March Training Plans

March will be a challenging month for me.

As I prepare for my first 50 mile race, I need to put in some long weekend runs to help build endurance and prepare myself mentally for the challenges running 50 miles. Then toward the end of the month, I need to begin to taper.

Goal
Total Miles: 242

Distances for Long Runs: 
35 Miles
40 Miles

Distances for Back-to-Back Long Runs: 
30,15 Miles (Sat., Sun.)
20,10 Miles (Sat., Sun.)

My Gym and Lifting

I mentioned one of the things I like about running is setting my own goals and working toward the goals independent of anyone else. My success or failure is directly dependent on my desire to reach my goals.

I have a very similar approach to working out, lifting, or whatever you want to call it (all things not running). I like to set my goals and work toward my goals on my own. When I first started working out in middle school, I had a small weight set in my bedroom. I did all of my lifting there and I think that's where I first found the enjoyment of setting physical goals for myself and working toward those goals on my own. Throughout high school, I had one "lifting partner" that I would lift with about 6 months out of the year. He was really my only lifting partner I've enjoyed working out with. We had similar goals, and were not really focused on a building a certain physique, but more-so interested in reaching strength goals.

After a couple years into college, I purchased some quality gym equipment so I could continue working out at home. My garage is now my gym, and it is the perfect place to workout for me.

Currently, my goals for lifting are to maintain my strength. I think there are a lot of benefits to lifting including maintaining a healthy body and  I believe the strength training compliments ultra running.

My strength training changes about every 8-10 weeks. I find that 8-10 weeks of a particular strength training routine is about the maximum time my body can benefit from a particular routine before I need to switch things up. I alternate higher rep dumbbell and body weight exercises (push-ups/pull-ups) with traditional power-lifting (lower reps, heavier weights). Currently I am on week 7 of my higher rep routine and am thinking I will switch back to power-lifting within a week or two.

Enjoying "my gym"

Running Plans for Week of 02/15/2010

I have a very unsophisticated planning mechanism for my running schedule. I basically plan out my month based on an upcoming race or goal. In this case, it happens to be my goal of completing a 50M race in April 2010.

So, what I do each week or 2 is write out the miles I want to run each day for the remainder of the month. I always have a "total monthly miles" goal in mind. For example, for Feb. I had a goal of 200+ miles and by Feb. 10 I had a total of 49 miles for the month. I knew I wanted to concentrate on back-to-back long runs, so that is the basis of my schedule. Current schedule totals 218 miles for Feb. You can see how some days don't go as planned, so the miles are adjusted accordingly.

Here was my plan from 02/10/2010 thru 02/16/2010:

Here is my updated plan based on my missed run yesterday:

Like I said.. very unsophisticated!

Inspiration and Motivation

In the past year, I have read many articles, monitored many websites, and subscribed to many blogs looking for people with similar goals as a source of inspiration and motivation for me to reach my own goals. Along with the blogs I currently subscribe to (see About Me), I am an avid member of the website DailyMile.com.

I want to inspire and motivate others to reach their goals. Whether it is running a 5k or a 50k, I want others to know that if you put your mind to something, and you love doing it, you can obtain that goal. I hope my blog provides guidance, inspiration and motivation for others to reach their goals.

I also hope to find new friends with similar goals and interests. I enjoy reading about how and why others run. It motivates and inspires me to continue to strive to achieve my goals when I see others working so hard to reach theirs.

Always feel free to leave comments and ask questions -- I want to provide inspiration and motivation!

Am I a Runner?

Am I a Runner? What is the definition of a Runner? What is your definition of a Runner?

I have always considered myself an athlete. I enjoyed running in middle school track. I started lifting weights in middle school as well. Once I got into high school my perspective on running changed. I ran only when it was necessary. I ran in high school because football required that you run for endurance and speed and your overall physical fitness. After high school, I no longer ran. I had no need to run. I did what normal college kids did - go to class, study, party and work (maybe not in that exact order). I continued to lift weights to achieve strength goals I set for myself. It is what I enjoyed. I could do it on my own. I could set my own goals. I could work toward those goals without relying on anyone else.

All that changed in November of 2008. I watched a documentary on David Goggins. I immediately became fascinated with the concept of Ultra Running. A sport about setting your own goals and obtaining those goals relying on no one but yourself. I never thought of running in this way. I began to research Ultra Running.

On January 5, 2009, I decided I would become not just a Runner, but an Ultra Runner. I will one day complete a 100 Mile Race. This is my goal.

2009 Achievements:
Oct. 18, 2009 - 1st Marathon
Dec. 12, 2009 - 1st 50k

Am I a Runner? I am a Runner. Running is now an important part of my life. Running is part of who I am. Each week I need to set running goals and achieve those goals to feel successful. I love running. I will always be a runner.