New year, new you? I used to work on a weight loss platform called New Me, it was an online forum providing recipes, workouts and a diet plan for realistic, healthy weight loss. Good concept, horrible messaging.
Why do you need a new you? I bet the old you is pretty great. Maybe there are some areas you’d like to change, edit, improve, but a new you? Not necessary.
This year is not about a new you, it’s about a new plan. A plan to reach your goals.
For me, that’s a new plan for a BQ. (Boston Qualifying time of sub 3.35 for those that are new around here).
They say if you want something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done. I’ve talked about the coach I’m working with, Mary, who’s workouts are unlike any I’ve done before, has me running more days, with lots of easy miles and a number of hard workouts. In the past I’ve followed more of a run faster, run less approach, which although has been really successful with my Berlin marathon plan, obviously wasn’t so successful in Chicago so I’m trusting my coach, listening to her advice, and working hard to make 2017 THE year.
My stomach is my least favourite body part, and the area that gives me bother during marathons. I’m making my core workouts a priority, scheduling them in after some of my easy runs at least twice a week. In addition to core workouts, I’m also including weights workouts set by Mary into my plan for power, strength and also honestly, the aesthetics – I want to look good in my wedding dress!
I’ve never been one for yoga really, however I know the mental and physical benefits are huge, and there seem to be a plethora of yoga options in henley. The ideal would be to join the weekly Monday evening Yin class however I’m not sure whether my uni schedule this year will allow for it every week.
With a little more training time now that my goal race is London, I know I can run a PB in April. What exactly that time will be, I don’t know, but I do know that my motto for this training cycle is ‘no excuses’ so I’ll be working my butt off to get to that start line ready to fight. When I tried to knock a fully 15 minutes off my time, I wasn’t able to make such a big leap in pace, however I think taking off small chunks, chipping away little by little at my marathon time, I can reach that sub 3.35 goal.
So that’s the plan.
I’m putting together a running fitness 3 week challenge in January (wow how is it 2017!) sharing some of the core, weights, and yoga routines that are part of my training plan, alongside running workouts to improve speed and mix things up at the start of this year. Can’t wait to share it with you all.
HAPPY NEW YEAR. What are your running/fitness goals this year?
Well said! Can’t wait to see what you accomplish this year!
Sounds like a great plan! I totally need to focus more on core exercises and tightening my core when I run etc.
http://www.breathedeeplyandsmile.com
Absolutely! We’re all okay, we just need to work on the right plan! Sounds like you’ve got this one sorted, hope your new plan works and helps you accomplish all the things you dream of this year x
Sorry to hear about Tokyo! Had you always been planning to do London as well (sorry if I missed it), or was this a recent addition because of the Tokyo issues?
Great plan! I’ll also be doing more yoga this year too. I have to work out my core. 🙂 Good luck on your quest to BQ!
I love what you said about a “new you” being a silly idea. I definitely want to try doing more yoga too this year. Be my yoga buddy? haha!
xx, Pia
http://gymbagsandjetlags.com
I’m aiming for my first half marathon in March!
I’ve also got a wedding dress calling my name next year so hoping this will help as well as clear my mind a little of anxiety and stress!
Amazing!! Good luck with your half marathon, you will be awesome. I hope that the anxiety and stress dissipates xxx
Thanks for sharing.
I’m running my first marathon on April, as well, but mine will be in Madrid. So my plan for the first months of the year focuses on its preparation. Apart from yoga, I also intend to introduce swimming on my training once a week.
Kind Regards,
Borja
This was a great read. It’s always important to improve yourself and set new goals without the “new me” mentality. I can’t wait to see your 3 week challenge since I’m running my first marathon, the Miami Marathon on January 29. I am so excited and have been training for this for the past 6 months by running 3 times a week. You should definitely come run the Miami Marathon, celebrating its 15th year anniversary, to train for the Chicago Marathon!