XT?

Today I decided to ride a stationary bike for my workout because the heels of my feet were killing me. I think it had something to do with walking around a carnival in flip flops all day yesterday. I brought the latest issue of my Runner's World magazine to help keep me from going insane. (I ended up only reading it on the commercials of What Not to Wear...loove that show!) I've been interested in this issue because it has been dedicated to Half Marathons. It talks about programs for seasoned marathoners and beginners, and those in-between as well.

I'm not planning on running any halfs anytime soon, but I AM training for a 10K and I'm always looking for opinions on how I should train. Especially now, as my knee is worse than ever before. It used to be that I would run, my knee would hurt for about a mile, and then it would go away. Nowadays my knee hurts the instant I begin to run, and only gets progressively worse throughout the workout. UGH.

Back to my point. I read through the suggested training schedule for beginners, and was amazed at how much XT was on the schedule! (that's cross-training for those who didn't know) With my previous programs, there was hardly any (if any at all) cross training on the schedule. Cross training is awesome because you can choose any activity you want, as long as it isn't running! ALSO, the only workout measured in distance is your Saturday long runs. The rest say something like 40 min run, 50 min run, etc. Same with the cross training. The woman who designed this program, Jenny Hadfield, emphasizes that for beginners it's all about slow, steady improvements and that cross training is a huge part of that training so that you can avoid injuries, fatigue, and BOREDOM.

I think I'm going to give it a shot. Jenny mentions in the article that most beginning runners keep sticking to their schedules even if their bodies don't adapt. I feel that I do that. She claims that her program will help beginner runners' bodies adapt to the changes of running long distances. I'll let you all know how it goes.

If you want to see the program, try visiting runnersworld.com, or leave a comment and I can let you in on it ;)

4th of July 5K

Well, we did it. I sucessfully convinced Tony and his parents to complete a 5K with me this past Saturday for the 4th. We all did really well for our different levels. Tony (he's a fast guy) finished 2nd in his age division! I was so proud of him! This was his first race ever. I knew he would do well because he likes the short, faster distances.

I was hoping to beat my last 5k time by four minutes and I was on good pace to do so, but right around mile 1 I twisted my knee by slipping on some loose rocks causing causing me to have to walk some of the race. BUMMER! But, despite being injured, I finished 12th in my age division and was right around my last 5K time. I was pleased to know that I am indeed faster than I was before since I walked some of the race and finished at a similar pace.

I was glad to have watched the movie "The Spirit of the Marathon" a couple nights before the race. I didn't watch it FOR the race, but just because I thought it looked interesting and I've been wanting to see it for a while. There was a girl on there who was talking about how you can train and train until you're brains melt out of your ears and be more ready than ever for your race, but if your body isn't feeling up to it that day, there's nothing you can do! It's kind of discouraging, but kind of ENcouraging at the same time. Yeah, I was a little sad that I didn't get a better time, but it wasn't because I wasn't good enough. My body just didn't let me finish the way I wanted to. That's always something I will have to deal with as a runner. So, there's my take-home message for the day.

In other news, I am planning for my first ever 10K! I started the training program yesterday and I've picked out a race that I'd like to do in Park City, Utah. For those who don't know, a 10K is 6.4 miles--twice a 5K. I have gone that distance before, but only ONCE. In my training I'm going to work up slowly to it for an 8-week period. I'm so excited! I'm also trying a new diet system to hopefully shed some poundage. I'm sure that being 10lbs lighter will help my running immensely.

My BIG goal that I've recently set is to run the Half Marathon in the SLC Marathon events next April (2010). I ran my first 5K in that race and I think it's a pretty doable goal. I think I'll have plenty of training time. Then I'm going to train for the big dog, and complete my first marathon sometime after that. I'm not quite sure how long it takes to train for a marathon, but I am thinking the October following my half I would go down to St. George and run that race.

I'm crazy.