Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Training Smaining

So I signed up for all my races through March yesterday. That left a little dent in the wallet to say the least, but here they are:

January 10 (as in this weekend) - Kaiser Permanente 1/2 in Irvine, CA
February 1 - Huntington Beach 1/2, CA
February 7 - Chili Trail Run 4 miler in Irvine, CA
February 21 - Race on the Base 10k in Los Alamitos, CA
March 8 - Malibu Creek 9k, Malibu, CA
March 29, Wine Country 1/2, Paso Robles, CA

So as you can see, this weekend I'll be running a 1/2. I figured I needed to put in miles and just getting out there will be good for me. I have no insane goals because I know I'm not completely ready to push myself to the limit just quite yet, but it will be fun to race and I know the mileage will be really good.

I feel like these races are all very different from one another and most of my previous races and I'm really excited to try out the few trail runs I have signed up for. I think I will really enjoy the trail running aspect and I'm excited to try out my new shoes!

As for training, I talked about it with Mr. R, and he told me, "Look, you know how to run already, you should really think about strength training more." I agree with him because strength equals speed. So therefore I am going to put in decent longer runs, but also work mostly on getting stronger, at least for right now. I know having a strong body for running is important and I know I could possibly have the weakest upper body around. My legs are good and strong from my miles, but my arms are about as useless as a T-rex's arms.

So therefore in order to get stronger I'm going to do weight training twice a week, and then possibly take a class or do a video Pilate's or yoga once a week, and cut back my running to three or four days a week, and just run more miles during these runs. I know if I get my core strong and upper body and my back to be strong I will be a much better running in the long term. I was also working really hard at sit ups, but during the holidays I kind of let that fall to the wayside. I know that the sit ups were really helping me so I want to get back to that and also I want to work hard at doing more push ups to make my back stronger.

This weekend, my goal is to finish in between 1:50 and 2:10. I know it's a broad range, and I won't be disappointed if I don't hit that, but I'm also going to enjoy the race and just view it as a long training run with supporters all around me and free water and snacks! Another one of my goals this race is to practice running and drinking. The last half I did I had a big problem with the handling, sipping, the throwing, then the dodging of others cups. It was all just a little overwhelming so I'm really going to work on drinking during the race and I'm going to even try to eat a gu while running, which I've also never done before, and see if I can see a major difference. Of course I'll be downing some delicious shot blox before the race like candy as well.

As for the other races, as they come near I'll be posting their specific goals, and they will be much more precise and better than this weekend's goals. 2009 is going to be a year of training and excitement! Even though I signed up for a lot of races, I would encourage you guys to sign up for races and get a race calendar going. Whether it's a run/walk, a 5k, a 10k, or a marathon, just having a goal to complete that race is so motivational. It's fun to count down until the day, and working out with an upcoming race also gives you a purpose to work out.

Having a workout plan is the best way to tackle exercise. Today since I'm talking about training, I wanted to share a great site with you guys.


It's a great site that was started by Wes and Allyson Felix. Yes, the Allison Felix that just won the gold medal in Beijing for the Olympics. Oddly enough, Mr. R even knows Wes and he's also a super legit runner. The website is full of great training tips and tricks that you can do on your own that really help tone and promote an overall healthy lifestyle. The best part about the website is that there is a free email newsletter that is created specifically for women. Once you sign up, you receive workouts in your email three times a week that were created by a personal trainer. It's a lot of different ideas and stuff to target special areas, which is really great. They also have a fashion section on their website, with SUPER cute gym clothes and where to buy them, and also a health and then of course the fitness section. They also have great food, music and fashion sections, and a fun and upbeat blog that motivates and has great articles about everything in life.

I signed up for the site, and have been nothing but blow away by their ideas and getting the emails with the workouts is nice because it gives me the ability to mix things up. At the least I would encourage you to go over and check out what they have, it's FREE after all. What more can a FREE workout in your email hurt?

Hope you enjoy them as much as I do, and have a great day! Tonight I'm going to be putting in a five miler at the park by Mr. R's house before we watch the BL! If you haven't watched Biggest Loser before, tonight's the night, get hooked!

xoxo

28 comments:

d.a.r. said...

That is a lot of racing!! You give me hope! My first 1/2 is in April and I am literally terrified of not finishing haha. Even though my long runs are up to 10 miles without feeling too bad.

I can't wait to hear how the races go!

