Today is “back to work day” after several days off for the Thanksgiving holiday. It also marks the beginning of a new training period for me, and after a couple of “slack weeks”, I’m ready to get back on track. Despite putting on a couple of pounds since the Richmond Marathon a few weeks ago, I’ve enjoyed eating pretty much whatever I’ve craved, partaking in numerous beers from around the world and generally being less disciplined about my day-to-day routines. I’ve only been out for a run when I’ve felt like running and can now say I feel mentally and physically refreshed and raring to go!
Last Thursday’s tough Turkey Trot 10k proved my hard earned fitness is slowly slipping away, and before it disappears completely I’m going to do something about it:
1. This week I plan on hitting the street a couple of times to get myself back into a regular running routine.
2. Saturday sees another 10k race – this time the Army & Navy 10k at Fort Story, Virginia Beach – where I hope to run slightly faster than the Turkey Trot 10k. It’s not going to be a PR (Personal Record), but I know I can do better than the 38:22 (6:10 pace) of last week’s race.
3. Next week maintain the same running routine, but incorporate basic strength and core exercises.
4. After Army & Navy 10k, no more races in 2007. However, I have mapped out a series of races I’d like to compete in at the beginning of 2008:
- Hair of the Dog 5k – January 1st
- Distance Series 20k – January 5th
- 5k Mud in Your Eye Cross Country Series #1 – January 19th
- Distance Series 25k – January 26th
- East Beach Norfolk Half Marathon – February 2nd
- 6k Mud in Your Eye Cross Country Series #2 – February 9th
- Distance Series 30k – February 16th
- 8k Mud in Your Eye Cross Country Series #3 – February 23rd
- Shamrock Marathon – March 16th
5. At some stage I’d also like to incorporate biking into my exercise program (a) for the cross training benefits and (b) I’m leaning towards doing a duathlon at the end of March and possibly a triathlon in June. Nothing is definite at this point, but it’s been a few years since my last race in a multi-sport event and maybe 2008 could be the comeback year? 🙂 We’ll see…
So, it’s time to put my post marathon recovery phase to bed, accept where I am with regard to current fitness, strength & weight, and start working today to make 2008 a healthy, enjoyable and successful year! It’s great to have plans and goals 🙂
Wow, you’ve got lots of races planned! That’s great!
Also sounded like you thoroughly relaxed & enjoyed yourself over the holidays, which helped you to feel refreshed & ready to work out again. Excellent idea!
The cross-training is also another good idea for many reasons.
I think I’m going to follow your wise example on both counts. 😉
Good luck with your upcoming goals & keep enjoying the holiday season!
-C
Hello Steve,
How is your Training going this winter? What are your goals in 2008 in the 5 & 10k
Joe Carnegie
Hi Steve,
Hope things are going well for you. What’ve you been up to lately? Looking forward to hearing more about your running & strength training sessions!
-C
P.S. I just had to laugh out loud at the title of the race you’re running on January 1st. What a hilariously perfect name! 😉
Great spring race schedule Steve. I’m thinking of doing the same races except for the New Year’s Day one.
I’m also thinking of joining the Striders…to defer some of the cost or running so many races.
How’s the training going?
Happy Holidays to you and your family,
Charlie
Running isn’t going too well, but my plumbing and tiling skills have improved no end! 🙂
Still remodeling the bathroom but there’s definitely light at the end of the tunnel!
–Steve