Skip to main content

Let the Training Begin

Monday marks the official first day of the 18-week marathon training program a-la Hal Higdon. I'm doing the Novice 2 program because I want to improve my time but don't have the number of days to train that are called for in the Intermediate. I am probably going to make some modifications to the program. For instance, once in a while, I like to do repeats, so they may take the place of some short/moderate runs. Also, the long runs are going to flip-flop around due to my horrendous schedule. I am starting the training off with an 8-miler on Monday either at 6 am or 5:30 pm depending on how things go, though I am opting for the earlier time in the event that I get worn out going hundreds of miles on an off-site.

I always like to have one week without a long run scheduled in the event that I get sick, too busy, etc. It's a safety cushion, of sorts. So I guess in a way, my training has already begun, though I'm still feeling a bit worn from the half that was almost two weeks ago (though it might be my schedule that is tiring me rather than the running itself... who knows).

Top 3 Hurdles:
    • sleep: You need more of it while training... crud.

    • hunger: I recall eating a LOT last year while training, and my erratic eating schedule as of late might not cut it. I should probably reintroduce oatmeal into my breakfasts/lunches, and along with my Jamba Juice addiction (w/Immunity boosts), I should survive.

    • schedule: I already mentioned this. Oh, and although this is unrelated, one of my toenails is already having major trouble. =/
Top 3 Life-Savers:
    • Jamba Juice: I mentioned this.

    • winter break: Yes, I get a month off of school during some of the toughest weeks (not the peak, though, unfortunately), which will help (although I have two vacations scheduled in there, possibly a third). I will make the most of it!

    • others: Swapping running experiences is always fun.

Good luck to everyone who will be (kinda) training along with me. The stripe-earning part of marathoning takes place BEFORE you get to the start line. It is not having the guts to run a marathon that is admirable; it's the dedication brought forth during the 18+ weeks prior that distinguishes "marathoners" from other runners and 99% of the rest of the world.


------

Link: http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/novice2.htm

Comments

  1. good luck julie!!!!!!! you can do it! :D

    ReplyDelete
  2. And a-way we go... :) I cannot believe that the first long run is 8 miles...shessh. Going to the Rosemead track this coming weekend. It is actually one of my free weekends with no activities.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Giveaway Winner! -- Sony W Series MP3 Player (Update)

Updated Post: 3/20/11 As promised, here are the Sony W Series giveaway winners: -- both have been contacted and prizes sent -- Please e-mail me at (Gmail) Nobel4Lit2 with your addresses, and I'll ship out the units soon! Thanks to everyone who entered.  Stay tuned for another giveaway soon (maybe later this week)! (Note: I ended up putting everyone's retweets starting after the comments when it came to numbering the entries.) Original Post: 3/10/11 Sunday, March 20 2011, the day I will run LA Marathon for the 4th time (and embark on my 8th 26.2 journey overall), will also be very special because it will mark the 5th year since I did my FIRST training run with the intention of running a marathon.  (Check out that life-changing post HERE ). Yep, on March 20, 2006, I went to the track and ran my first 3.25 miles with the dreams of marathon glory (or even half-marathon glory). I think it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.  I was a sprint/track

StyleScience Airfoil Sunglasses

Much too long after the death of my last pair of sunglasses, I managed to get my hands on another pair. This one comes from CVS/pharmacy. I figured that since a more expensive pair blew out on me, why not a drugstore one? So after going to speciality stores, I came upon this one that looks and feels good... StyleScience's Airfoil. I didn't notice until later that this is meant for men, but my large head circumference called for it, I think. Anyway, I like that the sides have some ventilation (via a large triangular hole). I hope not to break this one...

Sharkies Prize Pack (giveaway)

It's giveaway time! On a long run recently, I took a couple packs of Sharkies Organic Sports Chews  with me to keep me going on a hot day.  I got through those 15 miles  eating these, versus normal gels.  I've been opting to eat chews over gels in my running nowadays because I just find them more palatable and easier on my stomach for some reason.  Plus, they do pack a few more calories, which is a good thing in this case. I normally associate cute little chews with candy, but these actually contain natural electrolytes.  Plus, they were light to carry and very tasty, too!  Each pack is about 140 calories.  The only downside I found to the sport chews is that they stuck to my teeth a tiny bit more than my normal choices, and the packaging gave me a fight at times.  This could easily be solved by conslidating them into a baggie pre-run, or eating them BEFORE running would be much easier than during. Want to win the prize pack below?  It comes with these Sport Chews, a neat