One Month Down, Eleven To Go

As you all know, I signed up to run 1000 miles in 2016. It's definitely a daunting task, particularly when you consider that I'm not always a dedicated runner.

After running the NYC Marathon in 2014, I was pretty much over running, in general. I managed to ride that training cycle into January and complete the Star Wars Half, basically on residual training from NYC. After that, I half assed it for Wine & Dine (although "half assed" is reaching. Quarter assed would be more accurate) and called it a day for the rest of 2015.

It was enough of a break that I've rekindled my desire to do some actual running. (Also, this break has rekindled a love of buying all merch at races, which I thought that I had gotten over. *sigh*) I turn 40 in July, so I decided it would be a good idea to go into this year ready to tackle the last few months of my 30s.

Running 1000 miles in one year is somewhat of a numbers game, particularly if you are starting over. For example, 1000 miles breaks down in several ways. It's approximately 2.73 miles per day...or 20 miles per week...or 84 miles per month.

 

I ran 56.3 miles in January, which for me, is pretty good. Plus, having to basically rebuild my running base means that I had to be careful not to do too much too fast. Running 20 miles a week doesn't sound too bad, but that works out to be five 4 mile runs, or some similar variation. I couldn't really just start out having 8 mile long runs right off the bat if I wanted to keep myself from getting injured early in the year.

I'm behind, but honestly I'm not too worried about it at this point. Now instead of having to run 83.33 miles a month, I need to run 85.79 for the remaining 11 months.

My early Sunday run

In January, I was more consistent with running than I have been in a long time, so I feel like I'm off to a good start. I ran 5.22 miles yesterday morning and it's finally starting to feel easier. We walked much less than usual, so that's good.

I'm excited to go into Tinkerbell Half training with a good base so that I'm not scrambling to cram all of my training into the month before. I can pull it off, but it totally feels like shit when I do that.

 

Post race rehydrating like a champ at DCA

I ran the inaugural Tink in 2012 when it was still in January and had a great time. I'm looking forward to running it in an anniversary year. I know people were complaining that they should have changed the medal more, but I like it.

I took a screen shot of this awhile ago, so I don't know whom to credit. My bad.

 

As far as other resolutions, I have not had a single soda in 2016. I do drink club soda at restaurants or when I'm really craving a Coke, but I don't think that counts. There's no sugar or artificial sweetener, so I figure it's okay.

Also, I've ridden my horse without stirrups during my warm up every single ride this year. That's something I haven't done since I jumped as a teenager. In case anyone is wondering, riding without stirrups strengthens your legs and core and it helps me get my leg longer in the saddle.

Warm up day at last weekend's horse show. That tent is where the judge sits.

I'm planning to start February off right and run tonight. Sadly, IT IS X-FILES NIGHT. Serious sacrifices being made on my part. It's like I'm curing cancer or something.

I <3 them

 

So yeah.... I think 2016 is starting off nicely. Granted, I feel like I'm getting fatter, despite all of my changes, which is super annoying. I guess I'll tackle that next.

943.7 left to run in 2016.

 

Posted with Blogsy