Jen on the Swim Bike Run

Oops. I didn't read the fine print on my training plan.

Actually, the print wasn't even that fine--it was a normal font size.  Being so jazzed about the possibility of running a half-marathon I just missed it.  "Really, you're running 8 mile long runs in week two?", my friend John asked me.  "Yeah", I said, "I want to do a half in under 2 hours."  But the "fine print" would have told me that my training plan was for someone already logging over 20 miles per week.  I've never put in that much weekly mileage--never!  Ohhh... this training plan is for someone who regularly runs the half and wants to better their time--not the newbie like me.  Good thing I gave myself 12 weeks for this 10 week plan.

So far I scrapped the long run in week 1 and cut it in half in week 2.  Perhaps my subconscious really knew what was best for me.  As it is I'm running more miles than I ever have--about 18 per week.  I've cut way down on my other training--just one swim and one cycling work out per week--but I hope that will shift a bit when the weather gets better and I get my butt in gear with my swimming.  What will probably happen is that those other workouts will increase after the half marathon in May.  So I have to give myself more of a break and take it easy.  That I'm training for anything at all is a small miracle--training for two sports will put me on the express bus to crazy town.  After the half the next race on my calendar is my only other race of the season--the Finger Lakes Triathlon in September.  Anything else is gravy.

So I'll soldier on, modifying my long run a bit as I go.  Dutifully pounding out tempo runs and mile repeats on the treadmill as I look forward to warmer temps, dry pavement, and long slow runs with Timothy in the jogging stroller.

Here we go

First, I have to give it up to all the women who give birth and then manage to get back on their training program.  I didn't give birth but find myself needing to work on my "baby weight" nonetheless.  Lesson number one: sitting on the couch keeping another human alive will wreck your training.  It is time to get back in gear.  One of my best friends had a baby a few years ago in November and then ran the Boston Marathon the following April.  She inspires me--like so many of you moms who manage to make it work with children in the house. 

I've modified my race schedule drastically for this year.  If I can do two races I'll be happy.  I've let the other races go gladly--there will always be races but I've waited forever to become a Mom and I don't want to miss any of it.  So my plan is to a half marathon in early May and then an olympic distance tri in September.  Anything nore is gravy.

I'm thankful for a husband who altered his work schedule to allow me to fit in an evening swim workout with my Fleet Feet Triathlon team.  It will be up to me to get out the door at the crack to get my runs in.  The half marathon is 3 months away and training starts... NOW.  Here we go!