All the "Year in Review" stories have led me to think about the "Year in PREview", 2012. Jennifer reminded me a couple days ago that I had designated 2012 the Year of the Car. In essence, we had budgeted to replace Jennifer's 12 year old Lexus this year. However, late this year we began discussions about possibly relocating closer to Nashville. So, 2012 will likely be the year of 'something' - whether it is a newer car, or a new home.
Spiritual/Intellectual Goals
One thing I'm particularly excited about in 2012 is Jennifer and I have found a new church home. We begin Confirmation Class in January to become members of St. George's Episcopal Church in Nashville. St. George's is a church Jennifer & I found in the 4th quarter of 2010 when we were doing our Tour of Churches. When we first visited St. George's I was a bit intimidated. My research about the Episcopalian liturgy led me to know there would be quite a bit of work involved in Worship (sit, stand, kneel, sit, kneel, stand, sit, etc). But when I left our first service there I really felt like I had worshipped (both personal and fellowship). There was no doubt that we had given all Glory to Him. Each Sunday I leave with the same feeling - that I couldn't optimize the time any better than the Worship at St. George's.
Recreational/Physical Goals
Another exciting activity Jennifer and I will be sharing is Marathon training! That's right; I finally have my running partner back! We're easing back into the marathon realms by running the Nashville Half Marathon in April. One of Jennifer's newfound loves of 2011 was trail running. I'm sure we'll continue trail running in 2012, and will probably work on adding some endurance to those runs as well. The "marathon" trail run is a 50k (30 mi), so it will definitely take an unparalleled commitment if we choose to go that route (pun intended). Another recreational activity Jennifer and I plan for 2012 are vacations. We were a bit frugal this year when it came to getting out of town. I hope to have a couple of GREAT getaways in 2012. It's fun for me, and a requirement for Jennifer's mental health (she's a Sagittarius).
Social/Professional Goals
2011 ended with a few great ideas that led me to think about possible projects I could get involved with in Nashville in 2012. I definitely want to get more involved in community activities, and possibly align myself with a charitable organization in an area I am especially passionate. These activities lead to furthering relationships with people I don't interact routinely. I'm also excited about the new relationships Jennifer & I will establish at St. George's next year. Church is a great source to find people with shared values that you can support, and vice versa!
Psychological
Well, the last dimension to speak to are my psychological goals. I could leave this dimension blank and allow any number of my family/friends complete this. Most would have very comical (and constructive) contributions to this area. The one goal I have established for my emotional development is routine journaling. Not so much blogging, but taking time to regulate my thought and document ruminations and activities that occur throughout the year. Jennifer and I have been together for almost 5 years now, and every Christmas morning I think to myself "Why are we not on a plane to somewhere?" If someone with some semblance of a memory could do a bit better planning, WE WOULD BE! So, I put structure around me to offset my ability to remember things (notes, lists, and now - journals)!
There has been a lot of ME in this blog. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention how excited I am for what's to come in 2012 for my friends & family. The Lord has been so gracious with Blessings in 2011, and I don't take any one person in my support network for granted. I'm here for you for great purpose, and you're here for me for a reason as well.
I'll re-state my intent to blog more frequently. After all, Al Gore assured us that commitment is a renewable resource (shortly after he invented the Internet). We'll see if it comes to fruition this time.
Wishing everyone a Safe & Blessed 2012,
Jason
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Marathon Training Commences
January is finally here, and that means training begins for the Country Music Marathon. I wanted to take some time to catalog my thoughts in preparation for the 4 month training process.
Running Prep - As with any sport, you can spend as little or as much as you would like on equipment to complement your training. I would say a great pair of running shoes are a MUST. Plan to spend between $100-$125 for a good pair of running shoes. Going to a reputable shoe store (i.e., Fleet Feet, Athlete's House) is very important. They will analyze your foot and running gait to put you in the most comfortable shoes for distance running. Again, this is a MUST. If you need socks or shirts, I would recommend non-cotton materials. A wicking material that allows moisture to escape is very important when running for an extended amount of time. Be sure to wear attire appropriate for the weather. My favorite website to check for attire is Runner's World's What to Wear - http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/whattowear/
Training Program - find a training program & STICK TO IT. Discipline is the only requirement to accomplish any goal involving distance running; and this discipline is 80% mental (20% physical). I would advise finding a running partner that will hold you accountable, especially if you have trouble holding yourself accountable. I'm a little concerned this year because I don't have my accountable partner (my wife) running with me. This leaves me to resort to the peer pressure of my running group to assure I am doing more than what I feel is possible within myself. Training for an extended period of time requires you to modify your lifestyle to accomodate this change in routine.
