Week 1

This post is detailing my training for a fall 'race.' Seriously, this is probably boring to just about anyone but me. I just want a log of training so that I can monitor my progress and just document the experience in general. You've been warned.

Official fall training started last week - the October race feels so far out, but it will be here before I know it. All in all, last week was pretty good, but it wasn't without struggles. I had a cold a few weeks ago while it doesn't really affect me while I'm running, I lost an awful lot of fitness since I didn't run for several weeks.

Anyway, I feel stronger with each run and it feels really good to be back in the swing of things. My workouts have been so sporadic the past few months and I forgot how good I feel when I stick to regular workouts. I sleep better, I'm inclined to eat better and my moods are better (seriously, more than once last week I was all 'why the heck am I so happy right now...it's pretty sad when you question why you're in a good mood.) 

Here's a brief rundown of what I did:

Monday:      2.5 mile run
Tuesday:      2.5 mile run
Wednesday: 2.5 mile run
Thursday:     rest
Friday:         5.5 mile run
Saturday:     rest
Sunday:       2 mile walk around my childhood 'hood

Not bad for week 1, but lots of room for improvement. My 'long' run was by far the toughest, but the good news is that (a.) I finished and (b.) I knew what went wrong. There was a strong headwind for most of it, so that made the run tougher than it should have been.

I know I didn't eat nearly enough before the 'long' run. I've been really working on eating more food and eating healthier food. I was pleased with my eating last week, but I don't think I ate enough on Thursday or Friday morning and I really started to feel worn out during my 'long' run. Eating and running is a tricky business and it takes a while to work all the kinks out.

Another thing I need to work out is adding weights and cross training. I picked up a dumbbell for the first time in ages last night and I'm aiming for three days of lifting per week. I'm not looking to do a hard-core lifting routine, but I do want strong muscles because that's what will carry me through the tough miles. 

Finally, I need sleep. I've been slacking on the sleep and staying up wayyy too late. I mean, I'm naturally sleeping a bit more soundly thanks to all the working out, but I need much, much more than what I'm getting now.

I guess that's it for now. I need to look at this weeks training plan to see what I'm in for...I can't believe this is actually happening!