A Fresh Start

Well, it's here. This Sunday, two days from now, I would've been running the Baystate Marathon. Sadly, not this year. I was fortunate enough that the race directors are allowing me to defer my registration until next year's race, which I intend to run. But having begun training once, I am more aware now of what else needs to be done. And I'm doing that, starting now.

1. Build a stronger, faster base. Having run only a handful of times since mid-August, it's pretty much like starting from the ground up again anyway. And I will have a full year. I intend to focus on shorter distances for a good few months, trying to build up my overall stamina and speed. Not to mention hills - I've already scoped out a killer one a few blocks over that I intend to incorporate at least once or twice a week. Unfortunately, it's a dead end, but I suppose that will make it all the more suited for hill repeats. So hills and speedwork - something I significantly slacked on in my training this past summer. My best running pace over 10+ miles was 9.5-min miles. I'd love to get below 9. We'll see. Any improvement will be welcomed. I honestly don't know what can be expected for a realistic improvement seeing as right now I'm back around 10-min miles, maybe even a wee bit more. I might be able to do faster for short distances, but it's tough to maintain that over distances; ideally, I'd like to be doing in the low 9s for an entire half. But the way I see it, I'm not going to worry about that just yet. Once I can do the usual 2.5-mile loop at under 10-min miles and still feel ready to sprint, then I'll work on improvements. For now, focusing on the base.

2. Weights. I don't want to bulk up, but let's just say I need to trade in a bit of fat for some muscle mass. Plus I know it will help me in terms of flexibility, stabilizers, balance, and overall core strength. Overall, I'm looking to get more fit over the next few months so that when my running really ramps up in spring, I'll be at a much stronger starting point.

3. Yoga! I've never tried it and, not being the most coordinated person, I'll freely admit that I'm a bit nervous. But I've heard it can do wonders for your back (which I could use) and can have great benefits for runners. I'm more than willing to give it a shot. I figure this will also be a boost to flexibility and core strength.

4. Diet. Dear Lord, keep me away from the potato chips. Or rather, keep them away from me. If I don't buy them, I won't eat them. I need to get back on track with a healthy, well-rounded, protein/veggie/fruit-laden diet. I have no problem carbo-loading. It's everything else that I slack on. And like I said, dropping a few pounds before spring wouldn't hurt either.

5. Hydrate properly. This was what led to my demise on that fateful day in early August. I've since purchased a Nathan fuel belt with 4 water bottles that I intend to use (2 of Gatorade, 2 of water). I have a bad habit of forgetting to drink when I'm running; I'll go 6 or 8 miles without any. Bad idea. From now on, 2.5 is the longest without water. Otherwise, at least 1 bottle is coming with me.

That's that; as much as I can think of, for now. I began running again just this past week. Nothing major, just little 2.5-mile jaunts after work with the pup. As long as I snack at work before I leave, I'm good to go. And I'm not tired when I'm done, so I'm confident I can handle faster/longer right now, which is comforting. But I'm not pushing it (or the dog) too much. I'm just going to stick to the regular weekly mileage with a longer weekend run for now; I want to make sure I have enough in me for weights and such. And as things improve, then I'll start adding distance and speedwork and hills.

So, this weekend is bittersweet for me. I must admit I'm secretly glad I won't be tackling the 26.2 in the cold, raw rain on Sunday, but I'm disappointed I didn't make it there this time around. But at least I'm getting an early, focused start on next year's race.