updates (been slow to do this again)

I have been training, just not reporting too well!
7/24-Dist: 5mi, incWarm(10:30/mile); 2x1600@6:59w/800 jogs; Cool (10/mile)
I was worried about this workout as it initally seemed intimidating, but really i averaged this on my last 5k, just a little different when you "punch it in"---yes i am running on a treadmill right now
7/26-XT--Lat pull down--5 sets of 5 at 140 (3),150(2) circuit of dumbell step-up, dumbell squat to press, dumbell row..3 set of 8 reps, 35# dumbells 10 minutes on the bike
7/29-missed my long run on sunday, this was a partial make up--.5 miles at 9:13, 5 miles at 8:41
7/30-lat pull down, 4 sets at 140#, dips 2 sets of 6, leg raises 2 sets of 20 bicycle, 9miles on stationary bike, mid range tension setting, hill work-out at 120RPM average

Having and end result has really helped me, i struggle with hitting some of the dates/workouts with my travel schedule by i am making sure i get the mileage in. I need to run more outside and should get a good timer/gps etc watch to help ensure my times are right.

i think i should not worry as much about my final time in this first marathon, but like many i am a bit obsessed with time and wanting to already improve something that i have not even done. I think as i move up in mileage i may not worry as much about my times as much as getting in the distance.

DIET DIET DIET, working on that, still a struggle, weith at of 7/27 was 197, have not weighed this week.

workout report

been missing my updates lately!
7/15--rode bike for 6.5 miles, averaging around 102RPM 3 sets of 10 leg lifts
7/20--Long run, .5 miles at 9:00/mile, 6 miles at 8:51/mile
7/21--rest
7/22--XT--Lat pull down--5 sets of 5 at 120,130,130,140,150# circuit of dumbell step-up, dumbell squat to press, dumbell row..3 set of 8 reps, 35# dumbells

Music...and other questions for the public

i am at a crossroads of sorts with listening to music during running. The marathon i am training for does not allow them (as i am learning most don't now). This was something that i did not consider, and i have over the last few years listened to music while i lift or run. I plan on listening during cross training or when i am in the gym, but will have to ease myself away from it on my outside and long runs. What do you....anyone that might read this...what do you think about for 8, 10, 20 miles? concentrate on the road? help on this!

How many of you plan races in your training? for a marathon how many do you do? any preference? I have a 10K Run for a Child in Rogers, AR that is convenient and at the mid point of my training that fits with an otherwise easy run week, it seems that might be ok if I juggle some of the runs that week.

First official day of training

I have reviewed a ton of training plans, and i guess there is not silver bullet other than to say that whatever feels best and fits with your lifestyle should be the one to use. I reviewed several off of runnersworld.com under the smartcoach. It gives you the options of putting in times for recent runs, how hard you want to train and for how long. The one i choose was a bit different than many as it only recommends you running 2 days a week, with the other 5 being rest or cross training days. First week is 11 total miles, and takes the stair step up then down, then up again approach.

Cross training for me is going to be easy runs, stationary bike, and possibly swimming with plenty of weights. I have found some great workouts from Mens Health for core and strength training to make sure i am giving equal time to all muscle groups.

Most things i have seen recommend training with someone. that is tough for me as i have almost always run on my own. I have run with several of my friends in workouts and in races, but i "got the bug" more than most of them and in most cases have gotten faster than them, which has seemed to make them less open to run with me. That and life tends to get in the way. Many of my friends are now having kids, and I completely understand (as you see the picks below) how that can change you time allotment in your life. Anyway, i want to do this training on my own, and know that it will be a tough road, especially in those last 5 or 6 miles of the marathon when you have the virtual wall rear its ugly head. I hope this blog will serve as my venting place, and if a few people read it and respond to give advice, great!

Ran 2.5 miles at 9:13 pace (this is a XT day) Dumbell squat to press, 2 sets of 10 with 35#, leg lifts 2 sets of 12

nothing new

Ran my local trail...if you don't use mapmyrun.com, you should! very useful and fairly accurate if you don't have a gps on your wrist. I ran the dam then then part of the trail again today. did not go through the speed hill work, just a couple trips up the side of the dam at the end of the run. total distance was only 2.5 miles.

Joe Myers Memorial 5K Run/Walk

Ran a 5k yesterday, ran a 21:30, 10 seconds off a personal best. Fairly flat course, finished 11th overall. Felt pretty good, just a little sore today from the pavement.

running for 7-03-08

Ran about 2.4 miles, just knocking some rust off part flat and part hill run on asphalt.