Monday, December 03, 2012

Suck Less Tomorrow

When I look back at my training logs, it's interesting to reflect on different milestones (and pitfalls, admittedly).  I was thinking about what I'm most proud of.  Surprisingly it isn't speed or mileage.  It's consistency. 

Life has been increasingly busy over the past couple of years.  I guess that's what happens when you gain more responsibility (in a fiscally constrained, high ops tempo environment).

I enjoy reading running and triathlon blogs.  I'm beyond fascinated by how people magically seem to juggle their work schedules (esp teachers!), their family time, and high-intensity/high-volume training.  I just don't know how they do it.  They and their families must make a lot of sacrifices to make it all happen... or they only need 3 hours of sleep per night.

My husband and I are both gone quite a bit due to our Air Force jobs (training, deployments, special assignments), and we work a lot of hours trying to take care of our people, ourselves, and the mission.  Right now huge training weeks just aren't in the cards.  And we're ok with that.

A few years ago I was on par with some athletes who decided to take it to the next level:  train for the Olympic Marathon Trials, triathlon pro cards, qualifying for Kona. 

Am I disappointed I didn't take that path?  Yes, I am.  Training is fun, and that just seems like a really cool, ambitious life goal.

But I'm extremely happy with the choices I made.  And sometimes that's all I need to suck less tomorrow.

Thursday, February 02, 2012

(Lame) Workout Update

25 Sept-17 Dec: I have NOOOOO idea! Long runs were 8-11 mi
18 Dec: Run 6 mi w/ family
19 Dec: Run 20 min easy, circuit training
20 Dec: Run 4 mi
21-22 Dec: ??
23 Dec: Run 3 mi
24 Dec: Run 10 mi (w/ some fast stuff sprinkled in)
25 Dec: None
26 Dec: Run 3 mi
27 Dec: Run 6 mi (w/ some fast stuff sprinkled in)
28-31 Dec: Flu, no running here
1 Jan: Run 5.6 mi, 25 min elliptical
2 Jan: 30 min intervals on the bike
3 Jan: Run 6 mi, strength training
4 Jan: None
5 Jan: Squadron PT, strength training
6 Jan: Run 3 mi + hills
7 Jan: Run 12+ mi (+ fast stuff)
8 Jan: None
9 Jan: Really hard flight PT
10 Jan: Run 6 mi
11-12 Jan: None (ORE)
13 Jan: Run 2.3, strides
14 Jan: Resolution Run 10K
15 Jan: Run 2 mi
16 Jan: 15 min elliptical, strength training
17 Jan: Run 6 mi, pick-ups
18 Jan: 30 min elliptical, core (HILARIOUS story, by the way)
19 Jan: Lift, CrossFit circuit
20 Jan: Run 10 mi along the BEACH!!!
21 Jan: Run 3 mi
22-23 Jan: None
24 Jan: 6 mi total run incl 8 x 30 sec/45 sec rest
25 Jan: ??
26 Jan: 3 mi run
27 Jan: 3 mi easy run
28 Jan: Run 11 mi (pretty dang fast), plyo workout
29 Jan: None
30 Jan: Flight PT (relay races, strength)
31 Jan: None
1 Feb: Run 8.2 mi (crazy weird workout)
2 Feb: 5K easy run in the sun!
------------------------------------------------
10K Resolution Run--What a fun race! My plan was just to run as fast as I could without running out of juice. It wasn't the fastest 10K, but I was so happy with my effort!!!
Strength--The strength workouts on the Running Times website are amazing. My joints feel amazing, my legs are a lot less sore after hard workouts and long runs. The warm-up and cool down routine are pretty fun.
Nutrition--I read Nancy Clark's nutrition book pretty recently. I made some of the muffins and eating those before my early morning runs, and I feel like a million bucks. Plus they're super moist and really tasty. I've also been following her nutrition plans, and things are really connecting.
Early Mornings--Morning runs are the BEST. I run at 5:30AM, and it's super dark with no hint of sun coming up any time soon. Kind of cool. The sense of accomplishment from running super early is awesome. I love it! Making the switch has truly allowed me to stick to my training plan for my half marathon.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Life is Good

Life is good here in southern Georgia.
  • Work is under control (at least I fool myself into thinking it is!)
  • I finally established a predictable schedule for myself and my running
  • My husband is an angel. I'm so lucky to have him in my life.
  • My foot finally feels better!!! I truly cherish every day I can run. I will never take that for granted again.

Still taking things one at a time and there are still hurdles to leap over. But Team Harley can handle it and still come out on top. 2012 is starting out pretty nicely.