BALANCE; Training Plans

 

NUMBERS Only!

• 26 days until SPRING
• I was sick for 14 days, 3 days of a fever. 
• My girlfriend traveled 22 miles to save my life from the dreaded flu. 
• 92 days, 13 weeks until Sulphur Springs 100m. 

WINTER-TRAINING

Winter-the season where your driveway is a skating rink, i would know, Andys mom got stuck in it last week. When your morning run feels like an Artic expedition, frozen eyelashes, clodhopping in snow and subzero temps. And my motivation to run hibernates with the woodland animals. 

TRAINING PLANS are a MUST for me. 

TRAINING PLANS:

"A goal without a plan is just a wish." Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Training plans either written by you or someone who inspires you help to rescue me from the comfort of my cozy blanket and 5th cup of coffee. They help me to stay on track. 

LIFE requires training plans. In running and in LIFE. 

Gods word is always my number ONE training plan that gives me purpose and perspective. 

Both the bible and a running training plan allows me to have BALANCE. 

WINTER WOES

"Why, my soul are your downcast? Why so disturbed within me?" Psalm 42:11

It has been 20' outside, and many days single digits with the wind chill factor in there. Fresh snow has covered everything, yes, it beautiful, but that beauty has lost its luster. The wind has sliced through my layers like a Freddy Krueger horror film, the running paths are either slushy and slick or ankle-deep snow threatening to snap your ankles. 

YEAH!! Winter running. Insert sarcasm. 

However, these are the moments when a training plan becomes your best friend. It reminds you of your goals, keeps you focused, and, most importantly, provides the BALANCE needed to navigate both the treacherous terrain and your busy life. 

BALANCING ACT

"In their heart humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." Proverbs 16:9

Training plans aren't just about logging miles; they're about creating BALANCE in your life. With a structured plan I can juggle FRIENDSHIPS, Lead BIBLE STUDIES, MAINTAIN a clean home, summer garden, CHICKENS, WORK, FAMILY and DATE nights with my hubby and have time for a book a month. I have a life that has balance, running doesn't become an obsession. 

Despite what many believe. 

Training plans are like having a personal assistant who schedules your workouts between meetups and mops! 

FUN FACTS:

• Companies that offer comprehensive training programs have a 218% higher income per employee than those without formal training. 

While this stat pertains to the corporate world, it highlights the value of structured training- whether in the office or running. 

TURN the FROWN Upside Down: Countering OBSTACLES

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22

I am more hyper the older I get about busting my coon-dog running in the winter. I have had Andy pick me up from the collar to save me from face planting and I have had a few flailing limbs in the air trying to balance myself from slipping. The layers and layers that make me look like the Michlin Man is something I try to laugh off especially when I start sweating the first mile. 

This winter I have had a few obstacles. Training Plans help you get back on track. Those unfortunate circumstances don't have to derail you, you just have to get creative to find another path. 

GETTING SICK. 

Prioritize REST and RECOVERY. This is hard for me. I did drop my mileage down when I was sick. 

I also loaded up on herbs, peroxide baths, vitamins and rest. I eventually had to bite the bullet and get an antibiotic. 

Once I began to feel better, I eased back into running, with less intensity, adding more walk breaks, and even more walking than running. 

UNRUNNABLE TRAILS/ Roads

I live on a dirt road. Most of the winter it has been a slippery, snowy mess. The trails this year have gotten so much snow that they are several inches high of ungroomed paths. Even the sidewalks in Holly have not been cleared. 

I have been on the indoor Track, out of the elements and unfortunately without elevation but getting my miles. 

I have traveled to the Metroparks a lot this winter, they do a pretty good job plowing the paved path. I did however find myself 5 feet in the snowbank last week! The park rangers at Indian Springs were AMAZING and saved me a tow bill! 

STAYING MOTIVATED IN THE Cold Weather

"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can" Arthur Ashe

• FIND A Training PLAN! 
• Register for a race a MONTH, this is what I do, and it gives me something to look forward to. 
• Incorporating activities that make cold weather running sorta enjoyable! INVEST in the proper gear, find friends or have post run festivities like going to Parlor Donuts or Tim Hortons afterwards. I love that. 

RUNDOWN: 

Weekly Miles; 69miles 

Elevation: 2,700

Speedwork: 5X800m yassos @3:27 w/400m C/D

FEB RACE: FROSTY 5K. We ran 10 miles before the race, and 2 miles after the race. There was NO shot I was RACING this; the course was a mess! Of course, racing it was never an option. But it was fun. The hardest part was I got 15 miles in, but I needed 20 miles. When I got home, I had to conquer my mind and SHUT UP and RUN another 5 solo miles. 

I have run a lot of SOLO miles. And have had to run a few miles sick. 

And the truth is, I am sure some of the miles ran were just plain stupid. But it comes down to not allowing my excuses to have power over me. I would rather run stupid then not try at all and give my negative dialogue a voice of power. 

 Conquer the negative! 

A COUPLE Questions to REFLECT on.

• Are you open to alternative routes or resources? Treadmills, tracks, trails, parks, ect. 
• Have you ever joined a running group? Connecting with others helps to motivate us. 
• Have you added a little adventure in your running, fun runs every so often encourages and prevents burn out. 

In Peace, Not Peices,

Anita