Wednesday, December 15, 2010

One Month Out...

Wow, guess what is supposed to happen a month from today??

THIS!!

Um, GULP!

How am I feeling about it?  Well, nervous for one thing.  Today I started looking over my training plan(s) to see how I feel about where I am.  Honestly, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried I'm under training a little for my marathon.  I made up more than one Runner's World Smart Coach training plan (there's varying degrees of difficulty) and have been using them as a guide, but I've been making changes as necessary, doing it my way, and not following them 100%.  I think my long runs are definitely in good shape, but my mid-week runs and cross training might be less than where they should be at this point.

Reasons?
  • Time is a huge one.  I honestly DO NOT KNOW how people fit in 8 mile runs during the week.  I just don't feel like I have that much time to run on weeknights!  I can put in around an hour of running (which usually translates to about 5 miles for me), but much more than that is difficult by the time I get home and everything else I have to get done before I go to bed!  Plus, this time of year (holidays) there is so much going on that it's a struggle to fit everything in.  Case and point- tonight I am cramming in my run tonight since I have a million things to do before my family gets here for our Christmas weekend tomorrow.
  • I prefer not to run every day and try not to run two days in a row if I can help it.  I have noticed that giving myself a day off in between runs helps me a lot and seems to be keeping me injury free, so I try not to stack runs back to back.  The problem is this often means I only get in two runs (usually about 5 miles each) during the week and then my long run on the weekend, so I'm usually just doing three runs total a week.  Is that enough?  I'm not sure.
  • It's FRIGGIN freezing outside lately (sub 35 degrees!!) and normally I have to run outside, in the dark, in the cold on a weeknight.  I have been giving myself a break and calling it a success if I can get in 4 miles or so while contending with those difficult weather conditions.
  • I've had a cold for a couple weeks.  I've been on the fence about whether to push myself while kind of sick or not.  I'm definitely afraid to make things worse.
So there you have it.  I am hoping that the "weak" weekly running will not be as huge a factor as the fact that I have been successful in getting my long runs in as planned.  I'm also hoping giving myself enough rest will count for more than an abundance of mid-week running, but I don't know.  I think I would take being slightly under trained than over trained if it means not risking injury or burnout.  I totally kicked butt on my 3rd half marathon this past weekend and felt pretty great on that run, so I feel like I must be doing something right.

Now that I'm a month out, I have about two more weeks of what should be "hard" running before the taper kicks in, so I think I'm going to try and ramp it up a little if I can.  I also need to try to do more yoga/cross training/strength training if I can.  Reading Emily's post reminded me that this is also essential to being a good runner.  Ramping up my training may be difficult with my family visiting this weekend and Christmas next week.  I'm going to do my best though!  I need more hours in the day!!!!

I welcome thoughts and feedback from seasoned running veterans (which I know many of you are!!), so please let me know what you think!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I always worried I wasn't doing enough! I had a guideline I followed as well, but it certainly was not to the letter! I did the best I could running 4-5 days a week, longer runs on sunday or monday morning (yikes!). Even though it was just a few months ago I can't believe I started at work and ran past old town and back! I only did 2 20 milers. I felt like I learned a lot from them, like what to eat and what to wear, but it was mostly about confidence. I did that and didn't die, and neither will you! I know you will do great!! I only wish I was local so I could cheer you on, I will be cheering from DC so listen for me :)
Alison

Liz said...

It is completely natural to worry about doing enough. I only ran 3 days a week during my training and it was completely fine. I have always read that your long run is the most important, so it is good you are keeping up with that. I'm not sure if it jives with your schedule, but the only way I had time to do my long (up to 10 miles) weekday run was to wake up super early. Of course it was September when I was doing it, so I didn't have to worry about cold or darkness.
I know you are going to finish and do awesome!!

Null said...

Did someone say baby?! Looks like an even bigger project may be in the works after the marathon :)

Anonymous said...

I think you will be great! You have been getting in your long runs, which I've heard are essential. Trust your training!

On a sidenote, how cool that you are running in Charleston! My best friend just moved there with her husband- I can't wait to visit her!

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