Training Update

Unlike much of the country, we have had less than our normal amount of snow this winter. This has been a little disappointing for skiing. But it has been great for my running! Instead of toughing it out on the treadmill, my friends and I have been able to run outside. It's been wonderful - early and dark and cold, but wonderful!

We are in week 13 of our training schedule for the Windermere Half Marathon in May. Things are going well and most days we meet our goal - thanks to Cassi, who is our goal setter, and Erin, who is our pace setter. Just to give you a glimpse of how we are preparing:

Tuesday we do an interval run. This week it was three mile intervals at 8:30 minute/mile pace - with a warm up and a cool down. It was tough and by the third mile interval I was breathing hard.

Thursday we do a moderate run at our goal pace for the race. This week it was 6 miles at a 9:55 minute/mile pace. It was a nice morning and at that pace we can carry on a conversation to keep our minds occupied. It is a great way to start the day!

I am scheduled to do a long run (anywhere from 7-15 miles) on Saturdays. But I am not doing the long runs yet because we are still skiing. Priorities, you know!

On Monday and Wednesday I cross train - usually a spin/sculpt and weight training/cardio class.

Fridays I ski with Kirk and Saturdays we ski with the girls.

On Sunday I take a nice nap (if the kids let me)!

With all of this exercise, why don't the numbers on my scale get smaller? Oh yeah... key lime pie and triple chocolate truffle cake!

Training

If you look at the month of January on the calendar, what does it bring to mind?? Possibly some skiing, sledding, ice skating, snowman building, etc. Maybe even Martin Luther King? At least, those are the things I think of. So, when my running buddy told me it is time to start a training schedule for a half-marathon in May, I was a little shocked. Running - in January??? How odd.

But she was right. If you look at our training schedule and count backwards from May 15th (the date of the Windermere Marathon in Spokane) you realize that week 1 training starts THIS WEEK.

It is too slick and icy in Sandpoint to run outside (at least early in the morning), so I am left my only option - the dreaded tread mill. This morning I ran an hour interval run at the Gym. Not bad, but I sure hope the ice melts before those long runs appear on the schedule!

If anyone is interested in running with me - check out the Windermere Marathon in Spokane. It would be great to have you join us!

I DID IT!

I have been running a lot these past 6 months. In fact, I had a goal to run a half marathon by the end of the summer. I didn't run in an actually race, but I did run 15 miles. The longest I have ever gone. Cassi and I ran through Sandpoint, then across the long bridge (what a view!) and into Sagle. The only time I usually go to Sagle is when I'm headed to Coeur d'Alene or Spokane. Who would (or could) run all the way to Sagle, I would have said. No more! I have been there on foot - and back!