…so there’s that PR I can’t stop talking about.
…and that little marathon thing I can’t stop thinking about.
…and barre n9ne that I’m still totally and utterly in love with.
Well, now what?
I’m finding myself stumbling into an “in between” spot — no races to be training for, no barre n9ne challenge to be focused on (not “officially” anyway…always in barre n9ne mode in some shape or form). No “something” to be working towards, near-term.
So, knowing me, I’ve been doing lots of thinking. About what I want to focus on for the next say, six months before officially throwing myself into marathon training (y’know, after I can actually register for the Chicago Marathon…minor detail!).
And I’ve decided that I have three goals for myself – they probably won’t surprise you.
1 – Maintain my running endurance as best as I can this winter (aiming for a long-ish run per week all winter, for the most part)
2 – Make sure to properly mix in intervals to work on speed. (I hear a certain Jim over at RunBikeSurf has a killer interval workout he and Sam at Because I can are planning to post soon…ahem!)
3 – Stay focused in barre n9ne, constantly improving my form, core strength and flexibility.
Sounds pretty well-rounded…and kinda similar to what I’ve been doing, yeah? The difference to me is a subtle one. But it’s an important one to me. I’ve worked SO hard to get myself into the best running “fitness” of my life and I feel like I’m in a really good place. So I want to hang onto it like hell.
I’m also so grateful for what barre n9ne has done for me — it’s totally transformed me, and continues to change me every single day. Physically but perhaps even more so mentally. So I want to hang onto *that* like hell too.
The only difference in either scenario? No hard and fast “schedule” or “training plan” for the next few months. And I’m cool with that. It’ll let me mix up my weeks a little bit more than I have been the past few months. But it’ll still be focused, which is so important to me.
For example – this week has been solely focused on barre n9ne while I give myself a running break (my joints are thanking me!). And maybe there will be a week or two where I’m more focused on running and intervals/speed and less so on barre n9ne. Who knows.
Either way? I have my eye on the prize – 26.2 next October. The next year is going to be a rollercoaster (like whoa). And I’d like to start that rollercoaster on solid (strong) ground. Strong legs, happy joints, conditioned core. Run-smart. Train-smart. Live-smart.
…so this is my non-plan of a plan. I dig it.
26.2, baby!!! Woohoo! YOU CAN DO IT!!! I’m with you in terms of wanting to maintain my running endurance as much as possible this winter. It’ll be a challenge, but that’s what winter running gear is for, right? 😉
Weeeee!!! That totally counts as “badass” right??
As for winter running gear – yes, the cuter the gear the better and more motivating. That’s my rule. Cute winter gear = no excuses.
TOTAL badass!
See, I don’t go for “cute” so much as functional. All I want is to be warm enough!! lol
haha true, you make a good point. Warmth trumps cute – but cute *does* help with motivation. Might as well look good while running in sub-zero temps (I can’t even fathom that weather, I’m in total denial right now!!)
Yep – no overthinking things just because you don’t have another race right around the corner. Just maintain for a bit. Keep up with what you’ve already got going on as a great base for the full training.
You’re right – trying very hard not to overthink it and to just go with it. Especially knowing that I’ll have to be pretty regimented come marathon training time. And I really want to have a good base going into this thing, without feeling like I’m starting from scratch.
Sounds like the PERFECT plan! And I just sent you a tweet as well. Did you say you sent me an email? I didn’t see one.
I sure hope it turns out to be the perfect non-plan of a plan, hehe.
And yes! I just resent it, hope it didn’t get stuck in your spam?
Sounds like you know what you’re doing! You can use this time to focus on yourself and even take more rest days!!! Trust me, once you start marathon training, rest days are hard to come by. Lol.
Ha, more like flying by the seat of my pants!! But you’re right, trying to enjoy this less structured time period (and those rest days!) so I’m rested and strong and ready to tackle marathon training in the spring. Eeeeek!!
Sounds great sis! Pretty much my plan too 😉 (well, ‘cept the 26.2 part…hehe).
Haha, minor detail 😉
Oooh 26.2 in October!! What race are you thinking of? I’m going to see how my second half in March goes. Who knows, I may hop on the full 26.2 bandwagon.
You RAVE about barre n9ne.Does anyone have any ideas for a similar studio in the DC/Bethesda area?
Got my eye on the Chicago marathon next October, eeee!!!
Yes, barre n9ne has been amazing for me and really pairs well with running for strong, lean muscles and a good core, all so very important to good runner form. I just did a quick search online and there aren’t any of the “big” studios in your area (like Core Fusion at Exhale Spa or Physique57 or PureBarre) but there does seem to be some that are similar in style to barre n9ne and other barre-style classes. My advice would be to poke around at a few studios in your area and take a test class in each before settling in on the one that works for you. I think you’ll love it!!
Thanks Jess! I’ll look into it. I appreciate you taking the time to google it for me. I hadn’t heard of any of the studios you mentioned!
Sorry to butt in here…but there if you check out Emily’s blog over at Sweat Once A Day, she mentions a workout that sounds pretty similar 🙂 I believe it’s called fuse pilates
Sometimes it’s good to have some time off from an official plan or goal. 🙂 Gets you more excited when you get back into it!
That’s so true – and since I’ve been in some sort of training/challenge mode since May, something a little less “planned” is right up my alley right now!
You wasted no time getting back on the wagon. Your plan is strategic, aggressive and totally attainable. Looking forward to following you on the way. Keep up this positive attitude and enthusiasm.
hehe, I guess that’s how I roll these days 😉
I heart you!
this is always the hardest. You are on a runners high but you know you need some rest. The holidays are approaching and you want focus. I get that. I think Barre 9 is good and maybe some yoga! Mix it up, rest, then go play again. ya!
You’re right, now is the time to spend extra time caring for my body so it’s strong and ready to take on rigorous marathon training. Yoga is definitely on my list!
Everytime you talk about running Chicago next year I get, um, well…WICKED FREAKIN EXCITED.
Stay tuned for that post, I plan on it going live while I’m in NYC watching Crazy Jim 😉 run his 9th marathon!
I am wicked freakin’ excited toooooo!!!!!! 🙂
I can’t wait to read your post on intervals *and* to see your tweets about crazy Jim’s 9th marathon, holy crap!
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