I missed out on July, but I am happy to be back for the Runners Tell All link up with Amanda and Beka this month!
Training has never really been my thing. I didn't like practicing piano when I was younger. And I absolutely despised basketball practice. Not sure why, but I always just preferred to turn it up on game day. No practice needed here!
And then I started running. Training is a pretty important part of the whole running scene. I still don't like it...and even found out recently that I ran faster when I simply cross trained instead of going on practice runs prior to one of my races in early June. Regardless, I know that training is an important part of running. So, I struggle through it when I have long races on the horizon.
My plan usually consists of figuring out how many weeks I am able to devote to training and then finding an online guide that best fits that time frame. I typically tweek the online guide to fit my schedule and then do my best to stick with it. This worked particularly well for the NYC Half back in March. I had limited time to train, but put together a plan that involved three short runs and one long run each week along with a boot camp day for cross training purposes. I set a PR at the race so it must have worked for me!
I've learned that the most important part of training is listening to your body. When I began training for the NYC Marathon last year, I was determined to hit all the runs on my training schedule and wore myself down pretty quickly in the process. About halfway into training, I realized that sometimes running two miles less or taking a rest day altogether is exactly what is needed. I've found it works best for me to stick fairly close to a schedule, but to also allow myself some flexibility.
What works best for you in regarding to training for races??
Andrea :)
I agree, sometimes you just need a break no matter what the schedule says! I definitely like to run with a training plan if I have a race in mind; maybe because I don't trust myself enough to get out there without the accountability? Even if it's just to a sheet of paper? But seeing it in black and white helps me.
ReplyDeleteRest/recovery days are oh so important! It's easy to forget that, for sure. Are you currently training for something specific? Congrats on your recent races!
ReplyDeleteI agree with cutting back some of the miles in training so your body can recover! Sometimes too much training is hurtful. Also, I agree with you that cross training is just as important as the running. I hadn't been running but I was attending crossfit. When I started running again I was shocked at how fast I was!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up with us today!
I do the same thing when it comes to my race plan - figure out how many weeks I have to train and then google training guides until I can find something close to the same timeline and tweak it to fit me. It works out pretty well and I still feel like I'm following a 'real' schedule and not something I just pulled out of the cobwebs in my brain!
ReplyDeleteI've always enjoyed the training process as much as the race itself. I loved those Saturday morning long runs with my friends. These days I'm no longer running marathons, but still love my Saturday morning 10-12 milers. I think what's key for me is that I train with friends. Those Tuesday 5:30 AM hill repeats and Thursday 6 AM tempo runs go by much faster with friends at my side.
ReplyDeleteI play the violin, and I hated practicing! I don't think anyone likes it, really :) I actually do a similar thing to you... I usually just find a plan that fits the race I'm going to do. I need to get better about speedwork and cross-training, though, if I want to get faster. Thanks for linking up with us!
ReplyDeleteI look for online training guides too! Google has an answer for everything :) That's so cool you got the run in the NYC marathon, Congrats!
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