Goodbye, 2005!

Our last run of the year was a Team in Training run in Grafton- 8 miles of beautiful, rolling hills. It has been a great experience being supported by the Team. I spoke with an honored hero who had run Boston last year, and who has been out every week at our 8 a.m. training runs passing out water and supporting runners. Here's to 2006 and all the miles and memories to come!

Marathon Training:

This is a little post about running marathons. I am not a fast runner- I get along in relative ease at around 8-8.5 minute miles. Many people think that marathons are difficult to run physically, but (and speaking early in the training season!) I am convinced that any one in general good health can run one, and that many would be surprised to learn how much fun they are!

I remember watching my first marathon up close. I was in London for a seafood trip, and I happened to pass by Buckingham Palace on the day of the London Marathon. I was surprised to see people of all ages, shapes, and sizes (and many, many people in bulky and entertaining costume) running past the finish. That moment made me start thinking that marathon running was truly for everyone and maybe for me.

Usual training will have you perform base running to build your weekly mileage, slowly using the 10% rule to increase to a reasonable level. The 10% rule is practically bible with physical therapists - the basic premise of which is not to increase your weekly mileage by more than 10% a week. Once you have obtained your base, you start increasing your weekly long run in gradual increments. You usually stop your long runs 2-3 weeks before the race, building up to a run which is anywhere from 20 miles to marathon distance. For the period of time after your longest run, you let your body rest and store up energy for race day!

Unfortunately, sometimes things still go wrong, and for one reason or another, you become injured or unable to complete your race. This happens to runners of all levels, not just recreational runners. But through the process of scheduled running, you learn to train your body and your mind to get up to the race, and tell yourself that you will be ready when that day comes.

If anyone has questions about running, let me know. I will try not to be too boring, but welcome any comments OR posts!

December Training:

December training is great because it is the introduction to winter running. Is snow on the ground? Is it icy? Do you wear that extra layer? You never know how things will be until you get out there. Most runs start out super chilly, but by the time you are done, you are very comfortable, even warm. This can happen even as ice forms up on your eyelashes on on the back of your neck hairs. December training is the leap into the unknown. Here we go!