Training

When I got home I immediately put together a training plan utilizing a running plan I clipped from a magazine the summer before and my own knowledge.  The running plan's goal was to complete a Half in under 2 hours assuming you were running a 2:15 Half currently and was a 10 week plan.  As it turned out I was 11 weeks out from the Seattle Rock N Roll Half Marathon.  I knew I was not in good enough shape to get under 2 hours by Seattle, but my goal became to PR in Seattle (even if I only shave a few seconds) and then work on a sub 2:00 afterwards.  I knew I needed strenght and flexibility, not just running.  So, I put together a workout plan.  In case you haven't figured it out yet, when I do something...I tend to go whole hog and obsess a bit...My workout plan was in a 3 ring binder, tabbed out by month.  At the beginning of each month's tab there was a calendar.  The calendar listed each workout by day and was color coded - cardio is pink, strength training is purple, flexibility is blue, foam rolling is green, and fulcrums (part of my physical therapy) is peach; and the calendar lists the specifics of the workout (Back, Bis, and Shoulders, Chest and Tris, Abs twice weekly, and Legs for strength workouts; and running workouts were listed with specific mileage and paces).  Behind the calendar in each month was a log for each workout which listed the specific exercises to be performed for each workout and pages to record the types, dates, and durations of yoga workouts; each of these pages were in order of when they were to be performed.  Also, as I'd started running with a Garmin in Arizona I began printing the data from my training runs and including them in my binder as well.  When I complete a workout I record the details in a log then cross the workout off the calendar in black ink.  I keep 3 sharpies (bright pink, light pink, and blue) in the front pocket of my binder, if I complete all of my workouts for a day I drag a bright pink smiley face on the day, some but not all of the workouts I put a pale pink slanted face, and if I don't do any of them I put a blue frown on the day.   I was really good about my runs to begin with but sometimes missed a strength session and was horrible about committing to my yoga. 

In the meantime I began searching out half marathons on the web and in magazines that I was interested in and improved my spreadsheet.  It now includes the state, race name, date, and URL for any races I'm considering.  I have quite a list and have noted those I would prefer for each state...like I said, obsessed.

I had a race, the SuperHero Half in New Jersey, scheduled between the Flying Pirate and Seattle, but had worked it into my training plan as a training run and had no intention of running it for time.  The SuperHero was on May 15th.  Once we got there I realized I'd forgotten my race belt.  It was a cool, misty day.  I hadn't run in the rain for over a year, I wore a shell.  Not having my race belt I stuffed my gels, phone, ID, and credit card in the jacket pockets.  By Mile 1 I wished I hadn't worn the shell.  I tied it around my waist and was immediately irritated by the weight of the items in the pockets hanging around my ankles.  I spent the next 5 miles trying to enjoy the scenery and realizing I was having major issues with my feet...my toes were COMPLETELY numb.  I really thought it was the jacket, but couldn't be sure.  I took it off my waist and put it around my shoulders, holding the tied loop so it didn't choke me.  I got ready to toss it even though I'd just bought it the night before but then I remembered my phone, ID, and credit card.  The course was a loop with two laps.  Just before the midway point I took off the jacket and pulled the gels out of the pockets.  As I passed my six year old I tossed the jacket and told myself that if the circulation didn't improve in my feet within a mile I was going to stop...it would be a first.

Thankfully, in less than half of a mile my feet were fine, so I pressed on.  I enjoyed the second loop and took in all of the scenery. 

I was surprised and invigorated to see I finished the race STRONGLY in 2:15:33.  I could see the benefits of my training and was committed to continuing and finishing strong in Seattle.  I was convinced I could PR in Seattle...I was aiming for 2:10 - 2:12.