Happy Monday, ya’ll! I am a big planner and thrive when I make a plan for my week. I may not always follow it perfectly, but I like knowing what is in store for me each day. I also love reading and hearing about what other people are doing to reach their health and fitness goals.
Last week I announced that I would be running the Boston Marathon on Team Stonyfield, I have been working on my endurance in a pre-conditioning training phase. Since completing the LA Marathon this past spring, I have run primarily for fun. My running has been slow paced while training using the MAF Method and just running because I love it. Now I am running with purpose.
In addition to working on my base, I want to make strength training a priority. I love lifting heavy weights… yet that part of my fitness routine always seems to be the first to be dropped. Sigh. After speaking with my trainer and understanding the importance of strength training to lower body fat, I am making it a point to lift at least 2x a week.
I am not going to sugar coat any of my training or make excuses. The majority of my runs will either be while pushing T in the jogger, chasing three boys on bikes, or running solo on the treadmill. It may not always look like the training plan schedule, but the miles will be covered and sweat will be dropped.
This past weekend, I asked on my facebook page: If you like to know the running pace and times of your friends and blogs your read. The response was interesting as many didn’t care while others shared they were interested. I figured I would share with you my pace guidelines (suggested) and what actually happened.
I will be honest, sharing time, pace, speed, and all that jazz does create a little mental trigger in me with the whole comparison trap game. I know that we are all on our own running journey and running our own race… but it is hard to not compare at times. So please, understand that this is my blog, my journey, my running story.
My current running and fitness goals are to increase my endurance and running base. I am not adding in any speed work at this point in my run training. My goal is to also gain strength (core, hips, upper body… and whole body actually).
Last Week’s Fitness Routine
Monday – 3 miles easy – treadmill (12 min/mile pace)
Tuesday – 3 miles easy – treadmill (12 min/mile pace)
Wednesday – 4.5 miles pushing T in jogger (10:21 min/mile pace)
Thursday – rest
Friday – 5 miles chasing boys on bikes (10:44 min/mile pace) + afternoon Zumba
Saturday and Sunday – rest & Fun with friends
This Week’s Fitness Routine
Monday – 4.5 build up miles (10:00-11:19 min/mile pace)
Tuesday – 3 miles easy + strength training (body pump OR class at gym)
Wednesday – 4.5 build-up miles (9:59-11:18 min/mile pace)
Thursday – strength training (body pump OR class at gym)
Friday – 4.5 build up miles (9:59-11:18 min/mile pace)
Saturday or Sunday – 7 miles comfortable pace
I am currently following the guideline and marathon training plan from the ASICS website. The training plan is free, totally customizable, and changes your goal pace as you input your times/pace after each run.
So there you have it. My weekly fitness and strength goal plan. I am still running for fun… now my miles have meaning and purpose. It is exciting, and I love training.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
I really admire how you fit it all in and keep up your routine with the little ones. I love strength training as well and it makes a huge difference for me in my shape. Since you asked, I personally don’t really need to know others paces.
Rachel says
Thank you. I pencil it in my EC LP just like I would any other important activity for the day. 😉 And… for the record… I don’t care about pace or splits either… unless following a race recap. 😉 But… some people do. SO… this week, I thought I would share what the training plan suggested. 🙂
Kimberly @ Healthy Strides says
Great week!
I don’t always share paces and I don’t really find it necessary for others. I think it only matters if someone is being very open about working toward a very specific time goal. Otherwise, 5 miles is 5 miles – no matter how it’s done or at what pace!
Rachel says
Thank you. I agree. For me, right now in my training… I am working on building up my base with endurance. All while working on my heart rate training still (so not worried about pace just staying in my heart rate zone). 🙂 In a few weeks/months when I start working on speedwork… then I am sure pace will become more of a factor. 🙂
Colleen says
Your posts make me smile I love your energy and commitment.
Rachel says
Thank you!! 🙂
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club says
I really don’t know or pay attention to other folks’ mileage or pace. I have my own personal goals so I keep focused on that. NOW if I see a pace that I aspire to I will definitely comment on it but I don’t focus on it. I congratulate the person on an impressive pace and move on.
Stephanie says
I can totally relate. Having two little ones myself, I sometimes struggle to stay true to my workout schedule. When I am training for something specific I am more consistent and focused. I added strength training over the summer and found that it helped me so much when I started running again. Good luck with your training!
Sandra Laflamme says
I do follow a training plan. I work with a coach from my friends coaching business The Sustainable Athlete. This helps me to stay accountable (although kids and life does often change the schedule ). I do know the times of some of my other favorite runner bloggers but for me it is more motivation than anything 🙂
I am psyched to read about your training as it always helps me to see how others juggle everything with kids too 🙂
jill conyers says
Yep. Always have a plan to reach my goals. If I don’t I kind of feel I’m floundering. KWIM?
Tammy Litke (@threedifferent) says
Wow, you’re a workhorse 🙂 I admit I’m lucky if I get on my stationary bike a couple of times a week. I really need to make aerobic exercise more of a priority in my life, especially as I get older.
Erica G says
Great job and I love that you decided to include paces for us too.
I love it when my running has more purpose too.
Rachel says
Thanks. Although sharing the goal and actual paces does give me mental issues (triggers of not being ‘good enough’) but I am working on those triggers 😉
Heather @ Divas Run for Bling says
I always have a training plan for my goals – it’s how I keep myself on track (mostly). And I try not to compare myself to others so the only pacing I focus on is my own, snail’s pace.
vanessa: thequeenofswag says
I need to make a fitness plan for me and my family. It’s something we really need to take time to do.
Jenn says
Whew, you get in a lot! That’s admirable, great job.
Angela says
I haven’t been much of a planner. But I’m working on it and plan to do better with it next year after the holidays.
Crystal says
I’m excited about watching your journey as you prepare for your next marathon. What was your pace like when you first began? Mine’s nowhere near 12!
Marcie W. says
I missed your Boston Marathon announcement but congratulations, that is amazing! I am sure it takes a ton of training to embark on something that huge and I look forward to reading more about your progress.