Billy said...

Danica - I will see you this Saturday! I'm not racing but will be there as a spectator to support my girl and some other runner friends. Remember...it's not chip timed so get out near the front. Also, the course is super windy so make sure you run the tangents right!

I will mostly likely be at Malibu Creek too, either as a runner or volunteer. Hope you fall in love with trail running as I have!

Abbie said...

The best time I ever got on the local half was the year that I didn't even run to train much. I had done aerobics, swam, biked... and then ran when I felt like it. It's amazing what cross-training will do!

Aron said...

yay for all those races!!!

i used to incorporate weights really well but when peak training comes around it always falls off. i am really going to try to keep it in my training this time around because i know it helps! sounds like you have a great plan :)

joyRuN said...

Have fun this weekend!

Janice {Run Far} said...

I bet that did put a dent in your wallet.. geesh...

Good luck with your run this weekend, I am sure you will make your goal time.

Totally excited for TBL tonight. YAY!!!!!!

Candice said...

It's so awesome that you're doing so many races. I totally agree that it's more motivating to work out when you're training for a race. I'm finally biting the bullet and training for my first full in April. You're blog always inspires me - I love it!!

Good luck this weekend, and I hope you have a great time! I can't wait to check out that website.

Eric said...

I've always hated lifting weights but decided to "stick with it this time". I'm actually starting to like it now :-)

Glenn Jones said...

Nice to run into a fellow OC'er! I'll be running Saturday as well! I hear it's a bit of a boring race - lots of out and backs on the course. Can't wait to check out the website!

Allie said...

Good going on signing up for all the races! You are lucky, there are not a whole lot of races around Central Illinois this time of year...!

Thanks for the link to the website, I am going to check it out!

No Longer Using said...

ooh yes i will def sign up for this site! i love inbox tips. GOOD LUCK this weekend! i like you approach and confidence-- and focusing on something like strength to improve. great idea!!

J said...

more free emails are good! lol Good luck in the race! I am so jealous I would love to do some of those races but they are a little too far away :(

I went to Huntington Beach for a Bball tournament about 3 years ago and it was so awesome! Have Fun

BeachRunner said...

Looks like a fun and busy race schedule. Happy running!

Denise said...

I'm jealous of all the races you have lined up! Good luck this wknd, you'll do great.

And thanks for the newsletter link.

RunToTheFinish said...

the races sound fun!! Mostly because you are in CA and I'm in the midwest they look like an adventure to me!

I've got to go check out that site now

Amy said...

Woo hoo! Love all the races coming up! Good luck this weekend!!

Mrs. Nurse said...

thanks for the link! good luck runnin!

Stuart said...

Nice set of races...is that the PCTR race in March?

X-Country2 said...

I really want to try trail running, so I'm anxious to hear how it goes for you.

Good luck on your race this weekend!

Marlene said...

Looks like a great plan for the first part of the year. Good luck on your half this weekend! Good idea to practice with the cups... I always have to walk or even STOP! Ugh!

I like your strategy of more strength and less days running. I think the miles you do run will be of higher quality. Can't wait to see what results to get from this.

rinusrunning said...

Good luck this weekend and i believe you run 1:49 on the half marathon...
And you can use drinkbelt on the long run and more relax to drink.
You can see a drinkbelt on my website head pic!!!!.
Rinus.
http://rinusrunning.punt.nl/?home=1

Christopher, Amanda, and Babies said...

You go get your 1/2 on!

chia said...

Way to go with the race calendar action! Try some Sharkies -- they are a bit easier to take than gu's on the run :-)

Marci said...

Thanks for the link, and wow love all the races you signed up for! Lots of race reports!

Pink Pearls & Muddy Sneakers said...

1. I wish I hadn't just spent my money on decorating & a whole new wardrobe at Banana... I would MUCH prefer to train in the context of a race! That is actually a great idea that I never follow through on.
2. I can't wait to sign up for the site! Thanks for the recommendation.

Marcy said...

ROFLMAO "T-Rex" arms! OMG that TOTALLY sums up my upper body as well HAHA!

Unknown said...

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Unknown said...

I just found your site through Glisten and like your BLOG. I will continue to read it as you update them. I want to tell your about my blog www.blackwomeninsports.com. Check it out and let me know your thoughts. My goal is to have young girls take a more keen interest in sports. Thks. Jewell. editor@yahoo.com