Before your long run - find a routine and stick to it, especially for your long run each week. My long run each week is on Saturday morning at 7am with the training team at Fleet Feet in Brentwood. My routine begins at 5pm the day before. On Friday night I have a very bland, safe dinner. This prevents stomach volatility on Saturday morning. NO ALCOHOL on Friday night. The worst feeling is to be dehydrated on a long run. It starts bad, and ends worse. Get to bed at a reasonable time on Friday night. Wake up Saturday morning at the same time you would for marathon race day. For me, 5:30a. Eat the same thing every Saturday morning. For me, English Muffin with peanut butter and granola. If possible, give yourself enough time for a bowel movement before your long run. This talk is not taboo for runners. Distance running brings alot of volatility to runner's stomachs. If you don't believe me, run at the back of the pack for a while. Follow the same routine every Saturday until race day, and don't veer. Find an energy snack that works with your stomach during your run. I've been through quite a few, and settled on Orange flavored Sport Beans. Routine, routine, routine. It only takes breaking the routine once to appreciate the value.
During your long run (training) - Try to find a training group to join. There are several in Nashville. You'll meet great people, and people that share your interest (health). Training groups usually have water stops setup, along with a pre-determined route. These are INVALUABLE. I can't tell you how many times I've found myself on mapmyrun.com trying to create daisy chains around a single water stop that add up to 16 miles. It is not fun to plan, and less fun to run. If you do run with a group, be respective of social dynamics. Some like to run with an iPod and not converse. Some are willing to talk the entire run. Find your comfortable medium, and pair up with them. As much as you are coerced, never talk about: politics, religion, or controversial social topics. Everyone in your running group listens to your conversation, even if they are not a part of it. You will be running with this group for up to 3 hours at times. I think you get my point. If you are training in a group, you are likely to run across one person that just will NOT SHUT UP. You will hate this person for a period of time during your run. Over the long haul, you will appreciate the distraction. If nothing else, you'll look for things that keep your focus off your shin splints, feet throbbing, and ITBS band screaming at you. Even if it's a talker.
After your long run (training) - never do any extraneous activity the day after your long run. Let your body heal. When you start getting up in the mileage (16 - 20 miles), you might consider ice baths immediately after your long run. This is a miserable thought, I know. But ice baths will have you muttering words your mother never knew existed going in, but you'll feel like a Sunday morning coming out (I hope there isn't a blasphemist undertone there). Once you've taken them a couple times, you come to depend on them. Ask Jennifer. I was a believer, she was not. She eventually felt so much pain after the long runs that she'd try anything. Eventually, SHE would ask ME to stop for ice on the way home. She even had a cute ritual where she would put on a toboggan, gloves, and a sweater before taking her 10 minute turn in the icy tub.
Race Day - FOLLOW YOUR ROUTINE. Don't veer. Even if the marathon has some cool sports drink it offers for you to drink at each station. If you are used to drinking water, drink water. Speaking of drinking, drink at every station. You don't have to drink the entire cup, but drink. If you find yourself getting thirsty, it's too late. Getting dehydrated by the end of your run just adds insult to the injury you are asking your body to edure for 26 miles. Be extra cautious in your raceday plans. Jennifer & I ran the San Diego marathon last year. We thought we had planned well until we came downstairs 30 minutes before start time to find the taxi line lined through the hotel lobby. Saving you the drama, we ran 2 miles to the start line before the marathon even started.
Jennifer has a list of lessons learned from last year's training. I'll be sure to get it, and add it in a future blog. She added to her list every week after our training, so it's a bit more 'to the point'. It involves the various types of road kill you are likely to encounter while running country roads, along with the ongoing contention between runners & bicyclists.
My only intent in this blog was to lend you my experience. I've read several others' blogs about their marathon training, and attempted to integrate their lessons into my routine.
The only objective in distance running is to define a goal you think may be unachievable, then put all the resources you have at your disposable to exceed it.
Sorry for the long blog.
God is Love!
