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Me and my daughter, Amber in May 2009
(Take note of the "Freshman Fifteen")
There are roughly nineteen weeks until the Carlsbad Marathon. Most training programs are between 18-20 weeks. And let me tell you--there are tons of schedules! At Barnes and Noble, I sat on the floor with books piled high and strewn all around. Hal Higdon, Jeff Galloway, books for runners over forty-five, books for Chi Running, and one by the Fuhrmann Institute: Run Less, Run Faster. There are books specifically for women and a book called, "The Runner's Body." By the way, I didn't even look at that one. I already know I don't have a "runner's body." Not with my "Freshman Fifteen." The week slipped by as I researched for the best training programs.
Then I called Erika. Everyone should have an Erika in her life. She listened to me for quite a while before asking, "Nattie, what's your goal? Is your goal to set a PR? Or is it just to finish?"
Amazing words: "What's your goal?"
Well, I've never been very hardcore. This will be my fourth marathon and who-knows-what half marathon, and I've never learned the exact definitions or reasons for terms like fartlek or tempo or speedwork. Hills? Not intentionally. Ever.
I approach my races as social events. A race is like a big party for me, except instead of an hor'd'erve table, we stand around Port-o-potties shivering and asking for toilet paper. During the race, I talk to my friends, stop and walk through water stations, stop to tie my shoes, stop for a piece of candy...you get the picture. I usually sign up for these races as a way to sightsee a new city. (Please note: San Francisco is not the easiest place to run through). Plus, truth be told, I like the handouts at the finish line. I really do. The big metal cape, the banana and the energy bar, and the coupons for $1.00 off the next time I buy yogurt. I don't know why, but these things are incentive, and I do like a goody bag.
So, if you're following me, this means that my goal for The Carlsbad Marathon is going to be: To finish. And if I can set a Personal Best Record, that would be an absolute bonus, like getting something extra in my gift bag.
That said, it looks like I'm going with Hal Higdon's Marathon Training Novice Program. I don't know what all of you are doing. I'd like to know because I'm always willing to try something new.
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