Friday, January 05, 2007

Back to Basics

Had a great 12 mile run on the trails last Saturday. With my ipod, the time just flows. I didn't pay attention to my speed, just listened to my body....ran fast when I was stoked, walked if I needed to (not much!), and enjoyed being out alone on the trail.

I've enjoyed the relaxation of the runs of the last few weeks. I really only did what I wanted to do based on how my body was feeling, but I kept my mileage at 25 miles/week. Now it's time to get back to a training schedule.

I have my first 50K coming up in May, and it's time to decide on which plan I wish to use. I've definitely decided to hit the maximum mileage at 50 per week. I'm hoping my body will serve me well through it. I'm not doing well with weight training at the club, so I will need to get back to using my home hand held weights.

My mind goes back and forth so much regarding getting real buff for a runner, going faster or just enjoying this whole process without the competitive pressure. Both avenues attract me so I guess I'll see what develops.

Lots will be changing as far as my schedule goes. Seems the new job wants me....the hours are a concern though. I run in the morning and this job will require me to be there at 7:30, with about a 40-minute drive. A good hour run in the morning will see me waking up around 4ish. I know I can do that, but I will be in bed by 7:30 at night!! I'm boring enough hitting the sack by 8:30 nowadays. I'm not crazy about the thought of running after work, but I will have to try it out and see how it goes.

I got a new cell phone and number to prepare for this job as my current phone is thru my present job. Treated myself to a blackjack!! Oh boy---talk about toys!!! This will just blow you away!! Now I just hope I will have time to play with it!!

Time, also to pull in my diet habits. This past week my legs felt dead on my runs. That hasn't happened in months now. So I'm back to guzzling down water all day and getting the veggies in.

Here's to watching all our goals develop through the new year!!

18 comments:

Black Knight said...

New year, new job, new cellular phone, new number, new goals but... I see old i-pod!

Todd said...

Well I know you will do it. There is nothing wrong with doing both training straegies. going with what you feel but keep in mind your goals so you can keep yourself in the general direction and avoid burn out.

Well you have to do what you need to do. I go to sleep at 8 pm 2 days a week so I can get up and swim at 5:30 - 6:30. It sucks and not sure if I will do it again from march to july session but I will do it while it lasts.

Una said...

Wow you are living some serious excitement right now! Fantastic!!

Please please keep us posted on your 50k training plan. I hope to do one in a year or two, if my heart cooperates.

I hope the new run schedule works out for you! I used to start work at 6AM, so yes, I'd be running at 4AM. I loved it. But I was a lot younger then. It seems I've changed since then... ;o)

Jessica DeLine said...

You do have quite the schedule change! I hope you adjust quickly to it and it works out well for you :)

Ben, aka BadBen said...

Cool, a Blackjack. Now you can do e-mail and multi-task while on the toilet.

You and a local friend of mine have inspired me to be more of a vegan, one meal at a time. My energy level is increasing and my weight is dropping.

Happy trails,
Bad Ben

Unknown said...

I am just figuring out cellphones and i-pods, I am not ready for anything like a blackjack. You'll be a great addition to the ultra community. Now if I can just talk you into a race in the PNW.

Reen said...

All very cool! Congrats on the new job!

MNFirefly said...

Congrads on the new job and new phone. New things are TOTALLY awesome!

RunBubbaRun said...

Good luck training for the ULTRA, I will be doing the same getting ready for maybe ICE AGE 50 as well.

I understand those early morining runs. Kinda of peacful thou.

JeffM said...

50K is a heck of goal, good luck. You could get buff, go faster and enjoy it too.

Neese said...

I'm looking forward to following your training, 50k is impressive, Happy NEW Job, Home, Phone, Training Plan, Goals and Year!

Deb said...

Sister....you've got a lot going on! I wake up at 4:30 and hit the sack by 10. Just the right amount for me. It's tough, but like you, I'm not keen on working out after work. It just never seems to happen. I'll be lifting those weights on Tues & Fridays..are you joining me?

teacherwoman said...

I too would rather run in the AM, but with having to leave for work at 715, that means I would have to be to the gym by 430/500ish and it doesn't open until 530. I can only do short morning runs in the am. Oh well. Sounds like you had a nice run, I am jealous. I wish I could get back outside and run, but the weather just doesn't want to cooperate up here! Maybe sometime around April!

Deb said...

Tag...read my blog for details!

Travis said...

The Blackjack is pretty sweet. I've got it too. Now, if you really want to take it up a notch, check out http://www.sportsdo.net/.

Mike said...

Happy New Year Lora- sounds like you are off to a busy start!
Waking up at 4'sh to run is nuts!! ;-) I know I could get used to running after work vs. waking up that early! I'm sure you'll figure out what works for you though.

Jack said...

I think you will find enjoyment no matter which avenue of training you pursue.

runliarun said...

I wake up at 4:45 to run and be at work around 8 am. But I have a fairly easy commute. In winter it's still dark when I'm done with the run, and it feels sometimes as if I'm already done with work for the day :).