It's time to think about resolutions. We all tried to be good and eat reasonably, but if you're like me, there were certainly times when I strayed from my usual diet and training schedule.
Now, while I'm sad to see the holidays go, I do look forward to taking better care of my body in the next few weeks by returning to my usual routine of healthy living, plenty of exercise and a nutritional diet.
I think they say the average person puts on about 5 lbs. at this time of the year; over-indulgers may put on 7 or 8 lbs. I bet many runners even add one or two. Yes, I love the holidays, but it is the one time of year when I am most likely to veer off my straight and narrow, healthy path.
As I check in with my friends on Facebook and in person, I am hearing stories of whole days without exercise, fewer miles than planned, little rest, too many rich foods, colds, more alcohol than usual, etc.
So, let's all get out that 2010 calendar and start planning.
First, literally, take a look in the mirror; then, take a look inside - inside of you, I mean. Listen to that little voice that knows what changes would really improve your life and your health.
Assess your weight, or more importantly, your fat:muscle ratio; that's much more revealing. Do you need more time at the gym? Should you do more strength building exercises? What about cross training?
Assess your life. Is your dedication to running in conflict with any part of your life? Maybe as you look toward next year, balance is the key. For some people, more running would benefit them in every way; on the other hand some people have been obsessed with running. Those people would benefit by concentrating more on putting their running life in perspective.
Most people are somewhere in between, so their schedule may just need a slight tweak in '10.Assess your social life, too. Do you make it a point to run with friends? Do you need to meet more fitness minded people? If you need people to run with, email me. I can hook you up with running groups of all speeds all over Tampa and even in St. Pete. There is no need to train alone. And most of these groups are FREE. Consider this: In the last few years much research has been done to determine what activities improve the quality of life and even extend life. Research shows that people who have many friends tend to be happier and live longer. And the more frequently these people tend to spend time with their friends (and family), the greater the effect. So, hanging out with your friends and family is a prescription for improved health.
Assess your physical condition. Were you plagued by injuries in '09? Maybe your main goal in '10 should be to slow down your training schedule, to build fitness gradually to prevent recurrence and eliminate any chance of new injuries. You may be saying, "How do I do that?" Well, a coach would be a big step; a coach can set you up with a training schedule that should keep you healthy. Also, listen to my free Smart Running podcasts. One of the main purposes of that podcast is to provide common sense training information. You can subscribe through iTunes or go to MojoforRunning.com, my national website, and listen at your computer. You don't need an iPod or an MP3 player to listen.
On the other hand, maybe in '09 your training tended to be haphazard, catch-as-catch-can. Then make this year the year you learn the primary training principles, apply them to your training, and stick with your plan.
Do you get any alone time for meditation? Do you get regular, pure, uninterrupted quiet time? I recommend running or walking in the woods. We have plenty of parks with off-road trails. A hike in the woods will strengthen the ligaments and tendons in your legs and feet and improve your balance while providing tranquility to help with handling the stress that everyone experiences. One of the best things you could do for yourself might be scheduling a weekly hike in the woods.
With all these considerations in mind, take a look at the Run Tampa calendar, and start studying races. I am a big proponent of lots of racing, but it's important to look at most of the races as process goals, meaning you do them as speed training and race training to prepare you for your goal races. So, what I mean is that many of your races are training races designed to test your fitness level at that particular point in your training. You also do them to practice racing that distance. Doing a long run is not the same as doing a long race, so doing long races as practices makes sense. Racing is also a good way to meet other runners.
Why not resolve to improve your training schedule and resolve to stick to it? Again, the Smart Running podcast will help with that.
Now is the time to plan your goal races if you haven't already done so. Pick your practice or training races, and fill in the cross-training, speed work, and mileage that will get you there safely.
Most importantly, make sure your running goals fit into the rest of your life just as the rest of your life must fit into your running schedule. If you plan it right, each will benefit the other.
