What's on the Plan Stan?

To be honest, I am tired from a certain adventure yesterday and I wasn't going to post today. But then I saw Deb's word of the day was "Pragmatic" and thought that it really described how I've been feeling lately about my training.


July started my "official" training for my goal race this fall. Well, I don't know why  I call it my "goal" race. It's the Wine and Dine Half marathon at Disney and Disney races have never been ones where I am looking to PR (unless it's in fun of course).  But I guess it is still my goal race for the year because if things continue to go the way they are (fingers crossed), this will be my FIRST Disney Half Marathon were I am not running injured!!!!! Can you believe that?  Every other half marathon I've run at Disney World or Disneyland I've started with a disadvantage and finished with a hobble! Well I'm doing my best this training cycle to make sure that doesn't happen at Wine n Dine this Fall!

So as far as my training is concerned, I want to DO IT ALL. But I know that isn't smart.  Let me explain........

I want to run everyday because 1) I have the time now   and    2) I want to take advantage of the wonderful weather.

I want to go to the gym every week day and strength train because 1) I am scared of not being strong enough and ending up with an injury again    and  2) My PT gym is costly and I want to get my monies worth by going as much as I can during the month (they are only open M-F).

My training for long distance running events is quite different than training for 5Ks and short distances.  When I am training (or practicing so to speak) for a 5K I will run the entire  distance.  When I am training for longer distance I tend to use the Galloway method. Also, when training for longer distances I never work on speed (I know I should but with as injury prone as I have been, speed seems to be the least of my worries).  I need to be happy with the speed that I am at and just worry about being consistent and healthy.  Which leads me to my next thought.........................

During this training cycle for the half marathon, I'd like to run two more 5k races. Normally I don't run smaller races while I am training for a half marathon or marathon because the training for both is different.  So I'm not sure if I should be training for endurance or for speed at this point.  

I know it's not safe to be running everyday (even though I have the time), so I might just do two small runs a week and then one long run.  How often do you think I should go to the gym? I should mention that when I go to the gym, I am not doing cardio. I do all weight training and stretches. I want to be smart, yet practical as I develop a  training plan-M

Thoughts?  Share how you've developed your plan?



39 comments:

  1. When I'm training for a marathon, I'm really pragmatic--I follow a systematic plan. But for shorter distances, I don't even really train. I just go. It must be the long distance that scares me into behaving!

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  2. I ususuall run T/Th/Sat and do weights M/W/F. That works well for me!

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  3. I try for 3 strength training sessions a week, but it's been really hard to get them in lately. So when I'm super stressed and busy like right now, I shoot for at least 2. And they don't have to be long, either -- something is always better than nothing.

    I do run shorter races, on occasion, while training for my halfs. If they're ones I like, or if they happen to work into my training well. Since I'm training for a half, it's all about endurance (although I do do speedwork), and I accept that my shorter races may not be speedy, although I find they can be -- and I do my own version of Galloway for races of every distance -- the intervals change depending on the distance, but it's worked well for me this past year so I'm not changing it!

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  4. I have an October race I really need to start planing for!

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  5. I think it is so hard to pick a training plan or to know what is right and or wrong! I think the idea of running a few times a week and then going to the gym is smart. I hope it all works out and you running injury free!!! :)

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  6. Maybe since you have the time, on the days you decide not to run, you can strength train?

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    1. Right now I am running and strength training on the same days. It seems when I'm motivated I do both. I don't know if that's such a good idea though. So far it's working out ok.

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  7. I have never had a training plan, but once baby arrives I will definitely be giving myself one, as I work well to plans.

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    1. Yea, plans definitely help keep you on track. Is the developing off it that I am having a hard time with!

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  8. Thats why I stick to my Marathoning for Mortals book - gives me a plan.
    But as you know, I'm usually hurting myself some how or some way anyways - but dont hold that against the plan :) haha

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    1. Sometimes it's hard to tell which plan will work for you and which one your body will reject!

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  9. It sounds like you have a good plan!

    I like doing races while training, I feel it gets me ready for the race day feeling... and I have do to the running anyway, and I do it more energetically if I have a race.

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    1. I've done very few races while training. It makes me nervous!

