Changing Plans
Ran this morning: 7.85 miles in 1:09. Main set was 5 miles, first four of which I ran @8:30 pace and last mile of which I ran at 7:15 pace. Overall average 8:15 pace. Based upon my last race performance I’ve set 8:30 as my standard training pace, with 6:52-7:00 as my tempo pace (for sustained reasonably hard training runs of 3-4 miles or so) and 6:12 as my interval pace.
Reading WendyM’s last blog made me think about my own constantly changing fitness plans. I like the idea of focusing on increasing strength, lowering bodyfat, and improving muscle definition and body appearance, but my first interest is in endurance sports — especially running. I’m up to over 30 miles per week and aim to get up to over 45 mpw this fall during my marathon training. My (44 year old) body will need rest time, and it also will crave ample nutrition. With all that, and family and work, I just don’t have a strong desire to get in the gym much right now, or stick to purely "clean" eating. I don’t feel bad about that; it’s just the way it is. I like gym workouts enough that I expect that to change eventually — perhaps right after I finish my marathon (assuming I do) in December. But for now, and for the next 14 weeks, I will focus on running, and see how far that focus can take me. With a bit of extra effort I think I can also lose a little weight and body fat. We’ll see.
September 3, 2008 at 6:25 pm
I think that your plan is not only realistic but healthy too! There is nothing wrong with not eating clean 100% of the time…it’s about doing it the most of the time and still having your indulgences…in moderation! Right??? It is always about balance, the right amount of this and that…too much of ‘this’ can be just as bad as too much of ‘that’! Am I rambling?? Yes. yes, I am!!
So….GREAT JOB on your time and GREAT goals you have set for yourself!!!! We are here to cheer you on no matter what they are!!
September 5, 2008 at 9:12 pm
I think your plan about sticking to running for the time being is a good one. You might want to add in some push ups and abs after a run a couple times a week–nothing crazy, just to make sure you are working your upper body some. As a running coach once told me, if all else fails, you can drag yourself in!