Friday, March 2, 2007

Setting Some Goals

Did someone say ouch?

My right arch has a blister about the size of 2 quarters side by side, plus a few other smaller ones scattered around my foot. The ones on my left foot aren't quite as big, but they are reminding me that they are there just the same.

So, I decided that today was going to be a rest day.

The original plan was to run 3 miles to make up for the ones I missed on Saturday. Great way to start off a training schedule: miss the first day! But, I thought since I can barely walk, running was probably out of the questions. So, I'll just try to work the 3 miles into next weeks schedule instead.

I usually start my training weeks on Saturday instead of Monday. I'm sure that seems a little strange, but it works out well with my work schedule. Bumping the days up like that makes the long run day fall on Thursday, my day off, instead of Saturday, a work day.

As I am starting out on this training journey, I have been thinking about my goals for the next 12 weeks, and for the race. I'm trying to decide exactly what it is that I want to accomplish.

The last time I trained for a half marathon my goal was simple:

Finish the race without keeling over first!

But this time, I have a little more experience under my belt. So, I am wanting something different. I'm hoping that I have the ability to train a little smarter, and accomplish a little more.

My goal for the race itself is quite simple. I'm hoping to finish it in a faster time than I finished the Indy half marathon last May. Which means that I need to finish in a time faster than 2:42:32. I think that is doable. I didn't push myself much during the training, or the race, last go 'round. And I intend on working harder this time, and I picked a training schedule with higher mileage for this race.

My other goals are actually rather simple, as well.

First, I intend on incorporating some ab work into my workout routine, and hopefully, I can improve the appearance of my mid section. I'd really like to be able to put on a 2 piece swimsuit this summer and actually be comfortable in it!!

Second, I would like to lose 5 lbs during the course of my training. I really don't think that should be too difficult. I don't think that 5 lbs in 13 weeks is too much to ask of myself. And since I'm basically making a shift from couch potato back to runner, I hope the increase in activity should be enough to drop a few pounds.

Losing 5 lbs would put me right under 140 lbs, which is a place that I haven't seen in a very long time, and would very much like to be!

As long as I don't use my running as an excuse to eat everything in sight, like I did last time, I should be fine. I think I gained 10 - 15 lbs while training for my last race (which I have since lost!). I had to reward every run with a treat.

Even if the run was only 2 miles!

I mean, 2 miles still deserve a chocolate extreme blizzard as a reward.

Right?

7 comments:

  1. love the new look!!!

    i too am hoping i can run some weight off me...it's pathetic and strange to think that i'm almost back up to my pre-running weight from a year ago, yet i'm faster... and running more miles...go figure!

    good luck to ya!

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  2. OWWWWWW! That's a big blister!!

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  3. Love the new look.
    Take care of that blister.

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  4. The new look to your blog is wonderful! Love the colors!

    Good luck with your goals and take care of that blister!

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  5. I like what you've done with the place:)

    Sorry about your blister, ouch!!! Heal up soon!

    GL with the HM training plan:-D

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  6. Your goals are so like mine! I'll be your cheerleader!!!

    YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

    And yes, my sis tempts me with hotfudge sundae rewards at every turn...

    Hope that blister heals up soon!

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  7. your blog looks cool! and i think your goals are totally do-able. I hear you about gaining weight while running. My oh my, that is soooooooo easy to do!

    and when you figure out the cure for blisters (the bane of my existence) let me know, please!

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