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  10. It definitely sounds like you are being really smart about your training! My usual plan is running 3 times a week and strength training 2 times a week with yoga once a week. It doesn't always end up that way but that's the plan. Wine and Dine should be a fun race! It will be interesting to hear about it with it being a morning race now.

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    1. I'm still not excited about wine n dine being a morning race.

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  11. I love how enthusiastic you are about wanting to do it all! But...the cautious person in me wants to warn you to not run every day - I think your body does need some rest days.

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  12. You sound like me. I want to do all the strength training to keep improving, but I don't want to overtrain. I also can't do all the races, and I have to be careful with whatever training plan I choose.

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    1. I over trained for my first marathon and ended up injured so I am definitely being cautious there!

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  13. I like to a follow a training plan. If you use Galloway for you half marathons, I don't think you need to work on speed. 4-5 days of running is probably fine and on the 2 or 3 days you don't run, cross train (strength/stretching). Rest days are important especially to recover and avoid injury.

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    1. Yes, I need to not feel bad for taking rest days cus I know how important they will become later as the miles increase!

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  14. I usually make my own plan but typically run 3 days a week strength train 2-3 days a week and another cardio 1-2 days. 1 full day off. Good luck!

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  15. There is no correct answer because everyone is different. I had the mother of all injuries and had to run the Disney Marathon with very little running beforehand. I don't recommend that, but the point is if you are cardio-conditioned you can run a marathon (or half) without running high mileage! Hansons would be the death of me. LOL.

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    1. Perhaps I should continue to do more cardio at the gym? I was using the eliptical on days I didn't run, but stopped because I started running more frequently!

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  16. I try to be pragmatic with regards to my training by balancing what I want to do (run all the miles at a consistent place) with what I know that I must do. NOT run all the miles, do the work when I can, and do my PT! I don't race much, and I just try to enjoy myself.

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  17. That sounds like a good plan and one I was sort of using last training cycle. It's just hard to only run 3 days right now when I know I have time to do more!

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  18. Wow, looks like that worked out for you!

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  19. I run only 3 times a week when training, and follow the long run progression to a T. The rest, I take with a grain of salt.

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  20. I think it's great that you're including strength training in your workout plan! I like to get in 3 strength type workouts a week - usually one is focused on upper body, one on lower body and another on core. I also do a few extra shorter core workouts throughout the week.

    Best of luck this training cycle - it sounds like you're in a good place to have a great Wine n Dine half this year :)

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  21. I know I tend to get injuries when I really (too) often or (too) fast. So my limit is 3 to 4 times a week and one of those includes a long run, possibly a speed work. I try to go to the gym or pool 1 or 2 other days a week. This is if all goes well. So it is quite in line with what you do ! I need at least one, if not 2 rest days. I think you just need to learn to listen to your body. Hoping your injuries stay at bay !

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  22. Training has to be customized to each person, I believe. I know people who run every day (upwards of 5-6 miles every time the lace up) PLUS a long run every weekend...and somehow they never get injured (or do not speak about it LOL). I have to have a couple rest days each week, and I'm OK with that. I think all the wear and tear these "others" do will eventually shorten their running career. That said, I do partake in an occasional streak, but that involves just a mile on the "rest" days, so it's nothing too major.

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  23. Oh yes! It is such a balancing act between doing enough and not doing too much to where you get hurt. I soooo feel ya! I know I get injured if I do back-to-back running days so I just don't even try anymore!

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  24. I think Galloway is super pragmatic -- he and Hal Higdon have awesome plans! Also pragmatic is your plan to visit the gym. Two days a week strength training will give you huge benefits! And don't forget core work. Best of luck with your training for the Wine and Dine!

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  25. I would suggest that you continue your training for your half marathon, and if you want to run a couple of 5K's, go ahead and run them, but don't worry about your time, just have fun. You mention that you tend to get injured easily so I think you're smart to train in a pragmatic way, and without worrying about speed at this point. If you've been strength training regularly already, I think it's great if you continue. I wouldn't; however, suggest starting a strength training routine in the middle of a training cycle. I wouldn't suggest running every day, but perhaps 3-4 days; and if you lift, shoot for 2-3 days. How about using one of your days at the gym cross-training on a bike or rower? Have fun and good luck!

    Thanks for linking up, Meranda!

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