going the distance

... the distance being my lifespan.

I was at the gym today and ran sort of lackadaisical, without much gusto. And it occurred to me... with my first half marathon completed (in case you missed it), I need to reassess and set some running goals for the summer.

For upcoming races, I have a 10 miler in July, a half in September, and a few, smaller races in between. But, I worked my butt off to build up such incredible endurance and have conditioned my body to be able to run 13.1 miles so now, I am extraordinarily hesitant to back down in training.

(I am committed to becoming the "serial halver"... regardless of how many half marathon races I actually participate in... I want to always be prepared for one!)

Is a half marathon training regiment a realistic everyday, lifelong training guide? I've got my wits about me and I am a sensible girl... as in I know I'll have off days but I see the program as being totally adaptable and something that I can commit to... forever... evah.

Is this healthy? What do runners who are not training for anything in particular do to stay in shape and keep up the momentum? I am sort of confused right now, in this state of turmoil... not sure what to do with myrunningself.

(Me, Type A? Not at all.)

Perhaps I could make the half training plan a normal routine and then up the ante to get faster and stronger as the races draw near? Move onto a novice program, if you will.

I was actually quite surprised when I first assessed the plethora of half marathon training programs out there. While it takes massive amounts dedication and heart, truthfully, it really is not that difficult. It's amazing what our bodies are capable of. I impressed the crap out of myself (though, not Uta Pippig like). Aside from the sometimes grueling long run days, all else is very moderate in intensity.

Now, I don't mean to make it sound easy, by any means. I certainly had to work really hard to get to this point... a point that I look back and consider very much worth the effort.

But, friends have been asking me how far... how hard... how long... in regards to what I did to train.

How far did you have to run?

How hard was it?

How much did you workout?

I think people expect to hear that I ran upwards of 50 miles per week when, at the peak of my training, I was at about 30 miles per week. And when the inquirers hear this, its always like a little inspirational light bulb goes off in their head. They don't even have to say anything - the Really? Hmm. Maybe I could do a half? is written all over their face. And when I offer an encouraging You should do it, most friends retort with a hem and haw about this, that, and the other... and I refuse to persuade; its a personal decision. All I am saying is that... it is possible.

The program that really worked for me included long, short, longER, and shortER runs mixed with quality cross training (elliptical and soccer) and strengthening sessions (weights, calisthenics, core). Everyday was something different and switching it up lended to a lack of redundancy which made it much easier for me to stay on course, literally and figuratively. This is the main reason I think the half plan will work for my day to day exercise. There is nothing that I hate more than monotany in working out. This is as important to my mind as it is my body... changing up intensity levels and routines keeps your focus and challenges your body.

On the slight contrary, I also operate most efficiently with a solid schedule in place. I cannot just go to the gym... and hop into a workout. I need to have a plan and know what I am going to do before I get there... and know what I am going to do for the next week so that I am benefitting all around and my total body is engaged. So - even though I like to switch up the routine from day to day, I rely on my schedule to know what the week of working out looks like. It makes me accountable.

For now, to keep me inspired, I think I will set the Blessing of the Fleet 10 miler on July 25th as my next goal race and will work to blast my 2007 PR of 1:35:33 out of the water to under 1:30:00. Considering I did 9:17 minute miles for a half marathon, I am very hopeful that this is possible... so long as I can keep up the momentum in training!!!