February. What is it? It's not the dead of winter and it's not really spring. There's still snow up at our local ski area (Eaglecrest Ski Area), but I'm feeling less and less motivated to ski in the rain. Well anyway, the pavement is clearing and I'm getting the itch to hit the road running. For me, running is a great time to think or pray or plan - or not. Or to just listen to my feet hitting the ground. I like feeling myself work hard, knowing it's doing me a world of good - body and soul. After a difficult run, I've gotten the benefits and no one can take them away from me. They're mine. If you're one of those people who doesn't need a goal to get you out there, I say: enjoy. But if you could use a little inspiration and accountability, read on...
Before we know it, the local running calendar will start filling up. We are only about two months out until regular races are happening. I'm trying to decide if I want to put any of them on my to-do list, but while I'm waffling, perhaps you have already decided you want to train for something specific.
Goal setting can take us from an idea to a reality.
"Goals are the fuel in the furnace of achievement."
-Brian Tracy
Just the other day I was chatting with my friend Lauren. She told me she's never been a runner before, but she found a great 5K training program online that she wanted to try. Serendipitously, I had come across that very same program the day before. For those who have always wanted to try running in a race but have felt intimidated, this is a very doable plan for success. Even the name is friendly: Couch to 5K Running Plan. This strategy for beginners involves getting out there three days per week, alternating jogging and walking, and building up as the eight weeks go on. Lauren just finished her first week is happy and excited for the next one. That sounds like success to me.
Perhaps you're interested in training for something a little bit longer. The 10K distance is very popular, and just about every town has a few offerings during the spring, summer and fall. There are many different training programs out there. I found this plan that seems like a good one. There are so many different plans out there, just be sure you give yourself one you can realistically follow, and one that plans for rest days.
Okay, you say you're feeling a bit saucy? You wanna run farther? For longer distances, I'm a big fan of Jeff Galloway's running programs. I used his training program for the marathons I've run, and have been completely injury free while training his way. His half marathon training schedule (which assumes you've been running consistently for a few weeks) is built around a 17 to 19 week training period. He also has a full marathon training program for runners and walkers to finish a marathon (32 weeks) and others if you have a time goal for your marathon (29 weeks). Word of caution: first time marathoners should not try for a time goal. Just relax, enjoy the thrill of the first experience, and finish with a smile on your face.
There are many different training programs out there for running marathons, but most of them were too hard core for this gal. I was drawn to Galloway's program because of the idea of running injury free and not having running take over my life and the life of my family. His plans are very sane and really helped me accomplish my goal (one of those "bucket list" things).
Training for and accomplishing something really hard is a great feeling. It strengthens you for other challenges in your life, as well. It bolsters your confidence in your ability to tackle difficulties of all kinds. It's empowering.
Preparing for a race is a worthy goal. But so is just getting out there and enjoying the jog and the meditation of left-right-left-right-left-right while a song goes through your head. Whatever it is that gets you out there, it's good enough. Enjoy.
I'll see you out there!
Okay, you say you're feeling a bit saucy? You wanna run farther? For longer distances, I'm a big fan of Jeff Galloway's running programs. I used his training program for the marathons I've run, and have been completely injury free while training his way. His half marathon training schedule (which assumes you've been running consistently for a few weeks) is built around a 17 to 19 week training period. He also has a full marathon training program for runners and walkers to finish a marathon (32 weeks) and others if you have a time goal for your marathon (29 weeks). Word of caution: first time marathoners should not try for a time goal. Just relax, enjoy the thrill of the first experience, and finish with a smile on your face.
There are many different training programs out there for running marathons, but most of them were too hard core for this gal. I was drawn to Galloway's program because of the idea of running injury free and not having running take over my life and the life of my family. His plans are very sane and really helped me accomplish my goal (one of those "bucket list" things).
Training for and accomplishing something really hard is a great feeling. It strengthens you for other challenges in your life, as well. It bolsters your confidence in your ability to tackle difficulties of all kinds. It's empowering.
Preparing for a race is a worthy goal. But so is just getting out there and enjoying the jog and the meditation of left-right-left-right-left-right while a song goes through your head. Whatever it is that gets you out there, it's good enough. Enjoy.
"It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end."
-Ernest Hemingway
I'll see you out there!
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