Sunday, April 19, 2015

What's Next? The Big One.

The Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run was my big spring goal race. So what's next? If you've read some of my March posts, specifically "Signs Point to Yes" and "#AccessGranted #MissionComplete", then you already know that I'm going to be chasing my first marathon: the 40th Marine Corps Marathon. I've started a vision board and put my long runs on the calendar for June - October. But between now and June, I'm taking it easy.

My MCM Vision Board

Why am I taking it easy? What does that look like? The "why" is to keep from burning out. I've seen it happen to some of my friends - you keep chasing goals, building them one on top of another, without stepping back to refresh and rebuild. Some people seem immune to this sort of burnout, but I know I'm not one of them.

For the next two months I'm going to take it easy as a participant in the Reston Runners' Women's Training Program. I'm not coaching for WTP, I'm not going to push myself hard. I'm going to just enjoy this fun program that is coached by women, for women. I'm going to run for pure enjoyment. No time goals, no speedwork. Just fun.

The coaches for the 2015 Women's Training Program
photo courtesy of Brian Kent Photography

During this time I'll be working on my vision board for MCM and solidifying my plans for incorporating consistent strength training & yoga into my MCM preparation. I know how important these components will be for a successful marathon, and I really slacked on them during training for my mid-distance runs. That's not going to fly if I want to "beat the bridge" for MCM!

My MCM training will kick off in earnest on June 13, when the Reston Potomac River Running Distance Training Program begins. I'll be a volunteer coach with the PR DTP program so I can still support the other coaches, but in a more limited role than my Cherry Blossom coaching, which will help me focus more on my training. Here's to lots of fun runs over the next two months, and then some serious, focused training!

12 comments:

  1. I've really taken a "slow down" year regarding training for 2015, and I'm a BIG supporter of other people doing so to prevent burnout. I'm glad you're cross-training, and I'm liking my time doing that too. You are going to be primed for training come summer. And you will, bank it, absolutely beat the bridge. I am not psychic, but I've got a decent eye for this stuff. You're going to do it.

    P.S. Oh, I fed your Koi!

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    1. Thanks for your unwavering support and belief in me! And I love that you fed my Koi.

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  2. This is great, Kim! I'll be following your training, and of course will track you on race day! You are going to have a great experience!

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  3. Oh, wow! Very exciting. I like your relaxed approach!

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    1. Thanks Coco! We'll see how relaxed I am in a few months ;)

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  4. Love the board. That is a great idea to keep it easy. I'll take a monthish off before training starts for the full.

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    1. Thanks Jennifer! Enjoy your "monthish" off when you get there. Looking forward to following your training!

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  5. Very, very exciting! I'm looking forward to tracking your training progress! :D

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  6. Wow can't believe you are training for a full! You've really accomplished so much in a short period of time. Blogger tip-you may want to add the plug in that sends your responses back to commenters in an email. :) I think that helps a lot to keep people engaged

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    1. I would love to add that plug-in but don't know where it is. Can you point me to it? And thank you for the blogger tip :)

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