Trouble is, that was in 2012 and it's almost 2015. Way to make shit happen, Kristen.
I have run 2 half marathons since then. Both were.. not great.
But! We are not talking about those today, today we are only being positive and awesome, so go away negativity! I shun you.
Ahem.
I've mentioned before that I would like to do the triple crown (5k, 10k, 10m) but have decided not to do them unless work pays for them (so keep your fingers crossed for me). I am doing the rock n roll half marathon in March. And after that, I am going to do the KY Derby mini, which was the race I did in 2012. One of those races is going to be my bitch.
If I sign up for all the races, this will be my schedule:
7th March: 5 km
14th March: Rock n Roll Half
21st March: 10 km
4th April: 10 miler
25th April: Derby Half
I do not train well for races. I love to plan, but I'm not so great at following through with plans -unless they involve travel, in which case I totally do. But hard work? Not for this lazy girl.
But this time is different.
I got sick at the end of November just as I was starting to get back into it and love running again. Rude. Once I could breathe properly again, I made sure to get out there and hit the
I didn't want to plan too much because a) over planning means under achieving and giving up b) holidays c) NYC.
But December is over. And I'm ready.
With the help of the internet, info from Tracy and Alyssa, here's how I'm gonna do it:
Run Consistently
Number one, most important thing for me is that I have to run consistently. Life gets in the way and all that jazz. I don't care if I miss a hill run, or I don't feel like doing a speed workout. At the very minimum, just run.
Yoga + Strength Training (Cross Training)
Yoga helps me recover from a run and just helps my running in general. When I was at my best in 2012, I was doing weights just as often as I was running. So both of these are very important to making sure I stay on track and in the best possible shape.
Speed
I need to make sure I do specific speed workouts. Intervals and Tempo runs to be precise. I also need to make sure I can run race pace early on in the training, if only for a couple of miles at first.
Hills
I hate hills. The only reason I hate them is because I have none near me, and I despise driving to go for a run. I know, I know. I have to go to a park 20 minutes away that has horrible hills, and run them. As far as I can tell, the rock n roll half isn't particularly hilly (I have no idea how to read those things) but from experience I know the derby mini is. The good thing is, the 10 miler goes through the same park as the mini, so that's good training at least.
More miles
I need to make sure I can actually comfortably run 13.1 miles, so I have to do my long runs. These are always the ones that fall off, I'm much more likely to go for a 3-6 mile run than a 10 miler or more. I also know that a lot of plans do not recommend that you run the complete race distance before your race, but everyone is different. I don't intend to run 14 miles every weekend, but I do want to make sure that I can go out there and bust out that distance without blinking an eye, not relying only on hope on race day.
Run outside
This is really important as well. Just because you can run an 8 minute mile on the treadmill does not mean you can run it outside, Kristen. I am really bad at that. I can run as fast as I want for a couple miles just to get it over with, but I just don't have that oomph outside. Need to get the oomph. Not that I want to run 8 minute miles outside. Not that I can.
^ That might be my favourite thing ever.
I'm not going to share my specific training plan on here, because it's boring and I don't want to share my crazy goals just yet.
Bye Felecia! Linking up with the girls of course.
Hope everyone has a wonderful and safe end to 2014. See you on the other side!
Wow!! I'm super impressed with your running schedule!! You're a machine!!! I'm so with you on the running outside -- you feel like a true badass when you can get that 8 minute mile on a treadmill and then feel like you're going to die outside on the pavement!! You can do it!! :)
ReplyDeletethanks Laura :)
DeleteI REALLY need to start running too... or just walking... or ANYTHING. I don't do any kind of exercising... I know, BAD JESSICA!! I did pilates for awhile and enjoyed it... I should try and get back into that. good luck with your goals! :)
ReplyDeleteJessica
the.pyreflies.org
Girl, you seriously impress me with all of your running and training! You are so dedicated! I was running consistently for awhile and then I stopped. And then I went for a run yesterday and made it 2 miles before I felt like I was going to pass out LOL! I can't imagine running some of the races you do. You are killing it! And I agree, I can run so much faster on the treadmill then I go outside and it's like an 11 min mile LOL! Whomp whomp...
ReplyDelete<3, Pamela
Sequins & Sea Breezes
The hills and xo pictures cracked me up. So funny, so true.
ReplyDeleteIf I had to pick just one thing that has helped my running, it's simply more miles. Fast miles are good, hard miles are good, but just logging miles, period, is good. I don't blame you for not wanting to drive to run - I wouldn't either - but maybe you can try to do it once every couple of weeks so that you get your hill training in?
You have a race 3 weekends in a row?! Hats off to you, girl.
Kristen! I am SO happy you posted this. I have run 4 half marathons too. Every time, I have gotten closer and closer to 2 hours (seriously, 2:10, 2:07, 2:04, 2:02), but never under 2. So, I'm running one on March 18 and I am hoping to do 2 hours. I have NEVER trained appropriately for a half marathon and then I get discouraged with myself. So, I'm going to be serious with my running... even though I haven't run in about 6 months. Good luck with your goals! I can't wait to hear how all this goes! xoxo
ReplyDeleteYou're a machine my friend! You go girl.
ReplyDeleteOh gosh...This post would pop up on my feed today of all days. I am doing a running challenge against a manager at work, and I am dreading it as I have never "loved" running. With all this thinking and talking of running happening again in a couple days that though of training for the women nike half marathon crossed my mind...
