Wednesday, October 17, 2012

13.1 x 2 Training Has Begun


Dave here.....
It won't be too long until I have to tackle the challenge of participating in my first two half marathons. And now the time has come that my training cycle has begun. That's not to say I've done nothing before this. I would usually go to the gym at work 2-3 times a week to use the elliptical or use the indoor/outdoor track. A few Saturdays I ventured out for walks through some local neighborhoods. I also got an age group medal in a local 5K. Now, Holly has set my 14 week schedule. I need to do a set milage every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The first half of the schedule is not so bad. It kicks up the week we start our Thanksgiving vacation.  Joy!


One thing I'm trying to learn how to do is control my heart rate and not go into the upper ranges of where the doctor has suggested. I think the key for me to maintaining an even  rate is learning how to hold a pace. I seem change my pace many times during a mile walk. Go fast, rate goes up, slow down to lower it. Repeat.

So for the next couple weeks I am sticking to using the treadmill (dreadmill). I keep it between 4.2 and 4.3 mph and try to pay attention to the rhythm of my step for application in the real world. I was never a fan of the treadmill because I had the option of an indoor track at work. Now I am liking it a bit because it's keeping me at pace without tiring me, I can watch Netflix on my iPad (currently watching the documentary "Helvetica". Yes it's about a font), and I don't have to share the track with this new dork at the gym who brushes me when he jogs by me. There's room buddy.....get left!

I'm going to check in here a couple more times before the races and let you know other ways I am getting ready for them. Please keep in mind I'm taking this on in the name of fund raising to help fight breast cancer. I'd love for you to hit one of the pink buttons throughout this site and make a donation. Oh look, there's one!


Avon Breast Cancer Charities
 
2013 Coast to Coast Challenge


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