Yep, it happens every year about now. You know what I mean. All of a
sudden it is dark and cold and wet outside. Sometimes it is windy
too. The better days for running re-set standards. Not raining, only a
little breezy and 40 degrees? Wow, that is good running weather.
I'd
planned to be done with marathon training by the end of October but of
course my plans were derailed. I took a week off to regroup and figure
out what I wanted to do. I wanted to run a marathon and soon. So the
past three weeks have been high mileage for me which is 40, and then
back to back 50 mile weeks.
And yeah the weather has
sucked. How do I keep it going? It has helped that I've had someone to
run with once or twice a week. Those miles go much quicker when
chatting companionably with someone. Even better if we are doing a
"workout" and are going at a faster pace which requires concentration.
Those are always easier with other people.
I've figured
out how to check audio books out of the library and I've been listening
to those for certain longer runs. Normally I prefer not to listen to
anything. Listening to music doesn't do much for me but a good, well
read book? Oh yes, that holds my concentration very well but it does
not detract from the mindful running I prefer.
I try
to get out to trails for easy recovery runs. Of course that can only be
on the weekend when i'm not working but a trail run is always better in
the rain than a road run. Recovery runs are particular pleasant on
trails as I love the better range of movement i get on trails.
I've
also added back in a more consistent weight training routine. I'd
normally do some upper body weights, core and hip strength work twice a
week generally. I'd really wanted to look into a more consistent
routine and finally decided on the p90x program. Note: I am not receiving anything for reviewing their product.
Why this program? Mostly because they had an app for my iphone.
Yes, really. I didn't want to go to a gym (although I'd looked at some
kettlebell programs) nor did i really want a set of dvds. Our player
is so slow to load and truthfully i get bored! I need to be able to do a
program while watching something i want to watch (not an exercise
video).
The app lets you track and schedule the program
and you can download (for a fee - much less than the dvd set) guided
workouts for the program. I've picked a program (lean) and I'm doing it
concurrently with my run schedule. I generally keep the specific
strength workouts for arms/shoulders/abs/legs/back and am for now
skipping the other workouts besides Core Synergy. I don't feel all that
comfortable adding in such different cardio workouts on top of the
running. If I am tired or sore from running I have skipped the strength
workouts or kept them easy. It's worked though. Even in a few weeks I
feel stronger especially in upper body. I wasn't sure about the leg or
back work but it turned out I could either modify it or have found
those movements useful.
it's a good reminder about one
of the reasons I enjoy running. Keep moving! I'm not getting any
younger or stronger by just sitting on the couch! There are so many reasons to strength train in addition to my regular running routine.
And yep, that helps me get out the door to get in my runs when it is raining, windy, dark and cold.
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