Remember this song???? No? Just me?Â
Last week, I didn’t workout Tuesday-Saturday. That’s the most time I’ve taken off in over 2 years.Â
It felt . . . necessary.Â
And eating-wise? Well, I just kind of ate . . . whatever. I didn’t eat horribly, but I ate when I was hungry and let myself have what I was craving–as much as I wanted–and didn’t feel guilty about it.
It was slightly traumatic and slightly liberating. The whole thing was an attempt to just be normal. Normal about food and normal about exercise.Â
You know something? I survived! I didn’t turn into a giant balloon and the world didn’t come crashing down around me. Everything was just fine. But I will say this: at the end of it, I was ready to get back to my workouts.
I think the break was just what I needed because I pounded out 6 miles on Sunday morning, and it.was.glorious. Don’t freak out; I’m not going back to being Ms. CrazyPants running 30 miles a week right out of the gate. Yesterday, I worked on my trouble zones with Jillian and today is a rest day. (What’s that???) So I’m trying to be normal. In fact, I’m planning a run tomorrow, some tabata work on Thursday and then another day off on Friday. I know. I’m a wild woman.Â
The idea is to keep working out, but not be psychotic about it. I want to start training for the New York Marathon in mid-July, and I want to be healthy and rested and ready to go when that happens, so the next month or so will focus on strength training, interval and tabata-ish work, and 2-3 shorter runs each week. It’s completely new and different, but I know I’ll be back to running my face off again soon, so I really want to take this time to get myself primed for that.Â
Alright, it’s time for the advice portion of this post: marathoners, is 4 months a good amount of time to train for my first one? I feel like 5 months might be too long, but 4 will be just long enough. If I’m wrong, call me out! I (obviously) need all the help I can get, and I’d hate to get injured again. So please! Advise!Â
I trained for 5 months for my first (and only) marathon and I felt like it was TOO LONG. I was done and ready by month 4. I think the key is already having a solid base and getting in those long runs. I did 2 18 mile runs, 2 20 mile runs, and one 23 mile run — and looking back it was a bit much.
I DO recommend working in one long run that is more than 20 miles (it really helped mentally – physically I think once you can run 18, you can run 26.2) and I wish I had done recovery runs (2-3 miles the day after a long run). I will definitely be adding those in next time!
Yay for taking some time “off” — I’m right there will you this summer. There must be something in the air.
That is GREAT advice! Thank you! Glad you’re enjoying some rest time, too! Cheers!
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I agree with Michelle… and to further that – I did 2 20 milers, 1 19 miler, and think 3 18 milers and I WISH I had done one that was over 20 miles. So do that.
Love that song and video!
You already have solid base so I think you are money with four months. Can’t wait to read all about your training
I think 4 months is good. Granted, I’ve only done one marathon, but I did a 4 month training plan and I was happy with it. I think with 5 months, you may end up getting burned out or bored with it. I’m about to start MCM trainin in a few weeks, and I’m starting to get nervous… Good luck!
Agreed! I’m currently training for Chicago in 4 months. Anything over that and I burn out.
omg I forgot about that song and will be listening to it on my lunch break. haha thanks!
some day I hope to train for a marathon. or at least a half. i have a ways to go.
can’t wait to follow your progress!!
Every year I have run the NYC Marathon I started training the weekend of July 4th. I followed their marathon training plan that they have posted on their site and felt completely ready when I got to race day. So I think your plan should have you all set and ready to go in November!
Thanks, Jessica! How many times have you run NY? Any tips for me??
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Just make sure when you train that you train for hills. The bridges can get you and the last few miles incorporate some long gradual inclines. You also finish in central park which is hilly. I have done it four times and I will be there again this year. It is an amazing race with amazing spectators!
Oh wow, ok! I will keep that in mind!
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Thought of that song the second I saw the post title. #soulmates
“All those mocha lattes, you gotta do pilates…”
#soulmates indeed! lol
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4 months is more than enough time for you to train for the Marathon. I can’t wait to read all about your training and your marathon! It all brings back great memories.
Training for 5 months for my first one was almost the death of me. I’m cutting that by at least 1 month for the next one. Maybe 6 weeks. I was ready to run it at 3 months and then burned out in the 4th month. Not a good situation for me.
Make that, I was ready to run in the 4th month and burned out in the 5th. Also, proofreading isn’t my thing. Almost considered just letting you guess what the hell I meant.
Totes would have decoded that shit.
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Couldn’t agree more, sometimes rest is exactly what our body needs. It needs it so bad!
Proud of you girl! As for the marathon? I have no idea. I am training for a half though
So that’s something!
Eeee I’m so proud of you! I know how hard taking rest days can be. For so long I was adamant about only taking one a week. Lately I’ve been taking two and my body feels so much better when I do workout- I feel like I can really push myself and I feel more successful rather than fatigued and blahh! Sounds like you have your head on straight when it comes to how you’ll be working out too
“thanks to kanye’s workout plan I’m the envy of all my friends” haha i love kanye and think its so cool when this song comes on my ipod while i workout.