As I fly head first into Marathon Training Season, I have been focusing a lot on what my goals are/will be for the rest of the year. June started out amazingly as I attempted a run streak (#RWRunStreak), and finished the 3 miles that I pledged for Global Running Day on June 1. Unfortunately, I was quickly sidelined from my run streak with concerning pain in my lower right leg. I was forced to take some time off but after a week of no running and two painful physical therapy sessions with my amazing PT, Sam, I was back in action. During my hiatus I kept asking myself: "What's next?" The ultimate goal is to run the TCS New York City Marathon in November and to arrive at that day healthy and properly trained, but what about setting small goals along the way?
I set out to do just that, set those smaller goals for this years Summer/Fall training that will keep me going along the way (and keep me from burning out). My 2016 race calendar has been set for a while now so it was time to start thinking about which ones I was actually going to race with minimal risk of injury (I am aware that there is always a small risk).
I have been listening to the Runner's Connect - Run to the Top podcast in the mornings as I have been getting ready for work and I have been enjoying it immensely. There is a TON of great advice in each episode of the podcast. There have been a couple of episodes about cross training, strength training and advice about how to incorporate both into your running training. As I mentioned in another post, one of the things that I have been doing differently from last year is focusing on running ONLY. I have been neglecting my cross training and strength training which has been biting me in the butt. Unfortunately, my gym membership is no longer (the reasons behind this could be a whole other blog post but I really don't want to go into it... ever), and I don't have access to my beloved spin classes... until I stop being cheap and join the gym again... hmmm, anyone want to contribute to a gofundme campaign? I could call it "reunite Emily with a spin bike and indoor pool".
Goal No. 1:
Start cross training and strength training. - The great part about where I live is that the local high schools in my area allow the public to use the lap pools (for a small fee - $6 for one swim, $X for 10 swims, etc.) and there is one less than a mile from my house. I also ordered a few free weights for my house (sometimes I am lazy and won't go to the gym in the other building of my apartment complex), and I have been trying to do weight and core exercises at home.
Goal No. 2: Stretch and foam roll more. - As I am starting my training, I am trying to be better about stretching and foam rolling. I bought the Orb a few weekends ago and it is amazing. It is really good for massaging places that the foam roller doesn't quite get to, ex. I have a piriformis muscle that gets angry with me when I run too many hills. I have a foam roller that I have an amazing love/hate relationship with and I also have a Stretch Out Strap that I use while I am watching TV at night. I have really been focusing on trying to stretch twice a day and I have been seeing some improvements (think not as sore after the long runs or during the week).
Goal No. 3: Silence the little voice inside my head that tells me I can't. - I know that voice is always there in the back of a distance runner's mind and can start screaming at the most inopportune moment... "Damn it voice, I am ten miles away from my car, I did turn around but it's going to be a while before we can stop!! BODY... KEEP MOVING"...
I have been thinking about the past year of running; and what works and what doesn't work for me. I know that there are a few things that I resist in all entirety, but I always feel better after completing... did someone say speed work (track)?? When it comes to track I do not trust my body and I generally end up crapping out somewhere along the way (or I tell myself that I will do the workout tomorrow). For example, I KNOW that I can run an 800 easily, it's half a mile (or two laps around the track) and I KNOW that I can run it at a FAST (for me) pace, but somewhere in the middle of a set of 4-6 x 800, I start to doubt myself, I start to listen to that little voice inside me that says: "Emily, you're tired, you can't do this..."
Goal No. 5: Eat better - Since marathon training ended in 2015, I have let my diet take a nose dive into the abyss. I was eating super healthy before I started training last year and gradually (as the miles increased) I started eating more and more junk. My excuse always was "my diet isn't enough calories to sustain the volume of running". Maybe I wasn't eating enough, maybe I needed more calories, however, I stopped paying attention to the TYPE of calories and foods that I was eating. Now I am trying to focus on "real foods" with the occasional (hopefully less) indulgences. I would like to reach the marathon at the same weight (or less) than last year. I honestly feel that weight, and diet have a HUGE impact on how well I run and how fast (or slow) I can compete.
Goal No. 6: Do better at the NYC Marathon than at the 2015 Marine Corps Marathon. - My mantra for the marathon (and training) will be: "You are stronger than you think, you have done this before and you can do it again... better". I am confident that since I know what to expect, and I am more comfortable in my training routine, that I will most definitely be able to achieve this goal.
Now that I have shared my goals, what are some of your goals? I would love to hear from you in the comments.
