Week One of Marathon #2 Training

So here I go again..this time I have a much different perspective AND a specific time goal. I spent lots of time last night after the kidlets went to bed planning out my training strategy. I have to consider not only my goals but also my life and how to fit everything in it. I think I once gave the advice to someone that you have to consider your life schedule when planning your training goals otherwise you are only making this hard on yourself...I am trying to accept that advice for myself. :)

A friend gave me the same book that I think Marci and Aron have both used so I spent a long time looking through that. It was a bit complex at times but it made a lot of sense. The mileage is pretty hefty so I am taking a piece of that training plan, a piece of what I learned from the Running Room and a piece of what I know of myself personally (as well as the demands of my life). From this I have developed my customized "Run Mommy" schedule! I even charted it out in a spreadsheet and posted it on my fridge with specific instructions for each day. So begins Week 1.

Some major considerations with my new plan are that I want to improve my overall time (significantly) and I would like to have full confidence going into the marathon (May 24th). This marathon is in Ottawa which is not necessarily local but also not thousands of miles away so it is not piggy backing on a family vacation. Another positive is that the really long runs are still a few weeks away so hopefully the bulk if this nightmare weather will be on its way out.

I also will be a little more strict on making sure I follow the plan but won't beat myself silly if things get a little muddled up. Life is going to happen and unless someone wants to pay me to stay home and train full time while also covering the expenses of a full time nanny, housekeeper, cook, driver and wife (oops...I think that last one might be illegal and not in my best interest), I have to accept that it is what it is. My husband is being fully supportive so onward march!

Lastly, I will not sacrifice my other activities for running all the time. I will return to my once a month tennis tournament and I am playing soccer again for the first time since the birth of baby number 2. It is not exactly as competative as I used to play but I am pretty excited about it!

I do feel a lot "cooler" now that I can contribute to other chats on the blogs with little things like "...when I did my first marathon..." and "...here's the advice that I can give..." Its like I finally graduated. :)