Training Update & 2018 Goals!

The first week of 2018 is in the books! This week I continued my training and working towards getting faster and becoming a stronger runner in general, as well as reflected on my personal goals. I don’t do “New Year’s resolutions.” I am supportive of anyone who does, though, because – let’s face it  – working on yourself and your goals takes commitment, time, and dedication – no matter what time of the calendar year it happens to be. So, I think any time is a great time to decide to put in work.

I’m happy to say that I have now accomplished being a “runner” for a whole year! 2017 was my first full year of running! It is neat to look back at how many miles I ran, PR’s, and how much I’ve improved. It certainly acts as motivation for the 2018 year.

A few goals for 2018:

• 1:30’s Half Marathon
• 1,800 total running miles
• Improved nutrition
• Strength train a minimum of 2 days/week

I’m thankful and excited that I have Lifelong Endurance on my side, helping me train for my races, stay healthy, and become a stronger runner. In fact, they put together this amazing read to help YOU set your 2018 goals. We all know that reaching your goals takes effort, but sometimes setting attainable, practical, yet challenging goals can be difficult. I really recommend checking it out: http://lifelongendurance.com/setting-goals-smart-way/

So! Let’s see how the first week of the new year went!

Monday

Plan: 4 miles easy

Ran: 4.01 miles/37:27/9:21 minutes per mile

Today’s run felt just as intended – nice and easy! It was COLD! Definitely my coldest run yet at 15 degrees. But, like I tell all my Texas friends, “gross” weather is usually PERFECT running weather! It felt amazing!

Tuesday

Plan: 6.2 miles/ 2 miles easy, 10 x 20 second hills, jog down recoveries, 2 miles easy

Ran: 6.22 miles/57:51/9:18 min/mile

It was another great one! The cold weather is doing wonders for my running efforts – not as enjoyable the rest of the day 🙂 I found a nice hill for quick intervals in my neighborhood and had fun with it.

Wednesday

Plan: 5 miles easy

Ran: 5.00 miles/47:36/9:31 min/mile

This one felt nice, too. Really nice. EXCEPT. Some discomfort in my foot. It was a little sore a few days ago but today I was slightly worried about it. I will let Coach know and try to be easy on it. It feels good to stretch and massage it, which is a good sign (it’s not broken!)…

Thursday

Plan: 3 miles easy + Cross-train

Ran: 0 miles + spin class

“Listen to the whispers before they become screams.” I did an early morning spin class (didn’t hurt the foot at all) then decided to call off my easy 3-miler. My foot was sensitive to walk on and it just didn’t seem worth getting injured. I’d rather take one day off than one month.

Friday

Plan: 6 mile “Out and Back”/3 miles easy, 3 miles @ 8:30 or faster

Ran: 6.01 miles/51:30/8:34 min/ mile {splits: 9:19, 9:10, 9:02, 8:07, 8:01, 7:47}

My foot felt better than yesterday – not quite 100% – but well enough, so I went ahead and went for my run. It felt really nice. My foot was sensitive here and there but the run itself felt effortless and focusing on a faster cadence and softer landing helped the foot issue. I’ll continue stretching it and rolling is as suggested by Coach.

Saturday

Plan: 10 miles easy

Ran: 10.01 miles/1:34:18/9:25 min/mile

The weather was PERFECT this morning. A bit colder than expected, so I did find out that socks make for great makeshift mittens… but once I got going the weather couldn’t have been better! I felt good and it was enjoyable except the discomfort in the foot the last few miles. I am hopeful that an FULL rest day tomorrow will do wonders (I’m amazed at what ONE day can do!).

Sunday

Rest day!

I took a FULL rest day today as per usual on Sundays. I’ve noticed that in the running community, “rest” can many many different things. Some people consider a spin class rest. Or yoga. Or gym time. I consider it sitting my happy butt on the couch. 🙂 And what do you know. My foot didn’t bother me at all. We will test it out on a run and keep you updated! Stay tuned!

UPCOMING RACES FOR 2018:

• Hot Chocolate 15K (February)
• Rock n Roll NOLA (March)
• Rock n Roll Dallas (March)
• Statesman Capitol 10K (April)

What are your goals for 2018? 

How long have you been running? When did you first consider yourself a “runner?”