The first four weeks of Chicago Marathon training has come to a close. I learned a lot in the past few weeks. Each piece of knowledge will definitely improve my training.
The new program I am using keeps it interesting and challenges me on different levels. It’s a foreign way of training to me. I logged miles during my first two years of running. The new program incorporates speed workouts of many forms. I’m blessed to have my brother train with me. He guides me through the new running exercises. Having a partner to train with helps me keep the demons at bay. If he weren’t there, I might have cut short a training session or had a cheat day (or three.)
I’m adding another layer to my training, On the hamster wheel, I felt my shoulders rolling in. My core was unable to keep up with the pace my leg and goal set. Other muscle groups attempt to compensate and fatigue from the extra load. Every muscle needs to contribute equally to keep my form. I want to be fast and strong for the Chicago Marathon. I want to run happy. I also want to look good too. The lower half of my body looks like the legs of a training Spartan in the movie 300 while my upper body looks like Olive Oyl gained some weight. Disturbing indeed. Therefore, I’m adding resistance training to my regimen.
I discovered how important sleep is for daily recovery. My mood and performance swings with the amount of sleep I get and how I wind down. I decided to limit my availability at my job to keep my training and sleep schedule regular. It seems that I receive the same amount of hours when I was in school and my almost completely open availability I have now. A limited availability will make me less crazy as it’s one less thing that I have to keep track of.
I eat more when I stay at home. If I attempt to stay awake, all I do is eat easily assessable junk. I eat when I’m bored. I eat when I’m stressed. It’s like an alcoholic at an open bar. So, I decided to spend more time at Borders, Starbucks, or the library to write or read. I’ll spend a few dollars on a Javakula but the calorie hit is much lower than if I were at home.
I closed out the first four weeks of training with the Stampede Run 5k/10k in Arlington Heights. Interval, hill, and tempo workouts paid off. I went out too fast for the first mile, my legs and back had that cramping burning feeling. I ended the race with a personal best despite the warm weather and the stench of lawn fertilizer.
The next four weeks begins with a trip to Austin, TX. My friend Danielle plans on attending a graduate school out of state so I’ll be visiting University of Texas with her. Vacations and trips are a dangerous time. It’s easy to justify the extra calories or the lack of training. I’ve made a commitment to stick to it while I’m on the road. I found a 10k on our way to Austin called the Toughest 10k in Texas. It’s part of Lampasas’s Spring Ho! Festival.
I hope everyone is progressing with their training or injury recovery. I hope to run with all of you soon. Have fun. Live well. Run happy.
Summer launched on a great note. Beautiful weather. Beautiful place. Beautiful. Simply beautiful. The Soldier Field 10 was my almost perfect. Bike the Drive. The Chicago Blackhawks won the first two games of the the Stanley Cup finals.
south to the Museum of Science and Industry. I must say, the volunteers on the southside seemed much more excited and into it than volunteers on the northside. I might consider living down south. I took a few great photo perspectives while riding. I just wish I had one with me and my brother. It was a blast riding a carless Lake Shore Drive. It’s something I definitely want to do again. 