Making and Committing to a New Plan: Weekly Recap

I have made the decision to recommit and challenge myself with a new training plan.  I am the type of person who needs a game plan, a challenge, and a goal to strive for.  Otherwise I get lazy wazy and lose focus on my goal. 

My new goal: I will be training for my fourth half-marathon to be run this October.  My goal is to run it with a personal best, knocking off almost 20 minutes from my time.  I hope to finish with a time close to 2 hours (I will be UBER excited if I can break 2 hours!!).

Last week, I shared on Fitness Collaborative the importance of making a plan and sticking with it.  We all have goals in life… but sometimes we fail to make a plan on how to reach those goals.  Planning is key to success.

My Plan:

I will be following the running-training plan from Runners World pretty closely.  (As closely as a stay-at-home mom with three small children and insanely hot temperatures can train!).

I have chosen the Moderate difficulty level with an average mileage between 21-25 miles.  I am excited for the challenge and level of commitment this plan will require of me.  Actually training with an official plan is new to me – as the races before I just make sure I get the long run in each week.  This time I will be incorporating strength, tempo, speed, and even HILL training into my week!  Yikes!

Strength:  This past year I have added strength training into my fitness routine.  This is relatively new to me – but it has had terrific results with my form, speed, and running!  I will be doing the Nike Training Club workouts for CORE and UPPER BODY on my non-running days. 

This past week:

The temperatures soared in the low 100’s this week, which proved challenging and HOT for my workouts.  But, I did workout!

Monday: I ran the Campground Loop: 4.22 miles (9:56 min/mile).  This is a relatively shady route which is fantastic when the heat is already upon you at 9AM.  However, there is a slight decline the first 2 miles… and the return route is a slight incline that burns!  I ran all except the last .25 mile at the top of the hill.  I succumbed to the “I can’t”.  I regretted it later, but at the time… I just didn’t feel like I had it in me.

Tuesday: Nike Training Club Strength Circuit (Full Body) – 30 Minutes

Thursday: I loaded the little boys in the double jogger while my oldest rode his bike for a hot/sweaty 3 mile run/walk.  It was mostly walk… but there was some running (mostly to get HOME because it was so dag-gum hot). 

When we got home, I did a Nike Training Club Strength Circuit (Full Body) – 45 Minutes in the morning. 

After the littlest woke from nap, we headed to the pool… where I did lots of lap swimming (chasing the big boys across the pool while pushing T in his float).  Flutter kicks = worked over hamstrings.

When I checked my training plan, I realized that I was supposed to run a 5 mile tempo run today… and really really wanted to.  It was still 97* outside.  I waited until the boys were sleeping and my husband was home.  I headed out (full tummy from dinner) around 8PM for a HOT (then 92*) evening run.  I ran 5.05 miles with an average pace of 9:12 min/mile.

Saturday: I was supposed to run 8 miles this morning… but didn’t get out of the house early enough to brave the heat w/that mileage.  Nor was I ready to jump that quickly into my training (increasing distance resulting in possible injury). 

I decided to tackle the Campground Loop route again… this time determined to run the whole thing and beat the “I can’t” when I get to the steepest part of the hill.  You know what?  I beat my mental roadblock!  I ran the whole route – struggled but succeeded!  I ran 4.4 miles with an average pace of 9:08 min/mile.

Lessons Learned This Week

1. I am stronger than I think I am.
2. Beating the mental roadblock (I can’t) is powerful!!
3. Having a plan in place is key to keep me motivated and on track with my fitness and weight loss goals.
4. Learning to be flexible with the plan is okay, as long as you challenge yourself and keep growing.
5. Having a specific goal mindset is essential to see growth.

Goals For This Coming Week

1. Follow my training plan as closely as time/children/temperatures allow. (Run 4+ times)
2. Strength Training: Nike Training Club App 3 times
3. Stay on top of my hydration needs!
4. Focus on food as fuel.
5. Make lasting memories with my children

What is one of your fitness goals?
What tools or plan do you have in place to help you reach those goals?