I realize now that I feel more fulfilled when I'm focused on executing a training plan. Not only physically or mentally but within my business or personal life I like to be challenged and work through the steps to get to the goal. Is this goal-oriented? Possibly. I'd like to think that I just like to be productive. I really enjoy the journey to get to my best.
I've gone back to basics with my running training. It took some time to get the motivation going for the longer runs increased intensity. My body has been sore! I forgot how it felt. Most days, I'm very sore and stuff. I'm constantly working on flexibility and muscle release. I also have to train my brain to handle pushing through the discomfort for longer than my brain wants too!
I recently ran on the track (WHAT!?) for mile repeats. It was only four of them, after all, but I felt like I ripped myself new calfs, hammy's and glutes. For more than 2 days also!! Hopefully, this is adaptation and next time it will be easier. It already has.
I did my first running race in five months last weekend. The Fernie half-marathon & 10k (formerly the Fernie Run-around). It was hard. It was cold and snowy, -1C actually, and I wore thermal long-johns to not freeze. Turns out that was a bit overkill when in a race. I took the win and I was fun to run in my hometown, the trails of my childhood. It was slow though, 1:19:22. I felt like I was running fast, but it was only 3:44 min/km splits, I should be around 3:30-3:35 min/km.
My goal is to run a sub 2:30 marathon. Some day before I get to that age of diminishing returns. Is that 40? is that 38? or is that even 42? All of these ages are just around the corner. So, I feel the time is now to accomplish these lifetime goals. Since I'm on goals the other one is a sub 1:10 half marathon. I feel this is significantly harder to accomplish but the half marathon is my favorite race and better suited for a busy family life & managing a business. I just can't get the volume of training for longer races at this point in time.
Rough Plan:
Dec. 3rd: Sacramento Marathon
Jan. 13th - Pioneer 8km North Saanich
Feb 10th: First Half Marathon Vancouver
March 24th - CV half marathon
