Now that the 10k is over, I can relax, right? Well...maybe for a week. Then its back to a strict training schedule to get ready for the Half Marathon. It may be in October, but as anyone who is thinking, “wow! it’s almost July!” can attest to, time flies. So it’s time to get ready.
The biggest difference between the training I followed for the 10k and the one I will be using for the Half, other than the long runs getting longer, is that I am adding an extra day of running into the mix. The basic outline of the guide is Stretch and strength Monday, Shorter and faster runs Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, a much needed rest day on Friday, and then a combination of cross training and long runs over the weekend. I’m exhausted just thinking about it! But what I learned during the 10k training is not to look at the big picture, but to take it day by day, and week by week. All I need to be able to do is the one run that is on today’s block. I don’t need to worry about the 10 mile run I have to do in September, yet.
Having a training schedule to follow has been my key to success in my weight loss journey. I was so used to making weight loss goals, like “I’m going to lose 10 pounds in the next two months,” or “if I lose two pounds a week for x number of weeks, I’ll be all set!” The problem with that method is you are without a plan. A goal without a plan is pretty useless. It’s like saying, “I’m going to the moon,” without a method of transportation. Setting a fitness goal made a lot more sense for me, because saying I’m going to run a half marathon, I understand that the route to take me there is just a whole lot of running. I have the transportation, and a rough outline of the destination, but the journey really could take me anywhere. Everyone’s weight-loss or fitness-gain journey is different, and once you find what works for you, you’re ready.
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