Monday, February 25, 2013

It's Official

I am now in training.

For what you ask, well a 10 mile race of course!

The 10 mile race, so far, is my favorite distance.  Now, to be fair, I have not run an official 10k or full marathon, yet.  Non the less, 10 miles is still my fav and I am betting it will always be.

I am sure it is a mental thing.  I mean is 10 really that much different than 13.1?  In my head it is.  For some reason, I like the idea of going out for 5 miles and then it is just 5 more till I am home.  Going out for 6 1/2 and back messes with my head.  I can do it and I will do it again, but 10 to me is perfect. Crazy, right?  Maybe.

Which race?  Well, hopefully, the inaugural Newport 10 Miler.  I say "hopefully" for a couple reasons.

First, I just want to train, and see how I feel.  Remember the real goal here is 26.2 and if it takes me a little longer to get to 10 then so be it.

Second, the kids.  I have no idea what Mr. RWM's schedule will look like for April and if he is not here, sitting may be an issue.  I have babysitters, but I usually can't get anyone in the early mornings.

Because of this, I have not registered.  I rather pay the extra registration fee than lose the whole thing.  I am not worried, it always works out.

Now for the training.  I originally thought I could do this on my own.  Just get out there and run, you will eventually get to ten, right?  Wrong!

I am apparently a person who needs a plan, tell me what to do today and I will do it.  Simple as that.  I also wanted to make a change from what I did last year.

Last year, I ran 4-5 days a week with very little cross training.  I needed to cross train.  I needed more strength training.  That is what my hip needed.

This time around, I want to run 3-4 days a week and add the cross training for a total of six days.  I found this plan:

It's Hal Higdons and it looks good to me.  I went with intermediate because at the novice level your first long run is 6 miles.  I am just not there yet.  I will modify this plan just a little.  Like for instance, I am starting at week two and I think week 4 needs a 3 mile run.  Based on my families schedule, my longs run days will be either, Friday, Saturday or Sunday with an occasion Monday, but I will make it work. I am a mom, it's what we do.

So I ask you, what do you think?  Please, please feel free to offer any advice you may have.  My goal is to stay injury free while adding distance.  This is ultimately the beginning of 26.2 training.  Does it make sense to you?  Would you change anything?  Do you have a favorite race distance?

Alright then, 3 miles is on the books for tomorrow.  Let's go!

Run Strong, Think Big! ~ Nicole






14 comments:

  1. Welcome to training :) Come join us on the MOnday training link up.

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  2. The beginning of training is the best! Good luck on a great, injury free training cycle!

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  3. Good luck! I'm training for my first half marathon at the end of March and just did my first 10 mile long run. It felt so long but it's so much fun when you finish.

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    1. That is awesome! I will never forget the first time I ran 10 miles. To date, it is one of the best runs I have ever had.

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  4. Tweak it however you need to tweak to make it fit your life. And if you miss a run because life gets in the way or you just can't make yourself get out there one day, don't stress or beat yourself up over it. As long as you get back on track, diversions from the plan here and there are no big deal. Good luck!

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    1. Thanks, yes, I am going to make it work for me. I will try not to stress but that may be easier said then done. LOL

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  5. I love 10 milers!! I've only done one 10 mile race (it was a point to point race here in Omaha, Nebraska) and I LOVED it! I've used Hal's plans for 5K, 15K, half marathon, and now I'm just entering week 10 of his novice plan for the full! (my full is in May-my first!). I run Mon/Wed/Thurs/Sat (Sat is my long run) and then I cross train on Tues/Fri with ellptical, upper and lower body weights as well as planks and push ups. So far its working for me! Trust his plans. Good luck with your training! (I love your blog too!)
    ~Anna
    fitgirlwannabe.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you Anna! It is so nice to hear that you like his plans and they are working well for you. So far, I love it and it is really working for me. Would love to hear how your full goes. How exciting!

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  6. Good Luck!!!

    The Newport 10 sounds like a fantastic run! I was fortunate enough to spend a few days there a couple of years ago...wow! What a gorgeous town!

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    1. Yes, I am looking forward to it! It is a beautiful place to run and I can't wait!

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