training update: weeks 1 through 4

So...since I'm 4 weeks into training for the 10-miler, I figured that now would be an appropriate time to update. Actually...I've been meaning to update for a while, but haven't had time, but oh well. Better late than never.

The first two weeks were fantastic! I was able to run outside for 3 of my 6 training runs (doing the remaining ones on the elliptical trainer), which was not bad considering it was February and there was still tons of snow on the ground! The running wasn't hard. I already knew I could run three miles (I ran a 5K without any training over Thanksgiving weekend), so they weren't daunting.

The cross-training days were pretty much what I normally do. I'm using Jackie Warner's video for the strength sessions (she has a 40-min workout for the Strength and Stretch days and a 15-min workout for the day I run), and Jillian Michael's Burn Fat, Boost Metabolism for cross training days.

All in all? Yay!

Weeks 3 and 4 was when reality set in. Actually...week 3 wasn't too bad. We travelled up to Philly, so Autumn and I ran our long run (4 miles) together...on the treadmill, no less! But, when we returned home on Sunday, I wasn't in any mood to get a workout in, so I missed my first one of the training. I didn't worry too much though, since it was only one workout.

And then I got the stomach bug...so I didn't workout Tuesday. And then E got the stomach bug...so I didn't work out Wednesday. And since the time change has made it pitch black until 7AM, I moved moved my Tues/Wed workouts to Thurs/Friday. And then John went out of town (NCAA Tourney), so I didn't work out Saturday or Sunday. (Although, yesterday I did take the girls to an Ice Skating party. The 6 laps we completed were a killer arm workout preventing the girls from falling.)
Luckily for me, this was a "Step Back" week with short runs (2 miles) so that we can push forward with mileage this week. So I'm hoping that I didn't miss too much. I did get up this morning and did my 40 minutes of cross-training (elliptical intervals -- I was a sweaty mess after).

I am worried about how I'm going to run now that it's dark again in the morning. I think Wednesday's run will have to be indoors...and I'll be able to finagle a run on Friday (I'm working from home home) and Sunday. But it's kind of stressing me out. Any thoughts/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

ready to run

So, as I mentioned on my other blog, I just signed up for the Broad Street Run, a 10-mile race! I'll be running the race with a good friend of mine...which I'm really excited about.

The whole running part of it? Not so much.

You see, try as I might, I'm not a big fan of running. When I was younger, it was an ends to a means...I *had* to do it as part of soccer practice. When I got older, I preferred the gym to running. I did run the Cherry Blossom 10-miler almost 10(!) years ago...but I upped my mileage way to fast, got shin splints, and immediately stopped running after I ran my race.

So, why run it now? Part of the reason is having a friend doing it with me. She asked...how could I say no? Autumn and I have done tons together...planned our weddings, been pregnant, and taken fun vacations (including Ireland!). This is just one more thing we can bitch talk about.

But another part is that I'm kind of in an exercise rut. I've got my workout DVDs and I still do the elliptical...but I've basically been doing the same thing for a year now. Training for this race will be something new to shake things up.

We're going to be using Hal Higdon's training plan for the race. Hopefully, this will help me avoid the injury (and burnout) I had with the Cherry Blossom. Besides, it calls for running only 3 times a week. So yay for less running!

Today was Day 1, which was strength training. Tomorrow is my first running day. But since it's still pitch black when I get up to workout (5:30AM) and the sidewalks in my 'hood are still snow covered, I'm going to do this one on my elliptical. At least initially, I'll be doing the shorter runs during the week on the elliptical and the long run outside.

So wish me luck! I'm *definitely* going to need it!