Training for the Sarasota Half Marathon (3-15-10) begins Saturday, Nov 21st. I have read and reread "4 Hours To A 4 Hour Marathon" at least 4 times. I bought this book when I was attempting to begin to qualify for Boston last year. "Space Coast Marathon" was to be my 4:40, last year's "Sarasota Grouper" was to be my 4:20 and then this year's "Space Coast" I wanted to be REALLY optimistic and go for the 3:50:59 to run Boston 2010.
That never happened and I was so bummed. I've been optimistically hopeful about getting some miles in. I decided that if I could do 8 miles by Nov 21st, I would get back to training. Last Saturday I did the 7 miler and survived it! This Saturday is the 8 mile run that will signify my being back in training. I am thrilled, excited, hopeful and most of all...READY!
This book has training guides for finishing times anywhere from 4 hours up to 5 hours, depending on your level of running and your goals. I've tailored it down for a half marathon with 4 months to train. There's a tiny kernel of hope that when I get to week 6 (15 miler) I may be able to do it. If I can, I am going to continue on with the training and attempt the full. So, yes...I'll be really doing the full marathon training for the first 6 weeks. This gives me the opportunity to pull back and be satisfied with the half if need be. I'm following the 4 hour guide knowing full well I can switch to a slower guide at any time. Have I convinced you? LOL...
The reason I'm training this way is because, truth be told...the problems I'm having with my muscles are not new. I just didn't understand that the pain was not normal when I started running. Nov 2, 2007 was the first time I ever ran, and I got right into training for the full marathon to be run on Mar 2, 2008. I ran one marathon while having these problems...I can do it again, right????
That's right folks!!! 4 months into running and I completed a marathon. I see now what a feat that was. (do I sound all proud of myself???...LOL) At the time I had no clue. To many things. So it took me 5:33:38 to get to the finish line. Not w/o injuries. I ran through pains that I should have seen as a signal that something wasn't quite right, but I didn't know. Now I do know...armed with all these valuable lessons learned, I'm ready to take on my 2nd marathon. I'm wondering if, by ignoring the signals last year, if I damaged my body to the point that I couldn't run at all... Who knows? I'll find out this time by paying closer attention.
I will also be paying closer attention to nutrition this time. My husband and I are discussing the P90X program. So far it looks like the perfect program to go hand in hand with my training. My husband just had 2 back surgeries since May and he's ready to get back to cycling and the gym. He's feeling very unenergetic, tired and a little down. I think doing this program together will benefit both of us.
If any of you have done this P90X let me know how you like(d) it. I know a few people who are doing it and they LOVE it...they look fabulous too!!!
I just peeked at the schedule and I see I'm supposed to do 7 miles this Saturday, not 8. And 9 miles the 2nd week...and the training pace the first couple weeks for the 4 hour marry is 10:40 to 11:10. I think my pace for the 7 miler last Saturday was 10:15. I'm screwing it up already....LOL
So I'll do 7 again this weekend. =P
9 comments:
I went looking for this same book this weened at but couldn't find it. Do you think it's helpful? I get a little overwhelmed when I see all the different marathon guides...
I started the P90X and only made it 4 days when I got hit with costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum). I stopped to let myself heal. But I liked the 4 days I did and am thinking of starting it again. I will say this - I am scared of push-ups...and I have never seen so many different types as on these workouts...
Happy training, Kim! Out of curiosity, how many running days/week does this plan have you do?
We have the P90X tapes, but I haven't really done them - they're TOUGH!
I know a couple of people who did the P90X and really liked it. I didn't get to see their full results, but they claimed it was great.
I don't think I could fit one more thing into my schedule.
I also have the P90X dvd's but haven't started it yet. Just looking for the right time for me to start, which may be soon! So glad you're in training, and your idea of starting with marathon training and reducing to half marathon is great! Keep it up girl!
I am going to have to get that book. I have 8 miles scheduled for Saturday. I am camping in the desert this weekend, so it should be fun. Keep up the good work!!!
Exciting to be training for a marathon or a half, whatever you decide. I'm looking into plans for a half although I don't have a half picked out yet lol, I just want some structure and build base at the same time.
The lessons learned are valuable and know you know what to do and what not to do. Good luck, I'll be cheering for you!
Sounds like you are getting back on track and doing things right this go around. I wish you the best of luck! Thanks for stopping by and saying hi!!! :)
P.S. I have a few friends that L-O-V-E P90X!
Good luck with your goals!
Hello. Just stumbled into your blog. We need the same BQ qualifying time so I'll be watching and cheering you on!
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