Monday, March 1, 2010

Getting back on track

I am a training slacker.

This isn't a recent development, but for the last year or so, slowed by injuries of one sort or another, my training has really gotten off track. In fact, I don't think I've really been truly ready for a race since last April's La Jolla 1/2 Marathon.

My latest foray into slackerhood is duly recorded on my Daily Mile log which shows that I logged a pathetic 49 miles in February...that's total miles BTW and includes "elliptical" miles. In total, I ran 33 miles last month and I haven't been on my bike since January 6.

My ass is one victim of this slackerness. My evidence? I did a four sets of lunge matrices at the gym on Saturday and today, I could barely sit (FYI - a lunge matrix consists of six lunges, one going forward, one to the side, and one back at a 90 degree angle, then one back, one cross over to the side, another cross over to the front at a 90 degree angle - One set is 5 rounds of these and actually consists of 30 lunges, per leg. I usually do these with hand weights, on Sunday I used 10 lb weights).

At one time, I was the QUEEN of the LM, but that wouldn't be the case now.

This has got to change. I've got to get back into training shape...I know I can't run more than three days a week, but I've been doing only two days for the last couple of weeks. I must continue to do strength training, not only because it makes me look more toned than running alone ever will, but because consistent strength training leads to fewer injuries.

I really need a plan and a focus since I do have some events coming up:
  • This Saturday - Sue Kren 15K. I'm not expecting much. I haven't run farther than 6 miles since the Surf City 1/2, but I'd still like a respectable finish. I ran 6 miles at a very respectable (for me) 10:46 pace. That'd be a PR if I could do 9 more miles.
  • Sunday - The Gran Fondo 32 mile ride. It's not a race, but 32 miles is still 32 miles.
  • April 11 - Carlsbad 5000
  • June 6 - Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon - There's a new course this year and (thankfully) it doesn't involve the San Diego Riverbed. It's a pretty flat course with a lovely downhill ending. I'd really love a nice PR there...something around 2:15 would be nice.
Amazingly, that's all I have planned for the year so far. I wonder if the lack of a larger plan is the reason why it's been so difficult to keep to a training schedule. If I'm going to PR in June, I really need to stay healthy, which again, leads me back to the need for a consistent training plan.

So, there you have it. Alice is in search of some serious training mojo. I know it's out there somewhere, I just need to re-locate it.

11 comments:

  1. You will regain your LM queen status. ;)

    I need to rethink doing the half instead. Fiesta Island just doesn't float my boat, but I guess it's better than the river bed.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You say "that's all I have planned" but actually, that's quite a bit between now and early June. One thing that I'm doing differently this year is less racing and more training. It seems to be making a difference...I've been injury free for 3 months (possibly a personal record for me!)

    Have fun this weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  3. You'll get back to it in no time, I just know it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. You can do it. SOunds like a lot just this weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I haven't signed up for anything and it I think it is killing my training mojo as well. But I don't want to sign up for something, nto train well enough and get injured again by running undertrained! Ah the dilemma!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I cannot believe the Sue Krenn is this weekend (already?). Good luck with it! I hope you have an awesome PR!

    I have been playing around with the idea of doing the half. (That would require some sort of training/running. Have I started? No.)

    Have a good race!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I read about those lunges and threw up in my mouth a little.

    ReplyDelete
  8. It sounds like you are doing pretty well, if you ask me. You have a decent plan and you are doing SOMETHING. I wouldn't beat yourself up about it.

    So no La Jolla, eh? I guess without the Triple Crown, there's really no point. LOL.

    Good luck!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh...btw, you've been tagged on my blog.

    ReplyDelete
  10. OMG girl, you'd better get your rear in gear! LOL, I know exactly how you feel, I just looked at the calendar and did a double take...get going!!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Sounds like you're in the right mental space to get it done, and your body will easily follow suit, and soon recognized what it's been missing!! Enjoy! :)

    ReplyDelete