It occurred to me that it has only been 1 week since Grandma’s Marathon. It actually feels like it has been longer than that. Today, I got the urge to do some abdominal work, and weights. It wasn’t much – it was just enough to remind me that I haven’t been doing any for the past many weeks. It actually felt good to work those muscles.
I found my running things and when out for a run in the streets around my house. I didn’t pay too much attention to the pace displayed by my Forerunner; I just ran. At a nice point where I could turn and head for home, one of my favorite songs came on my iPod. All the songs on my iPod are good ones, but this song is particularly fun to run to. I continued straight, extending my run. The sun was already putting the heat on, but there was a nice breeze blowing and the street was tree lined. I listened to the beat and though about my running.
Technically, I am not “training” right now. I remember reading in a newsletter from www.active.com about the difference between working out and training. The article explained that in training there is a focus where the training peaks for a goal race. In contrast working out simply maintains a level of fitness. Well, right now my running focus is on recovery, then it will be a few more weeks prior to starting with another training schedule.
I figured this time, my focus will be for the Nike Women’s Half-Marathon. My plan would be to build upon my marathon training using Hal Higdon’s Advanced Half-Marathon Training Plan for the October race date. I knew that the half-marathon training would overlap with the beginning of my marathon training for the California International Marathon in December. What I didn’t figure out (until now) is that *both* the 12-week half-marathon training and the 18-week training plan have the *same* start date of July 30th.
Yikes! Okay, I was enjoying the idea of a break from marathon training. I think. Here is the revised plan. Nothing is set in stone; perhaps I can somehow combine the two programs, or I could have a new goal marathon.
Woooosh, and you hardly get a break! Actually, I am thinking that I do better when I am always in training for something. It keeps me focused. (Though I have to admit, the last month has been a month with nice, relaxed running!)
OMG! You are running the Nike 1/2??? I wanted to do that but it involves signing up for TNT and I wasn’t in the mood. Then I was. Now I’m not. But maybe I can get back in the mood? Great post!I am responding to your email right now.
21CM, yes I am running the Nike HALF marathon. I am excited. My sister Linda is running it too and we will be staying in the city with her running pals from Davis. I will be a blast. I am also thinking of running the inagural SJ RNR half. It would fall the weekend prior to my 1st 20 miler. Crazy, I know but I thought I would run along with the Silicon Valley Marathoners for 20 miles. I wouldn’t be registered for this one though so I’ll pack my own food. It might be too much. I’ll evaluate as I go.