Where To Go From Here...
“The best we can do is size up the chances, calculate the risks involved, estimate our ability to deal with them, and then make our plans with confidence.” -Henry Ford
Now that I've done my marathon and I don't plan on doing any half marathons until the fall, it's time for me to reflect on my running up to this point and where I want to go from here.
Half Marathons & Me
I've mention before that I plan to stick to half marathons from now on... I still hold to that. The only for sure half I have on the calendar right now is the Surf City Half Marathon. That race is not until February of next year, however, so I really hope to fit another in before that. I'm hoping for either the Big Sur Half or the San Jose Rock 'n' Roll Half. If I don't do those, I will try to get in on the Silver Strand Half Marathon.
Meanwhile....
I joke a lot about being slow. I laugh at myself, but it's true... I am slow. Slower than I want to be. I really want to work on getting faster. I don't expect to become the next Kara Goucher (although I would love to have her legs and a butt like hers!). I don't even expect to be faster than some of those amazing elderly women I saw at the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon. I just want to be faster than I am now.
I'm not sure how I'm going to accomplish this yet... I have to go through all the piles of information out there on the subject. I am confident I will have the help of all you more experienced runners out there, as well.
Cross Training & Strengthening
One thing I have learned, thanks to my injuries, is how important it is to cross train. Now that I love to run, all I want to do is run. Well, that's not good for me. I need- and plan to- mix up my running routine with cross-training at least twice a week. I also will incorporate strengthening exercises to help prevent future injuries.
Trail Me, Baby!
Once I can run again (after my foot/heel is better), I am excited about doing more trail running. I love running on trails! I think trail running is a little better on my bones, joints, and muscles.
Even if it turns out to not be any better for me than street running, at least trail running offers a more scenic atmosphere. I love nature!
I scoped out some new trails today that have great running potential:
Must get out there... heal heel, heal!
You have to be careful where you step(or use nature's "facilities") out here...
Spinning
Today I tried spin bike class for the first time. It was tough! But it was fun. I think it will help strengthen those areas of weakness and keep my cardio health where it should be. I hope to do spin class twice a week.
That's all for now! Enjoy the rest of your weekend, my friends!
Comments
Good luck in whatever you decide. Running to me is the great equalizer. young or old, tall or short, we all cover the same distance, we just do it with a little different time. working on your speed is a good goal, but not if it takes away from the enjoyment of the run...
I agree that cross training is key. I spend most of my time doing things other than running, partly an attempt to stay injury free.
Now that you have SDRNR under your hydration belt, a half marathon is going to seem like a piece of cake! All the HM's you've mentioned are really good, although I haven't done Big Sur, but friends have participated in that and loved it because of how beautiful it is there. San Jose and Silver Strand are nice and flat. :)
Speed will take some time, but it will happen, and you're already on track. You probably need to get in some type of interval or speed work, along with the cross training and slow long distance running you're already doing.
LOL @ having a butt like Kara Goucher! Me too!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
I have found the key to getting faster is putting in the miles. I am up close to 40 miles pwer week, and my times continue dropping.
The key is a *slow* buildup. I am adding about three miles per week, and then every fourth week cut back.
Oh - and shoes. Make sure your shoes work for you. I'm taking today off becuase of some pains here and there caused by running one week too long in some worn out shoes....
I happen to like speedwork and find that adding a little into my routine shakes things up and keeps it fun. I especially love hills and running up them as fast as I can.
Those half marathons look nice. Way more scenic than the ones I get to run...
I've been dodging cross training - if I have time I hate to sacrifice a run. Not sure if this is good or bad.
Whatever route you choose, enjoy it and know it is a huge life positive at any speed.