Following my inexplicable PR in the half a couple of weeks ago, I've been really excited to get my training for Boston underway. So far, that includes one 6 mile recovery run last Saturday morning with the Knuckleheads, but I'm planning an 8 mile run tomorrow morning. But 26.2 princess, you ask, why only one run in two weeks? Long story short, my mom is back in the hospital here in Houston for some infections, and I've had bronchitis/bronchial asthma for a week (yes, I get alot of upper respiratory infections, I know). But, no worries. Everything will be fine. I haven't really tested my knee, but I have completed my pack of anti-inflammatories and have been getting regular massages on my IT band. I'm almost positive that is the culprit.
So, what am I going to do about training for Boston? I've considered joining a couple of spring marathon training groups, like Kenyan Way or HoustonFit's spring program, but I think in the end, what is best for me is to plan my own schedule, run/train with my regular group of friends (Knuckleheads), enjoy running the next three months and get ready for a decent showing in Boston. I really don't want to bust my ass training for it since I don't have any time goals other than not to completely bonk and hopefully finish in 4:00-4:15. I know I can be physically and mentally ready to run, even by making up my own training schedule. I've done it before, I can do it again!
Plus, I like the freedom of doing my speedwork and hills when it best fits my schedule, not waiting around for a group in the evenings or risk being late to work in the mornings. There is a hilly half marathon I'm going to run in Bryan at the beginning of March, and I can easily add a few miles to get in an 18 miler that weekend. I figure one more after that, closer to the end of March, maybe an 18-21 miler, will be sufficient. I remember half-ass training on my own for the Marine Corps one year, adding mileage to the runs I ran with my regular training group, and I ended up running a 4:08 which was a PR at the time. I guess its flexibility for me this spring as I try to keep up my running but also not let it take over (remember, I'm OCD and could easily fall into training like a demon for Boston and doing nothing else). I just don't want that to happen. I've reached my goal and I'm going to enjoy every training step on the way to the big show.
Speaking of, I ordered some Boston Marathon clothing, because I'm afraid of stuff selling out, and I want that much more room in my suitcase for stuff I buy at the expo. I got a nice running jacket and a couple of tops. I really wanted to wear the jacket last weekend, but I didn't, and while talking to a couple of my running friends, we agreed that you shouldn't wear clothing from a race you haven't run yet. But in a way, I'm thinking, this is Boston! In the end though, the items will stay in my closet until the race is over. What are your thoughts on wearing race gear that you ordered in advance? I didn't think much of it until I talked with my friends and got their opinions. In a way, I'm afraid it might jinx me, so honestly, I'm not even going to look at the items until April 20.
iPhone: I finally own one. Share your fun apps! Sadly, what I consider my most fun app right now is a to-do list organizer.
Fun thought of the day: Apparently my 3-year-old nephews are beginning to discover they have the ability to aim and pee anywhere. This should make for stories Auntie Kiki will think are hilarious, but not so much the boys' parents...
Picture of the day: I love meerkats! They are so cute, for rodents...
9 comments:
So we're at the San Diego zoo and a mother and her two kids are standing next to us at the Meercat Exhibit. I'm laughing and when Mom figures out why, she grabs her kids and moves along quickly. Yep, Meerkat boning.
First of all- I love Meercats!
Moving on, I like the idea of creating my own schedules too. Of course, I run a 10 something mile so perhaps my advice is moot!
I think you can wear Boston gear before you run the race. Why is that not cool? If anyone asks, it gives you a great opportunity to let loose your story of qualifying. I say milk it for all it's worth!
Also, Meerkats are awesome. Did you know they have ear flaps? How cool. I wish I had ear flaps.
I know some runners who will cringe at the idea of wearing a race gear before the race. But, those people are anyway obsessed about things like that in general, ;)
If you believe in superstitions then listen to them else you already have bragging rights for two years as Boston qualified. Milk it as much as you can. :)
I also like the idea of creating my own traing schedule and even not sticking to it. That is my secret of not getting hurt and making sure the fun part doesn't disappear from running.
I have been a total bum since Marathon. My first run since Marathon will be tomorrow in the form of Med Center 5k. :)
I feel like I'm going to have to pull a marathon program together this week since I just ran a marathon and I'm not ready to jump right in with my Boston Training Group. It was nice to hear someone else is doing the same...good luck!
no on wearing the gear before the race. ESPECIALLY Boston. you havent run it yet, you've qualified. dont do it.
I think you are entitled to wear the clothing just for qualifying although I have not yet worn my jacket either! Glad you kicked the bronchitis-yuck!! Good luck on the training! It should be quite the experience!!
Sorry to hear about the brochitis/asthma...I developed severe asthma myself and only started running about 6 months ago (my first half-marathon is planned for May 30th)! So, I am extremely inspired to read that despite your on and off lung problems you are running marathons at super speeds! I very much look forward to reading all about your Boston M!
I think wearing Boston gear is perfectly acceptable...it's BOSTON! :)
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