When Training Begins

I ran my first marathon and only marathon back in 2010, around the time I started this poorly maintained blog. The training took around 8 months and took my physical body from being able to run 1 mile to 26.1. The preparation for this endurance event helped sculpt the person I am today. I have since wished that I had kept a better record of my progress, both physical and mental. Since that marathon, I have run two half marathons and have participated in about a dozen cycling events, but I have not had the time to devote to training and running another marathon.

About two weeks ago, I decided the time was right to prepare for another endurance event. I signed up to do the London Duathlon on September 14th of this year. A duathlon is race that consists of a run/bike/run. The options for this race was the Super Sprint 5k/11k/5k, the Sprint 10k/22k/5k, the Classic 10k/44k/5k, and the Ultra 20k/77k/10k. Guess which one I picked? You guessed it, the Ultra. I have eight months to complete these distances in under 7 hours. I am would be lying if I did not admit that this makes me a little nervous, but I have to move these thoughts aside and focus on my newest goal.

Once the event was chosen, one of my favorite parts of training comes next: choosing a training plan. I searched the internet for a good duathlon plan, but I was not able to locate one for such a long distance. I resolved to come up with my own, using my own experience and the knowledge of my cycling team. I will be using my favorite marathon training schedule to prepare for the running and a combination of elongated commutes, long weekend rides, interval trainer sessions, and weekend night rides (when the light improves) to prepare for the biking sessions. This will also include days where I both ride and run. My workouts during February and March will focus on short, intense sessions to build my baseline fitness while fitting into my hectic schedule. Starting in April, I will start to shift my focus to building endurance. I have also decided to blog about this. I have greatly enjoyed reading the training blogs of others on my team which has inspired me to keep my own record.

Presently, my training is off to a slow start. I have grueling research and teaching schedule which forces me to have shorter workout sessions. However this past week, the weather has limited even these. The severe flooding have made the roads too dangerous to commute by bike and heavy rains and hail have cancelled a few runs. I did, however managed to do a few sessions on my indoor bike trainer. During these, I have focused on a high cadence and low resistance. A big challenge for me on a bike has been to go fast and go all out. (I am an endurance girl at heart.) I hoping to combat these tendencies through interval training.

Given how crazy my schedule is, this may seem like a strange time for me to begin the time commit that this type of training requires, however I find that this level of dedication in one area of my life encourages dedication in other areas of my life. Besides, hours of running and biking provide the perfect opportunity to solve science problems.

Also, I am participating in the duathlon to raise money for Scope charities. Scope provides services for individuals with disabilities. It is a really good cause. Please consider donating. More information can be found here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=EmilyGrace

Post Trainer Workout - My Starting Shape