyday.
So, what do you do when you’re not training for a race? Do you still stick with a strict schedule or are you more lenient and mix it up a bit?
Choo! Choo! The Decision Train Is Rolling!
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I have been having minor wig out moments recently. As you know, I have some OCD-like tendencies. I like to feel like I have control of the situation. If I don’t, enter my wigging out. I know the future is uncertain. Heck, tomorrow is not guaranteed. However, I was at the point where I didn’t know what decisions to make or how to implement them since my future is so uncertain.
On top of that my head has been spinning about planning a vacation for our 10 yr wedding anniversary, creating a race schedule, figuring out a training schedule, getting a coach or not, deciding if I want to join a triathlon team, keeping up with all of my jobs, and becoming a FitFluential Ambassador. Believe it our not, most of these are somehow all interconnected.
As Elphaba would say: It’s time to trust my instincts, close my eyes, and leap. So I did.
Source: imgfave.com via Alexa on Pinterest
For well over a year we’ve said, “Let’s book a trip to Italy.” Well, we finally booked it! This past weekend D and I booked our flights to Italy to celebrate our 10 yr wedding anniversary. It’s always been my dream to travel to Italy. Having married at such a young age, having little time to savor our wedding, and having very little funds, a honeymoon wasn’t in our cards. Thankfully after 4 yrs of marriage we were able to go on vacation and have since been on several wonderful vacations. With that being said, we always say that we choose our vacations to “make up for our missed honeymoon.” This definitely fits the bill, as either of us has been to Europe. We’ve spent countless hours researching, trying to find the best places to stay, which fit into our budget and style. We area beyond stoked to head to Italy in just a few short months. I’m sure you’ll be hearing more about this in the future.
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As for creating a race schedule, figuring out a training plan, and deciding on a coach…well that’s still a work in progress. This is my first off-season as a triathlete and I’ve been kind of like a deer in headlights. What do I do? I’ve just been rotating my workouts to cover all of my bases. Then, adding in trying to train for a half marathon put another spin on it. Thankfully Laura has come to my rescue and shuffled me along. I swear I’m beginning to think we were separated at birth or something. She can read my fears and anxieties as if she’s been through them (maybe she has?) and has provided an abundance of knowledge, guidance, and reassurance just when I thought I was losing my mind. With her assistance this is what I’ve come up with. Tentatively I am planning for the Glass City Half Marathon in early spring, have several ideas for smaller triathlons throughout the summer months, finishing up with my “A” race, the Half Rev3, in September. I plan on focusing on the half marathon throughout the winter months using Hal Higdon’s training schedule, which also includes cross training/strength training days. Finally, as for a coach/Half Rev3 training plan, I’m still working on that. I think there’s something coming to fruition that will fit the bill. I’ll fill you in on that when it becomes available!
I already posted that I have chosen to join the Team Red, White, and Blue Triathlon team, so that’s not really any news. This was one of the first decisions I made and it helped get the decision train rolling.
Lastly, I have to keep up with my jobs along with adding in FitFluential Ambassador duties. As you guessed I am a very organized person. Keeping up isn’t necessarily hard, I just have to use any spare time to my advantage and optimize any time that I do have. Making lists and crossing off items definitely helps.
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Since I’ve already made some major decisions other things will begin to fall into place. Now, instead of saying, “What if…” I can say, “When this happens….” I feel more prepared and more in control. Ahhhh.
Be Grateful and Keep Smiling =)
Wanted: Triathlon Coach
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Anyone who reads my blog knows that I have registered for my first Half Ironman Distance Triathlon….Rev3Tri at Cedar Point. I’m super stoked, yet I’m going into personal uncharted territory. Uncharted territory is nothing new for me. Heck, almost 5 years ago I jumped into running with no idea what I was doing. I did a ton o’ research mixed with trial and error. I think I’ve been pretty “successful” in my endeavor. By successful, I mean I’ve trained for many races, have lived to tell about it, and am still running. Not to mention, I want more. Yeah, that’s success in my book.
Like I said, previously I’ve always turned to the Internet for guidance on training. I’ve used a variety of different training plans and have been happy. I’ve also used basic common sense. This time around I think I need to kick it up a notch. I think it’s time to put some money on the table. What do I mean? I think A-I need to purchase a training plan. Or B-I need a coach. What?! Yeah, little ol’ me. I think it may be time. Never in my mind did I ever think I’d consider having a coach let alone follow through with it.
I’ve had a few recommend just going through BeginnerTriathlete.com. I’ve also had a local triathlete recommend their coach who is also local. To be honest, I have no idea where to start, what questions to ask, etc.
I’m looking for your input!
A little bit about my history and goals….
I’ve been running since 2007. I’m not fast. I do it for enjoyment, exercise, and the challenge. My main focus has been on 5ks, although I completed the Cleveland Half Marathon on 2008. Since then I had some health issues, which lead to medical bills, meaning I cut back on my races. I still stuck with my running.
I did my first sprint triathlon in 2011. Obviously my first Half Rev is planned for late summer 2012. My goal: prepare myself physically and mentally to complete the Half Ironman distance, preferably in a respectable amount of time. Right now I’m trying to not only make a training plan but also a race schedule for 2012. I’m thinking a half marathon in early spring followed by several sprint/oly triathlons leading up to the Half Rev. Although I’ve had other “big” races this would be my first year of actually planning a race schedule per se.
So, help a sista out. Where and what should I do?
