Thursday, December 27, 2007

Pondering 2008

Good news: I survived a personal training session without passing out! :) Today we did all things LEG. Some of it was like medieval torture. At one point during one exercise she said "this really will burn it off." I don't know exactly which "it" she was referring to, but I am for burning off most anything! Ha.

My vacation is almost here. When I return, it's training time! I have a 15K race on February 16th and the Little Rock Half Marathon on March 2nd. I am still trying to decide which spring marathon to go for. I have slimmed the field to four. Two are quick drives: St. Louis or Oklahoma City (6 hours or less). One is a longer drive: Louisville, Kentucky. One requires flying: Virginia Beach. Oh the possibilities!

This time 'round, I am making some changes. I plan to incorporate a day of heavy cross training in lieu of a run. Shocker! But, I figure it'll break up the monotony and keep me out of the cold and off the boring streets. I could do the elliptical in the garage while watching TV -- not too shabby.

The big shocker, however, is that I plan to do my long runs with a GROUP. I know, I know -- what has come over me? The fact is... each time I ran with others this past training season I ran BETTER. And I was safer, I know. So I am giving up a bit of independence and going GROUP! We'll see how it goes. I can always switch back to my local paths which I have WORN OUT.

And I just might force a treadmill day. No cars, no cold, easier on the legs... the list goes on and on. And if I KNOW that it is just once per week, I bet it will be easier to swallow.

And I might make one day per week a two-a-day session... but that one is still up in the air.

Lots of changes, huh? Yep. I guess the 20 weeks of St. Jude training just "got the better" of my spirit. I was worn out! So I am attempting to completely revamp my schedule in hopes of a whole new me. I foresee good things!

6 comments:

HS Matt said...

You might want to check out the Furman Institutde marathon plan.

http://www.furman.edu/first/fmtp.html

I did a show on it a while back. It calls for 3 Key runs a week and cross training the other days. I managed a PR using it.

Annette said...

Susan I am glad to see you planning ahead. Which group are you planning on running with?? I know everyone is different but I cannot imagine training for a marathon alone and I give you many kudos for training for two marathons mostly by yourself. I hope you enjoy the group running!

MarathonChris said...

That is great! I know I will need to change things up a bit after my race - so you are blazing a trail!!

Maddy said...

You are on the ball Susan! I was thinking about a 2008 plan just this morning. I need to write it out.

I really enjoyed my group long runs. I may have more of them in my future. ;-)

Cheryl said...

Hope we can get in a run together Susan!! I need to do the same, get a plan!!

Petraruns said...

Wow Susan - you're all set to go! Running in a group, or even just with one other person really helps. You just get each other through the miles. Also I think a bit of treadmill running - tedious as it is - will help you. It is easier on the joints and I don't think wears you out as much. Stay with the plan! And keep us posted!