I officially started my training schedule February 1st. My upcoming race is less than two months away, and so far I stink at sticking to a schedule. 
I know I can get the mileage in, but I need flexibility. Maybe Wednesdays aren’t a good day for me to run 7 miles because I’m in class till 8pm. I can go to the gym but if I have to run 7 miles on a treadmill I’ll go insane. Or what if it’s pouring rain on my day to do a long run and I’d rather do speedwork to get it over with? On the other hand, I’m free Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to run outside so why should I take a rest day on one of my favorite days to run? Aaaahhh the excuses are limitless. Can someone give me a little push? I need to hear “Carissa stop whining and just do it!!”
Something I recently tried was running without headphones. To my surprise I enjoyed it. I always thought I needed music to motivate me, but just being in my own thoughts was peaceful. Would I try it while running on a treadmill? Never! When I run indoors I need to be over stimulated: music and magazine. Occasionally taking a reading break to people watch, or catch an episode of The Office while I tread. Aah, Dwight, you never fail to make me laugh.
The new Brooks are finally broken in. It took a few weeks. And you know that feeling of wanting to keep new shoes clean? I have the urge to roll ‘em in the mud just to get over that! On really, really wet days I’ve been switching back to my Mizunos. They’re already so filthy that it doesn’t bother me a bit to splash around in them.
Well that’s about it for an update. I’m so excited for Prague!! Ever since I ran in Vancouver B.C. last summer I’ve been wanting to run all over the world. This year Czech Republic, next year who knows.
If you’re looking for a custom training schedule I like using the Smart Coach program at Runner’s World.. although here in week 2 I’m wondering why my schedule doesn’t include hill training. I know I need to add that in somewhere if I’m going to build strength and endurance, especially since Prague isn’t exactly the land of flat plains.
In other news, I posted a new blog posted on Kombucha Tea. You can find it here at Elite Nutrition. As health trends come and go I’m always wondering what is it about these products that are so appealing? Is it glamorize advertising or people know what their buying? And if you knew what you were buying, why would you spend $4 on tea. For example, did you know that Kombucha Tea is not FDA approved? Have you visited their website? Rather than describing health benefits of their miracle tea, they refer you to “Google” its benefits. Seriously. That makes me wonder if they’re afraid of making false claims..? Hhmm. Check out the article. I’d love to know what you think of Kombucha!
Questions:
Training tips for distance runs?
Do you drink Kombucha? Do you have a testimony about how it’s radically improved your health?
I like Kombucha, but I rarely drink it – too expensive for me!
I totally understand your excuses as far as running goes. Maybe if you lived in a place where rain isnt ALWAYS a possibility it would seem like an excuse. A little rain is no big deal, but it POURS this time of year so I dont blame you for not wanting to commit to a long run without knowing what the weather will be like. And yes, 7 miles on the treadmill would be torture.