It’s time to start training for the Boston marathon…again. This wasn’t how I thought it was going to happen but then again, none of this is what any of us expected, now is it? I’m looking at it as a second chance or a re-do. Not everyone gets this opportunity, so I’m grateful for this do-over.

I was nearing the end of my training when the world turned inside out. At the time I was a little disappointed, but happy that the marathon was postponed and not cancelled. I have to admit I wasn’t thrilled about re-training for what will probably be my last full marathon but what are my options…to not run Boston? Yeah, no. Not an option.

So here we are, starting over.

Last time I used a training program from the B.A.A. and followed it pretty closely but this time around I’m looking at a running program from a book I found by Runner’s World, Run Less Run Faster: Become a Faster, Stronger Runner with the Revolutionary 3-Run-a-Week Training Program  Who doesn’t want to run faster while running less? Sounds too good to be true. I guess I’ll find out. I haven’t read the book yet (it arrives tomorrow) but the blurp I read says it focuses on 3 runs a week–a long run, a tempo run and speedwork, with cross-training in between.

I usually run 4 or 5 days a week depending on my work schedule. If I worked a 9-5 job I would probably run everyday because it’s easy and convenient. I’ve always felt that the only way to get better at running is to run. I’ve learned over the years that a well rounded fitness plan is best way to become a better runner.

Since this pandemic and sheltering in place, I have added more variety to my fitness routine…………….. I’m not sure why it took a stay at home order for me to see the light, but the light is now on and I don’t want it to dim. While my life hasn’t changed much in these last couple of months (I work, I run, I go to the grocery store. My life is pretty boring per usual.)  I have seen other people’s home workouts which has motivated me to try a few. One that I really liked is Marcia’s Lower Body Burn. You can click here to find it on YouTube. 

I’m liking the change of pace, which prompted my look into a new way of training. Along with cross-training I have other goals for this go ’round.

Goals For Take Two:

• Eat healthy.   I generally eat healthy but there’s always room for improvement. Less chips and more veggies is my goal!
• Find what is causing my gut to be so angry.   I’ve had GI issues in the past and have had trouble nailing down the cause. Is it what I ate the night before? What I ate in the morning? Should I cut out my morning caffeine? I’m hoping to get to the root cause and be done with worrying about it.
• Fuel better.    It’s not unusual for me to run 10 miles without fuel. The rule of thumb is take some sort of fuel every 3 – 4 miles or every 30 mins. I would either puke of poop, and I don’t want to do either. So I need to find a happy medium and make it work.
• Stretch or foam roll.      I know I’ve said this before but I mean it this time. Really! No, really. 🙂    

The End Goal:

My overall goal is to enjoy the marathon, maybe take a picture or two, and finish feeling good. I have no intention of hitting a PR or a BQ time. This girl just wants to have fun!

Do you run more than 3 days a week? Are you re-training for a race that was postponed? 

Thanks for reading! I know it’s been a while since I have posted anything, hopefully ya’all are still out there. 🙂

I’m linking with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics, and Runners’ Roundup with Coach Debbie, Deborah, Jen, Rachel, Sandra and Lisa.