The name is two-fold. One reason is more in the literal sense, running for my health, sanity, and to avoid the fate of my parents' choices and lifestyle: obesity, constant medication, and health problems. I feel better after every run or training session and feel that I'm doing something positive for myself.
The other is more figurative: "running for my life," as in running, fitness and how it fits into my life and goals. Goals are important to me - they're the mile markers that I try to hit along the way. Last year, I set the goal of a 5K and a triathlon and had the most fit year of my life. If someone told me when I was 17 that in 10 years I would run, bike, and swim miles and miles each week, I'd have laughed at you. I was also incredibly unhappy and unhealthy. But I've found that I find the headspace I like to be in when I'm out playing. A sunny morning is the best way to clear my head. It's also a way to make friends. One of my coworkers became a great friend over long training runs. The 5K we completed was a first for both of us. I've found that going for a bike ride, run, or a walk lets you get to know someone in a way that going for coffee doesn't.
We did it! Our first 5K
So dramatic as the title of this blog may be, I feel it's very fitting. This year's goals are 2 running events and 2 triathlons. I think the running events are going to happen; I'm not sure about 2 TRIs, though. They are very expensive, between registration and new equipment. Triathlon is a very expensive hobby. Since my partner-in-crimefighting and I have a destination wedding to attend and our own wedding to bankroll, frankly I'm not sure if I can afford 2 or 3 triathlons. It is what it is. I have many years of Tri'ing left, so one year won't kill me.
Don't we look awesome (and safe)?!
I also hope to get some great rides in this year. The Chicago LATE Ride, a 25-mile late-night ride through the city is July 9/10. It's so much fun and I recommend it to everyone! Come be a part of our biker gang. I'd also like to ride along the Des Plaines River Trail, it seriously goes form the Wisconsin border down into Schaumburg or somewhere down there. AWESOME!
For the next 4 weeks I'll be incorporating a strength training plan into my tri plan, noted as the 4-week challenge (4WC). I keep reading the benefits of strength training for triathletes and runners, so I'm getting curious. I'll include it in my plans/logs and keep you posted on the results.
Anyway, down to business. This week's training schedule:
Sunday: Off. Lazy. Should have run today but slept in with the hubs-to-be and had too much crap to do.
Monday: Off. CE class for cosmetology license in AM, nap for shift and then a midnight shift. Boo.
Tuesday: Swim card #5 (approx. 800m; 400x400 neg split); 4WC includes incline dumbbell press, rows, reach drills, swings, squat thrusts; rollovers (abs); run 1 mile
Wednesday: Run 30 min, 4x30 sec accels; core work
Thursday: BRICK 90 min - ride/spin 60 min, run 30 min; 4WC includes dumbbell thrusters, lateral raises, pushups, reverse lunges, mountain climbers; mermaids (abs); side-lying leg lifts
Friday: Off. (day off on the training schedule means free day! Rollerblade or easy run if weather is nice.)
Saturday: Rollerblade 10+ miles (weather permitting), 4WC includes dumbbell rows, incline bench press, squat thrusts, swings, single-leg squats, kicks (abs); easy run if possible.
(Sunday is the Shamrock Shuffle; no accels or pushing it on a run, hence the rollerblading for cardio)
Well that's all for now, campers. Next time I'll introduce you to the fluffy dummies, or tell you about the pomodoro sauce I've been meaning to make for months. Or the aquarium trip we just took. So many stories, so little attention span...
Love and Snuggi hugs,
N
