I have decided to create another blog that is strictly for my training. I am currently training for the 26.2 with Donna Marathon. I started running Sept 2008 and have been running ever since. I was trying to get in better shape. I was working out at the "Y" but I wasn't really serious about it. Then my friend told me about the training she was doing. It is Galloway method of running. You run a minute and walk a minute. She was training with a group and invited me to come out and give it a try. I went out the next Saturday morning and ran with the group. I struggled to complete the run but we did 6 miles that day. The following weekend They were starting a half marathon training group. So I decided to join. They slowly built up the miles and I finally ran a half marathon. My goal was to break 3 hours. This may not be a very fast time but I was very happy with how I did. 5 months previously I wasn't running at all. As the training was winding down some of our group members started talking about what they were going to do next. The Gate River Run was a month after the half marathon. I figured since I was already all trained up that would be a good next race. Some people were also talking about triathlons. I was still going to spinning classes and had started swimming a little bit. Then I found out they have different distances for triathlons. I decided that I would try some in the summer. I started training on my own and then found a beginners group. I trained with them all spring and ended up doing 4 triathlons. 3 sprint distance (400 yard swim, 10 mile bike, 3.1 mile run) and 1 Olympic distance ( .93 mile swim, 24.8 mile bile, 6.2 mile run) In August I started training for a full marathon that will take place February 21st.
What I learned
It has been a lot of fun and a lot of hard work doing all the training. I have lost weight but I have also gotten in much better shape physically. I have meet a lot of really good people. This has been a really good journey. I would recommend finding a group of people to train with. I would also suggest setting goals and writing them down. Sign up for races ahead of time. then you are committed and have a goal for your training.
Here is my schedule for the upcoming year
2010 Race schedule
February 21 26.2 with Donna (Marathon 26.2 miles)
March 13 Gate River Run 15k (9.3 miles)
May 22,23 Tour De Cure
June 12 BFAST #2 (Sprint Triathlon)
June 19 Jax Sprint Series #1 (Sprint Triathlon)
July 10 BFAST #3 (Sprint Triathlon)
July 19 Jax Sprint Series #2 (Sprint Triathlon)
August 7 Jax Sprint Series #3 (Sprint Triathlon)
August 29 Hot Triathlon (Olympic distance 1500 meter swim, 40 k bike, 10k Run)
October 30 Ironman Miami 70.3 (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run)
November 25 Outback Classic Distance (13.1 miles)
December 31 Vystar Gator bowl 5k
It promises to be a busy year for training but I tried to pick my races in an order that I could ramp up my training as I go. I also left room in there for some 5k's that I will do with friends. Hope to see you out there.