ReplyDeleteI love these goals! But you knew I would :) I have no doubt that if you really decide this is something you *really want to do* and commit to it, you can make it happen. Thing is, running IS hard. It's hard for everyone at points, even the people who make it look easy. Getting better isn't about it hurting or sucking less; it's about being able to endure the suck better. Not that there aren't tremendously fun and glorious moments of running as well. I hope you know what I mean. Anyway. If you want to send me your training plan so I can be your cheerleader on run days or virtual running buddy, you know I'd be happy to!
ReplyDeleteKeep us updated with how you're doing! I bet providing updates will keep you motivated a little bit. Plus, it might motivate me to get my butt in gear and get back to the running. It's been a glorious 2.5 week break since my half :) but... time to get back to it. Your March looks like fun! Good luck with everything! Can't wait to hear how it all goes!
ReplyDeleteI signed up for the derby ... & then found out I had a wedding to photograph. so no go on that... but I did just register yesterday for the 5k & 10k :) Hope your work pays for you! Tomorrow is the last day before prices rise!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is a lot of races in the span of a month and a half. Good luck, girly! Anyone who runs races (or just runs in general) amazes me. I am in awe of you and all the other runners out there :) I definitely hope to get back into the gym really soon, slowly start building up my cardio and strength again. I really want to go skiing this winter (I didn't go at all last winter...) but I'm afraid that my legs won't be able to do all the work.. ahh!!
ReplyDeleteThis is making me feel like I need to get my butt in shape!!!
ReplyDeleteMelanie @ meandmr.com
geez that is a lot of races in a very short amount of time. I have faith in you! You can do it! Make those races your bitch!
ReplyDeleteoh you've totally got this! a sub 2:00 is in your future for sure!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you dislocated your knee!! How painful! I'm planning to train for my first half marathon this year (I only just started running in 2014...I couldn't run to the end of my driveway when I started haha). So maybe we can keep each other in check!
ReplyDeleteGirl you are amazing!!! I would legit die if I tried to run 10 miles! Like for real! But I know you can do it!! You always successes your goals!
ReplyDelete<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Holy crap, you dislocated your knee?! Ouch! And you have a mighty aggressive running schedule planned for this spring. I like it! You got this. Here's a tip for running hills: Use your calf muscles to push off the ground below while you lean forward as you run up the hill. That will help "propel" you up the hill. I actually love running hills - I just hate coming down them because it's so much stress on the knees and all resistance work. Boo to that.
ReplyDeleteGood luck lady! You got that sub 2hr half! Keep on keepin' on.
Eeee this schedule looks awesome! I want to get into hills this year too...scary though!!
ReplyDeleteI love that quote "You're not going to die xo running" I'm still laughing
Eek! Your lineup looks so awesome! I'm so ready to get back into the running game. Hopefully it won't be long.
ReplyDeleteThat's totally right about running hills. You don't get better at them by walking them.
Good luck with your training, girl!... and no, you won't die. ;) That helps me get through the hard runs.
So many races lined up- you will do awesome! I'm kind of taking the same mindset of December being almost over, it's time to stop with the excuses. I'm not good with running in general, and am definitely bad about running outside when it's under 70 degrees. What is your schedule usually like for running and then incorporating yoga and strength training?
ReplyDeletehehe you're not going to die... I love it! Good luck, and FYI even if I loved running I wouldn't compromise NYC either. :) Good luck with your running goals! I really need to think about my 2015 goals! :) XO -Alexandra
ReplyDeleteSimply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Good luck! I've never had a desire to run a marathon (or half for that matter)...but I really respect those that can!
ReplyDeleteYou've got this lady!!!! I'm thinking about signing up for the rock and roll half to ruin t with y'all!
ReplyDeleteYou got this! I really need to get my butt in gear & sign up for some races. I put "run 6 races" on my 27 by 27 list... yes I still have 10 months left but Jan is pretty much out since I haven't been training so that means almost monthly...
ReplyDeleteConsistent it the hard part. I sprained my ankle so I haven't been able to run lately which blows. Treadmill and running outside are so different, so its smart to get some outdoor running in. You are going to rock it!
ReplyDeleteGood for you girly!! I effing hate running but I love that you have this all planned out... I'm a planner. Gotta have one. You got this!!! Happy New Years Eve Eve:)
ReplyDeleteYour work pays for your races? That's so cool! And look at you staying motivated! What do you have to lose? Bc you definitely "won't die" even if it may feel like it. ;) Good luck girl!
ReplyDeleteThings happen when you plan and it looks like you have some great races coming up! They sound like some hard work but will definitely be rewarding. Good luck!!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your goals! I'm ready to get back into running for 2015, too!
ReplyDeleteI mean ... I know you are going to rock this so I dont even need to tell you that! I look forward to seeing you accomplish these goals. Some of mine are actually similar! Good luck girlie. And ps I agree hills suck!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love yoga after I've done a hard workout. It's such a relief to let my body be more relaxed but moving, and I can look forward to it. I hate hills! I always feel dumb after I'm exhausted reaching the top of them, because Delaware is one of the flattest states, but I don't care, it's still hills and they are hard.
ReplyDeleteDon't be down about having trouble following through on things. Hell, some people don't even bother to plan. But you're doing both and I know it'll turn out well. Good luck!!!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, girl! I have a goal of a half marathon for 2015 - which I'm ecstatic and terrified about haha I was trying for it in 2014, but baby made it a little impossible lol I hope to be half as good at running as you!
ReplyDeleteThe hubs and I are going to attempt to start running. Neither of us have ever been big runners but we are hoping we will come to love it. I may be coming to you for some advice!
ReplyDeleteI can't second the "8 mins on a treadmill isn't the same as running outside" more. I always think I'm improving, but the outside conditions are so different it's like my training on a treadmill was for naught!
ReplyDeleteAnother Beautiful Thing
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ReplyDelete