‘Winter’ Training

Yes..it is still Winter! We are past mid January and (knock on wood and fingers crossed) we’ve had a relatively mild winter so far! I know kids are likely bummed that there have been no snow days yet, BUT I for one am super thrilled!! I have a big race and training to keep up with and this weather makes it so much nicer to be out there! In the first 20 days of 2012, I’ve run in almost 70F temperatures and in 15F weather with winds blowing at 20-30mph and everything in between!! Its been a weather roller coaster to say the least.

Check out the 7-day forecast according to our local tv station….

…vs. what The Weather Channel shows for the next 10 days….I think I’d like to pick that forecast please

Now don’t get me wrong, I have no issues running in the rain and getting a little muddy on the trails, but the ones I run regularly tend to close when it rains in order to prevent trail damage. So the less rain the better…yes I know I’m being a little selfish here! Hey a girl has to train right?!

Speaking of training, I’m two and half weeks into Free State 40miler training and we’re building my base back up. It’s my first time using a coach for training and pretty sure it was the best decision I made for myself this training cycle. Every Sunday evening I receive a google doc with my training for the week. So far its been 4 run days, two cross training days and one complete rest day. Since I’ve dealt with some off and on issues one of the main goals of this training cycle (again) is to build miles and endurance to be able to finish my first 40miles strong and injury-free. Speed is not the primary goal. The first two week yoga was the main form of cross training and starting this week we’ve integrated strength training and I’m loving it. I’ve got to say having used a long term plans in the past, I really like not knowing what’s beyond the upcoming week. It seems to help me focus on the training week ahead without looking at what coming ahead and freaking myself out!! I guess ignorance is bliss in this case

Now this may not seem like much to most of you that run 50-100+ miles each week, but with my last run this week I hit 50miles for the month…which I believe is the earliest that I’ve hit this number since I’ve been running. And my longest run so far has only been 7miles! So this is a very good sign With the exception of a sore bum that I got when I fell on ice running Coleen’s Frozen Ass run last Friday the 13th which btw was an absolute blast!…my legs have felt pretty good! Definitely a good sign

As you can see training so far has been good..but I’ve got a long way to go and lots more miles to put on these legs! 91 days and counting down….one week at a time!!!