Take It and Run Thursday is nothing if not timely for me this week. The subject is "Training Plans Do's and Don'ts." Next week, I start officially training for the two triksos (aka "half marathons") I'm planning on running this spring. I've spent some time choosing the right training program for my schedule, adding it to our online family calendar, working to incorporate some group training runs (as part of my goal of getting to know local runners) and generally geeking out with excitement at the great runs I have ahead of me.
I love training plans. It's like having my very own coach who tells me how far and how fast to run each and every day. There is no doubt in my mind that the training programs I've used for my longer races have gotten me to the starting line prepared and in as good of shape as was possible for me on that given day.
At the same time, an important lesson I've learned is that sometimes, you have to ignore your coach. That is to say that although the training program is important, it's not carved in stone, and some degree of flexibility is vital to my sanity.
For example, sometimes I'm just going to have to take an unscheduled rest day. It could be because I don't feel well, because Jack has pulled on his Cranky Pants and is being a total nightmare and I can't ditch Steve with him, or just because. And if my training plan calls for me to run 10 miles, but there is a 5K that day that I really, really want to run, I am going to make that work.
Running is one of the most important things in my life, but it's not the only thing. As much as I love training, sometimes, I've just got to ignore my coach.
11 comments:
i think flexibility is probably the number one overarching theme of this week's TIART! :) i agree with your perspective.
Great advice and very true.
I did this half marathon training on the fly, I am a bit doubtful of the results. Race is in two weeks. We'll see.
I've seen flexibility and adaptation come up a few times today.. That's the one thing I worry about, that I'll bend it too much, or not enough, or...
Nice post, though
I love training plans, too. The planning is part of the running fun.
However, I'm a little disappointed as I was hoping that, should I have a kid someday, running would be my ticket out the door should tantrum-ing occur. Your example suggests that's not cool parenting/spousing.
Boy, you're nicer than I am. I leave Beer Geek with nightmare kids all the time. LOL. Luckily mine usually put the annoying act on hold for the time I'm out running and save it for me when I get back.
I definitely agree that flexibility is key. I keep trying to remind myself of that as I'm training for a couple of halfs. I was way too uptight about my marathon training.
MCM Mama
Great post. I tend to write my own loose training plans because I can ignore it to a point with out feeling bad.
Good luck with the upcoming Triksos. When are they?
Wise words!
I'm following Galloway's half-marathon training plan - sort of.
See, that's why I don't have a coach, because if I did, I wouldn't listen to him anyways, which is why I don't have a coach. I'm glad we're of the same mind.
I'm all for the just because. Sometimes I don't need a reason to not run!
Joe
www.fitnessgeekga.wordpres.com
You know your body best... do what's right for YOU!
oh this was a very good post, I needed to hear that as I begin finding the right program for me
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