Happy Training, Week 1

Well.. it's Wednesday and I'm halfway through the first "Official" week of training.  Meaning instead of making up workouts as I go, I'm now following the team training schedule provided to me by Coach Karen. Coach set us up with two options... a novice schedule and an intermediate schedule.  I'm opting to follow novice because A) This is my first marathon, and B) I don't have a specific "time goal" to finish by... I simply want to finish and stay injury free.

Last week I was able to take an amazing trip to Key Biscayne for my Uncle's 70th birthday. (Thank you Uncle Tom and Aunt Kathy!)  The beach, cocktails, and overall relaxation was exactly what I needed before my training started... it sort of felt like a last hurrah before my life becomes totally consumed :)

   

Basically my training schedule consists of three shorter runs each week, two cross training days, one day of rest (THANK GOD) and one long run with the team.  I've decided my cross training days will be spent swimming... I just love my time in the pool... and then when I have additional time I'll try to get some yoga in or some weight training.  My goal is to attend at least one yoga class a week. It's good for me on so many levels!  So this week looks like this.

Monday - 4 miles
Tuesday 5 miles
Wednesday - Cross train
Thursday - 4 miles
Friday - REST
Saturday - 9 miles with the MS Team
Sunday - Cross train

So far I've been doing well. The weather really tested me this week... first two runs of the week were in sleet and snow.  I really have to find better winter running clothes. That is the mission for this weekend I think. And maybe Santa will bring me some too.

I'm super excited for my first team run but I'm also a little nervous.  I'm always plagued by negative thoughts. What if I can't do the full 9 miles, what if I'm the slowest one on the team, what if I don't make any friends on the team.  But as my wise friend Krystina said while I was venting to her.. "Just do it".  She's like a Nike commercial. ha. But she is right! I'm going to just do it, and try not to care about all those silly things that don't matter. It's going to be a GREAT 9 miles. (repeat in head over and over).

I'll update you all again while I'm icing on the couch come Sunday afternoon :)

Don't forget! I'm running to support the National MS Society and any donation is greatly appreciated! Please help me get to my goal of $4,000 by clicking on the link below!

131 days....

xoxo
Ash

"We choose to run for those who sometimes can't."

I am running the 2014 Boston Marathon on the Marathon Strides Against MS Team! To make a donation to help end Multiple Sclerosis please visit my personal fundraising page:  http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?px=12612971&pg=personal&fr_id=22897