training talk

scheming to run
reading about everyone else’s racing plans (that means you, heather, jess, susan, and many more!) is making me itch to train for a marathon. but then i remember what the outcome of that has been for the past three attempts in a row (ie, SIDELINING INJURY!) and reconsider.

so of course, the other option is a half. i love half marathons! my body tends to tolerate this option much better, and i just think 13.1 is such a fun distance to race and train for. the running feels swift but not painful, and the long runs are just enough to bring a sense of accomplishment, without ‘i’ll-be-parked-on-the-couch-for-the-rest-of-sunday’-style fatigue.

looking at my work schedule, the best option is probably to do the outer banks race again (i ran it in 2007). it’s relatively flat, well-run, and in a pretty location — i think i’ve managed to convince josh that it will be a fun weekend trip.

i haven’t decided yet about training plans, but i am leaning towards using the runner’s world ryan hall plan vs. one of the versions of the ultimate plan. we’ll see!

either way, i still plan on attempting a 5K race along the way! unfortunately, when i started training i neglected to take into account that in NC, there are very few august races (for good reason — it is (*&#$ hot). so i think my sub-23 (maybe) attempt will be made at the cleft palate gallop in chapel hill, which according to the RW site is supposedly on for 9.20.09. it’s a small race — in fact, according to last year’s results if i broke 23 minutes i could perhaps come in 2nd! although maybe that means it’s full of menacing hills.
yes, it’s a running tooth.

the nice thing about a 5K is that i think it would be easy to incorporate into half marathon training, and i can always do another one. there will be many more choices as we head into fall.

up & at em
my early AM runs are starting to seem earlier as the sky lightens at a later hour. but despite the darkness it is time to head out . . . at least by mid-run, i will get to see some sunrise. definitely a nice way to start the day.

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7.19.09

workout: 30 minutes cycling (levels 3 -5) + weights
– 2 x 12 pushups
– 2 x 10 tricep pushdowns (15 lbs first set, 10 lbs second set)
– 2 x 12 seated rows, 40 lbs
– 2 x 12 bicep curls, 12 lbs each hand
– 2 x 12 lateral/forward raises, 5 lbs each hand
– 2 x 15 ball tucks (abs)

doin’ time
chicken caesar + curried zucchini soup = an unlikely match, but tasty nonetheless.

my favorite parts were the homemade croutons! recipes on the sidebar as usual.