Well, it's official! I've signed up to run a marathon... the NYC marathon Nov. 1, 2009. I was searching for something, another goal since I decided to take a break from competing in Figure and got the "crazy" idea that I should train for a marathon.... but not just any marathon, the NYC marathon! Am I on crack???? There's no real reason that I need to do this, I mean what's wrong with just fitness for the sake of fitness? I've been training and dieting hard the past 3 years for figure, why not take a break??? I have no idea... I just know that once I get an idea that I want to do something, I just have to do it. Anyhow, there's no turning back now, I'm going through a travel group and already paid in full (not cheap!). So now the fun begins.... training! I've been running off and on for years, and more so in the past 3 years as part of my prep for figure. A lot of physique athletes avoid running for fear of losing too much muscle, but I've never found it to be a problem. And I did run quite a bit, especially in 2006 which I believe was my best year (2006 North American's - 2nd masters B, 3rd open B). My running that year was awesome! I remember feeling so light and feeling great during my runs..... mind you at the time I was 112 - 116 lbs, so I've got a bit to go before it starts to feel good again.
So here's the plan; I've signed up for the Running Room 1/2 Marathon Clinic (didn't have enough people for the full, apparently I'll get a training plan for the extra K's), starts this Tuesday, June 9 at 6pm. Once I get the plan I'll structure my weekly training. I plan to do my runs in the morning and train with weights afternoon or evening, pretty much what I've always done. I will add in some extra cardio, either powerwalks or elliptical/bike at the gym until the K's start to get higher. I'm currently running 30-35 km/week but expect this to gradually increase into the 40-60km range, at that point who needs extra cardio! The only reason for it now is to drop 10-15lbs of pudge in the next 4-6 weeks so that I feel more comfortable running and can actually train. I know, sounds weird that I want to drop weight to run, alot of people run to drop weight, but if I've learned anything about dropping weight over the past 3 years its that for me, diet plays a HUGE role and I need ALOT of cardio to get the fat off my butt! So during the week I will be keeping the diet super tight, and save the extra carbs for the weekend longs runs.... we'll see how it goes. By mid-July I should lean and mean again and ready to run like the wind!
Happy training!
Michelle:)
About Me
- Michelle
- I am a Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator. I've been married for 18 years to best friend and love of my life, Joe. We have 2 yellow labrador retrievers, Kali & Lucy. I've been passionate about health and fitness for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I had pictures of female bodybuilders, Rachel McLish, Cory Everson, Gladys Portuguese on my bedroom walls and would spend hours flexing in front of the mirror, dreaming of being Ms Olympia... I gave up the dream for awhile, then finally found the confidence to compete in my first bodybuilding competition in 1995 when I was 27 yrs old. I loved it!!! But decided I couldn't compete with the "big girls" so sat on the sidelines again until... FIGURE! 11 years after my first competition, I stepped back on stage and found my passion once again:) I enjoyed 3 years of competiting at the national and international level before taking time off last year (ran a marathon, ha!). I've decided I need one last kick at the can before I hang the heels up for good, so sit back and enjoy the ride!
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