never trust anyone named hal

So in a previous post I mentioned that I was following a well researched and scientifically accurate training regimen fit for my fitness level and body style. The actual training regimen that I'm loosely following is listed here. Besides what is on the chart below, I do the following.

1. Not the Sunday cross training
2. Not the runs when my joints are more sore than average.

What marathon am I running, I think its going to be this one. Here is a quote from the description of the race.

This is one of the toughest Marathons in the United States. The terrain is rugged, the altitude exceeds a mile above sea level and the weather can be severe. If you feel dizzy, have pain or exhaustion, please ask for assistance.

Please pass the crackpipe because I have no idea what the hell I'm thinking! 

"i want to hear how the marathon training is going"

Ask and you shall receive, "how is the training going", you asked and I’m going to let you into my little training world, but be prepared for the shock and awe of endurance training that is absolutely lacking any shock and awe.

So when most people decide to run a marathon, they do some research, talk to others that have done it, get advice from the experienced runners, read an article or two or three, and consult their physician. Then there is me, and my though process went about like this, “wow Tracie ran a marathon that is so fucking cool, I want to do that too! I lack originality and am a follower, I'm going to run a marathon” I think I was drinking beer at that point....Yes I must of been that is the only rational explanation.

So how did I decide to start my training, well let’s get a few of the details out of the way. From the single article I read, training for a marathon requires dedication and sacrifices. So what do I do? I basically call them liars and decide to start a training regimen that will affect my life as little as possible. Marathon training cut into my social life, get out of here!

Next step pick a training regimen. So like any savvy person I jump on the answer machine (Google) and search "marathon training". The first entry that caught my eye looked like a winner, so book marked it and deemed it my training regimen. After all that intensive research, dedication, and sacrifice I went and took a nap, I was exhausted.

Next week I decided to look at the training regimen that, based on extensive research, best fit me for all the following reasons: one, I found it first and with the least effort. So while looking at the training regimen I realized that it was going to be a lot of work, just the thought of it all was exhausting. So I drove down to the drive-thru, bought a milkshake, and then sat on my couch and watched FitTV. Man it’s awesome to be inspired by fitness.

So the first few days of running started and by the end of week two or so I had what felt like a strained achillies tendon so, like any experienced runner, I ignored the pain and kept running because I’m amazingly dedicated to my craft. The next day I laid in bed, ate advil like red hots, and quit....But only temporarily because some day I'll recover from this amazing ignorant approach to endurance race training and be stronger and more dedicated.

Over then next few weeks of recovery I meticulously monitored my diet of Zingers and Dr Pepper to ensure I was maintaining higher than average sucrose and overly processed starch levels. My nutrition and diet plan worked, several weeks later and 15 pounds heavier I emerged a new man.

Since then the mornings have been grueling, especially the getting up and dressing part, and the Sunday mornings have been long, rewarding, but tiring as well. Today I recorded a 14+ mile day, only a few more miles to go before I reach the mark I've been telling everyone I’ve already run. 

a couple things not worth noting

So I officially started training for a marathon today, depending on how things go I will either run one in February in Apache Junction, AZ and if things go as I would expect them to, I will be running the marathon in Big Sur, CA in April. I think I might put my run times on my blog for accountability reasons, but I’m not sure yet. Today was 3 miles planned, 3 miles completed, 26 minutes 17 seconds, Wednesday is scheduled for 7 miles, that will be a test and if by some miracle of an ancient running deity I finish that I will attempt to run 10 with Ryan this coming weekend. Imagining running ten miles is rough, I can’t really imagine doing right now, so it sort of puts Ryan’s running in perspective, well as "in perspective" as you can be outside looking in. I was amazingly ill prepared this morning, its much darker and colder in the morning since last time I took to the trail, although running this morning by moonlight was inspiring in some odd way for a first run, tomorrow I'll be wearing a hat and a headlamp.

Another item not worth noting, I bought some new shoes to be my daily kicks for work and etcetera, they are black on black Van’s style slip-ons and they catch me off guard every time I stand up from my desk. New shoes always do this to me, they look odd for a while till I get used to seeing them. I guess it’s much like haircuts (which I obviously don’t get) and new eye glasses, they are just odd until you get accustomed to them. I think adding to the issue is that they look sort of like slippers to me.

Last item not worth noting, I’ve never really been a reggae fan except for Bob Marley singles and the occasional reggae-a-thon that is working with my brother-in-law Dusty, but I have found that I’m enjoying Michael Franti and Spearhead. I know weird name, but they had a great protest song “Light Up Ya Lighter” on a compilation I received for free. It’s my MySpace profile song and you should check them out if you get the chance. The next segment of the Anti-Utah saga is coming but I won’t say soon because I don’t know when I’ll get to it. I should be doing homework now, or work considering that is where I’m at.