Marathon Training Week One!

Here we go! I have decided to train for my 3rd marathon. Exciting stuff!! I'm excited to see what I learn about myself and about running during this training cycle. During my first marathon training cycle I learned that I had so much to learn about marathon training, my 2nd marathon I really focused on my nutrition and figuring out what worked for my body which was awesome. This time I'm going to really focus on quality of my workouts. I want to make sure that I am recovering adequately so that I can improve my speed. Previously while training I've always just ran as hard as I could push for that run, this time I plan to really concentrate on what I'm doing. Based on what I've learned through running with people who have been coached, and what I've learned from the training team coaches, I know that my previous training has not been super beneficial.

So....my plan for this training cycle is:
1. Slowing down on my long runs, not worrying about speed, but also trying to push my pace a bit during the last few miles to get my body used to running on tired legs.
2. Using my cycling class that I teach as a good quality workout.
3. Utilizing one run a week for speed work, just one. That's it! (which is technically more than I was told I should do....but darnit, I do need one day to work on speed. Maybe I won't do it EVERY week.....or something like that)
4. The remaining 2 runs for the week will be at about 60-80% effort.

I'm also hoping to throw in 3-4 strength training days, depending on what is on my schedule that week in running and in life.

There you have it. That right there is my plan.

Day one of Marathon training happened on Monday, when it was -32 F.....soooo we opted to run inside on the treadmill. Yikes. I haven't run on the treadmill in quite some time. But - it wasn't as awful as I had built it up to be in my head.  Day one. Done! As always I'm so incredibly thankful to be able to do this. Running is a true love of mine, and I really respect my body's ability to carry my forward on my runs each and every day.