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Tuesday, September 30, 2014

The Year of Running

So I changed my mind. Big surprise, I tend to do that. I am now signed up for the Carlsbad Marathon on January 18th. The course is not as great, but the timing for both training and running the race itself is going to be much better, and it won't be as crowded or commercialized as the Rock & Roll. Also, the CM is part of the Triple Crown Series, along with the La Jolla Half and the America's Finest City Half. So I can add my first marathon medal to my rack, then two more half medals, and one more for completing the Triple Crown. I have been officially training for about 2 weeks now, at about 20 miles per week and 10 mile long runs. Running 4 days a week, cross training one, and yoga, which leaves one day off for rest.

Months ago I would have told you that a 6 day a week schedule was too much for my body, and that I did better at less days a week (maybe 3-4). What I realize now is that I just didn't add activity gradually enough, giving my body the time to be stressed and grow stronger without getting injured. I have learned so much about my body through this process it is unbelievable. The body is capable of so much, and is constantly responding to stimulus and the environment. I do believe that almost anything is possible; you just have to listen carefully to your body, and push it just far enough to stress it into growth and adding strength, but also pulling back and giving it enough rest to heal before pushing it again. Training is a constant dance back and forth.

To that effect I have comfortably built up to that 6 day a week training schedule and it feels AMAZING. I will be adding miles per week and miles onto my long run, eventually topping out at 40 miles per week and a 23 mile long run. I can honestly say that I am in the best shape of my entire life. My body feels so strong and healthy.

I've purchased 3 of the last 5 pairs of my shoe in existence (6.5W Mizuno Wave Rider 16) in anticipation of my grueling training schedule, and figure after this year I will just have to find a new shoe that works out. And it's looking like my cousin Jay is going to run it with me, which would be so exciting.