Training update: Differences between this year and last

As many of you know this year I’ve taken on a new goal to run my first full marathon.  I started training at the end of June so that I could be prepared to run a full in the beginning of Dec and to give me a few weeks of leeway in case of injury or scheduling conflicts.  So how’s training going? I’ve decided not to run the full in Dec and wait for the one in Jan. I was just being lazy to get to the registration page and I’m going to be honest I’m a bit intimidating at the thought of running 26.2 miles.   I’ve completed several half marathons but the thought of a full marathon still puts my stomach in knots.  However, I’m working through it :)  I WILL be running the Disney full in January (I’m already registered) it’s a done deal.

So training…well it’s a bit different than training for my half marathons.  I’m still only running 3 times a week (2 short runs and a longer run).  What’s nice about starting training so early is that I can save my really long distances 10+ miles for every other week.  I’ve been training for 2 months now and have missed a few runs (mostly short runs) do to summer trips and heat.  I’m not getting upset about it but know I need to become more disciplined.  To help with this I’m going in on a Nike+ challenge with one of my sorority sisters to run 100 miles in 60 days.  If I stick to my training plan I will surpass this goal.  Hopefully this challenge will keep me motivated not to miss my runs.

 

This is me attempting to run on the mountain during my trip to Colorado.
 It's no easy task to run at 9,000ft.
A few sprints and I was done!
(Click the picture to enlarge)

Since I’m only running 3 times a week and most full marathon training plans require 4-5 days, I’ve started to incorporate some strength training on my off days.  This is something I didn’t do for my half training.  I’m starting to rack up in the mileage again (ran a 11 miler last week) and am happy to report no knee pain or any pain besides the typical soreness associated with a long run.  Last fall I struggled a lot with knee pain and even wore IT straps…not this year!  Awesome.

11 miles done pain free and and in my team runDisney tank :)

Another difference between my half marathon training last year and full training this year is that my life schedule is much busier.  I picked up a 3^rd job in April and am now actively testing subjects for my research.  3 jobs, full time student, research…it all takes time and adds up quickly.  So where does training fit in?  Wherever I can squeeze it. Hahah This summer it has been mainly early morning runs.  It’s necessary with the Florida heat and afternoon rainstorms.

I’ve learned with a busy schedule like mine you can have a plan written out in a calendar (like I do) but you have to be flexible.  All of my long runs are scheduled on weekends however, now with a 3^rd job I’m working most weekend mornings.  I can’t run and work mornings…So, I have to be flexible and run a long run during the week.  Now that class is back in full swing I’m going to have to get creative with my workout schedule.  Short runs are fine before a full day in the clinic but I’m not sure about long runs.  Next week is my trial week…I plan to run 13 miles Thursday morning before clinic at 1pm.  In theory, it’s doable…I just have to make sure I still have the appropriate energy to work with patients.  I’m not trying to be superwoman here…just pushing my mind and body to its limits ;)  I’ll keep you all updated on how that goes! 

My goal is to get through this training season injury free and to inspire others with busy schedules to get out there and be active.  If I can do it, so can you!

Race day Friday!  Wish me luck :)  Recap to come post race.