I can’t stop thinking about running today. I think it’s because I’m back home, and back to some sort of routine.
This morning, I worked on my book. I wrote 1,500 words easily. Waaaay easier than the fiction number I was working on for NaNoWriMo. Did I mention this book is about running?
Then I researched marathon training plans. This was more difficult than the writing. I can’t decide. I’ve got a half in about 11 weeks and a marathon in about 23 weeks. Can I combine the training? I don’t want to train for the full marathon for 23 weeks because I think I will get burnt out. I’m thinking 18 weeks would be good. I like this one by Mr. Higdon.
The other training issue I was having this morning was deciding how to alter the long-run Sunday programs to fit my mom/work/life schedule. I was still stuck when I texted Heather (Almost Running) to see if she wanted to run tomorrow. But she has a conflict on Sundays now. “How about next Saturday?” she texted back.
That’s IT!
If I move my long runs to Saturdays, I can use Sunday as a rest day, a family day! Then I can run on Mondays, either before everyone wakes up or with T Junior in the BOB. On Tuesday, I can do cross training on my lunch hour at the Secret Gym and on Wednesday, I can do strength at lunch. Thursday is a rest day. I’m always wiped out on Thursdays anyway. Friday, I will run early or later with T Junior. Saturday…long run! Yay! Thanks to Heather for inadvertently figuring that out for me. Now if I could just decide when to start training and how far to run.
Today, I decided on three miles. I was a little sore from my 5-miler yesterday even though I stretched. It was raining this morning, but it cleared up just in time for my afternoon run. Yippee! I wore capris, my Jingle Bell 5K shirt and my new cool weather hat. I used my phone carrier that my sister gave me and clipped on my iFitness belt so I could listen to my Zune. Oh, and my Garmin, of course.
(actually, I think she wanted to go with me.)
I was excited to wear my new Under Armour beanie that Mr. T got me for Christmas. It has a slit in the back for a ponytail, which to be honest, I thought was cool, but probably not necessary. Boy, was I wrong! I was really surprised what a difference that made in the comfort of the hat. It was nice not to have all my hair shoved in there. The hat kept me warm, but not too warm and my head didn’t get overly sweaty. Love this hat!
The phone carrier that my sister got me is great, but I’m not sure where she got it. I know they have something very similar at the Nike Outlet in North Bend, and it’s fairly inexpensive, between $10-$15.
All this new stuff is great, but as soon as I started running I remembered there’s something ELSE I need to buy.
First, I have a confession.
I only have two sports bras: a gray one and a blue one.
What’s worse is that I’ve had them since my JUNIOR YEAR in HIGH SCHOOL. Not college, which was over 10 years ago. High school. These sports bras are about 16 years old. Yikes.
The blue one is actually in pretty good shape. It’s my good sports bra. The gray one lost its elasticity last month and does pretty much nothing. In fact, I can’t really call it a bra anymore. But I had to wear it today since I wore the blue one yesterday. It sucks. I need a new one ASAP. Luckily (or unluckily), I don’t have much that…um…that needs control in that area.
Despite the gray sports bra, today’s run went well. I felt better than yesterday, but I can tell I didn’t run very much over the past couple of weeks. Usually, I have no breathing issues, but both today and yesterday, I felt out of breath. Tired.
I love having the Garmin. I just ran wherever. No route. I intended to turn right off of our street, but I turned left instead. I don’t know why. Just ’cause. I also did something a little different as far as my pace.
I started out faster than I normally do. Usually, I start really slow and then increase my speed. Today, I wanted to start out a little faster and see what would happen. Here are the results:
3.15 Miles: 32:24
Average pace/mile: 10:17
Mile 1: 9:53
Mile 2: 10:06
Mile 3: 10:30
.15 Mile: 12:51 (this was a cool down; I should’ve stopped the Garmin at 3 miles, but oh well)
Even though I slowed down at the end, I think I may try starting out a bit faster on future runs. I surprised myself, that’s for sure!
11 comments
When I trained for my first Half I was using a Full Marathon training schedule, I think it works just fine. You may have to incorporate more speed work if you are looking to PR.My FAVORITE Sports bras are $20 big Nike Swoosh ones sold at Sports Authority, you can also get good Dryfit ones at Ross or Nordstrom Rack.. Go buy more!! Like ASAP!!So glad you like your Garmin..
Good advice! Thanks, Mel!
I need new sports bras too, I'm just scared I'll blow $20 on one I hate!
I combined a half and full training program this year and it worked out quite well. We did a 24 week one that peaked in mileage once for the half and then tapered and came back up for the full. I will send it to you if you want to check it out.Sports bras: my favorite is the FIONA BRA by moving comfort. It's around 40, but you can often find it on sale. It is worth every penny. Super supportive with adjustable straps and a standard bra closure. Love it!
Glad I could help with your scheduling issue! 🙂 However, I hope you realize that you have far surpassed my pace. I would be happy to meet you at the starting line though, maybe you could circle back for me!Regarding the bra issue: I have had pretty good luck with Moving Comfort also. But, with any bra I've tried, once I get past the 6-mile mark, I get the chaffing and hooks digging into my back. Duct tape works for a while. Now that it's winter I wear my bra over my under armour, and under my running vest. I don't know what I'm going to do when it gets warmer. Since I have been generously blessed by the boob-fairy, I don't know if any bra can combat all that mass in constant chaffing motion.
That's pretty funny that you've had your sports bras since high school…me too!! EEK! I just recently purchased a pink one from Target and it was the best $16 bra I've ever bought. Sometimes they're on clearance too for $10 or something. Definitely check out TJ Maxx and Marshalls or Ross. 🙂 You NEED to support your girls! 🙂 Hee hee.
Hahaha, Heather! The boob fairy?! LOL!
Can I just WHINE for a second and say I want a Garmin so bad!!!! Wahhhhhhhhhhhh. haha Ok I'm done! I LOVE your beanie! It's so cute! And I seriously need some new running bras too. Eek.
That's just nuts that you have two sports bras and one is eons old. I have a drawer full! I used to squeeze into a double D and would have to wear a normal bra with two or three sports bras. Super happy I had the girls downsized and can usually wear only one.Go shopping!
I have that same beanie with the slit in the back, and really like it a lot. As for the sports bras… yeah, you need to invest in a few more!
If your ultimate goal is to run a marathon, then select a marathon plan. The one you've elected is good – I'm a big Higdon lover.I tried a 24 week plan for my last marathon, but just found it too much too long. Runing became drudgery toward the end of the plan. Stick with 18 weeks.If you look at that Higdon Plan, I believe your HM falls on a step back week (9 miles?). So flip the step back week (the whole week) with the following week's training (the one that shows the 14 mile long run) and voila! Although you won't be peaked for the HM, it will fit nicely into the plan you've chosen!