Jason
Running Prep - As with any sport, you can spend as little or as much as you would like on equipment to complement your training. I would say a great pair of running shoes are a MUST. Plan to spend between $100-$125 for a good pair of running shoes. Going to a reputable shoe store (i.e., Fleet Feet, Athlete's House) is very important. They will analyze your foot and running gait to put you in the most comfortable shoes for distance running. Again, this is a MUST. If you need socks or shirts, I would recommend non-cotton materials. A wicking material that allows moisture to escape is very important when running for an extended amount of time. Be sure to wear attire appropriate for the weather. My favorite website to check for attire is Runner's World's What to Wear - http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/whattowear/
Training Program - find a training program & STICK TO IT. Discipline is the only requirement to accomplish any goal involving distance running; and this discipline is 80% mental (20% physical). I would advise finding a running partner that will hold you accountable, especially if you have trouble holding yourself accountable. I'm a little concerned this year because I don't have my accountable partner (my wife) running with me. This leaves me to resort to the peer pressure of my running group to assure I am doing more than what I feel is possible within myself. Training for an extended period of time requires you to modify your lifestyle to accomodate this change in routine.
Before your long run - find a routine and stick to it, especially for your long run each week. My long run each week is on Saturday morning at 7am with the training team at Fleet Feet in Brentwood. My routine begins at 5pm the day before. On Friday night I have a very bland, safe dinner. This prevents stomach volatility on Saturday morning. NO ALCOHOL on Friday night. The worst feeling is to be dehydrated on a long run. It starts bad, and ends worse. Get to bed at a reasonable time on Friday night. Wake up Saturday morning at the same time you would for marathon race day. For me, 5:30a. Eat the same thing every Saturday morning. For me, English Muffin with peanut butter and granola. If possible, give yourself enough time for a bowel movement before your long run. This talk is not taboo for runners. Distance running brings alot of volatility to runner's stomachs. If you don't believe me, run at the back of the pack for a while. Follow the same routine every Saturday until race day, and don't veer. Find an energy snack that works with your stomach during your run. I've been through quite a few, and settled on Orange flavored Sport Beans. Routine, routine, routine. It only takes breaking the routine once to appreciate the value.
During your long run (training) - Try to find a training group to join. There are several in Nashville. You'll meet great people, and people that share your interest (health). Training groups usually have water stops setup, along with a pre-determined route. These are INVALUABLE. I can't tell you how many times I've found myself on mapmyrun.com trying to create daisy chains around a single water stop that add up to 16 miles. It is not fun to plan, and less fun to run. If you do run with a group, be respective of social dynamics. Some like to run with an iPod and not converse. Some are willing to talk the entire run. Find your comfortable medium, and pair up with them. As much as you are coerced, never talk about: politics, religion, or controversial social topics. Everyone in your running group listens to your conversation, even if they are not a part of it. You will be running with this group for up to 3 hours at times. I think you get my point. If you are training in a group, you are likely to run across one person that just will NOT SHUT UP. You will hate this person for a period of time during your run. Over the long haul, you will appreciate the distraction. If nothing else, you'll look for things that keep your focus off your shin splints, feet throbbing, and ITBS band screaming at you. Even if it's a talker.
After your long run (training) - never do any extraneous activity the day after your long run. Let your body heal. When you start getting up in the mileage (16 - 20 miles), you might consider ice baths immediately after your long run. This is a miserable thought, I know. But ice baths will have you muttering words your mother never knew existed going in, but you'll feel like a Sunday morning coming out (I hope there isn't a blasphemist undertone there). Once you've taken them a couple times, you come to depend on them. Ask Jennifer. I was a believer, she was not. She eventually felt so much pain after the long runs that she'd try anything. Eventually, SHE would ask ME to stop for ice on the way home. She even had a cute ritual where she would put on a toboggan, gloves, and a sweater before taking her 10 minute turn in the icy tub.
Race Day - FOLLOW YOUR ROUTINE. Don't veer. Even if the marathon has some cool sports drink it offers for you to drink at each station. If you are used to drinking water, drink water. Speaking of drinking, drink at every station. You don't have to drink the entire cup, but drink. If you find yourself getting thirsty, it's too late. Getting dehydrated by the end of your run just adds insult to the injury you are asking your body to edure for 26 miles. Be extra cautious in your raceday plans. Jennifer & I ran the San Diego marathon last year. We thought we had planned well until we came downstairs 30 minutes before start time to find the taxi line lined through the hotel lobby. Saving you the drama, we ran 2 miles to the start line before the marathon even started.
Jennifer has a list of lessons learned from last year's training. I'll be sure to get it, and add it in a future blog. She added to her list every week after our training, so it's a bit more 'to the point'. It involves the various types of road kill you are likely to encounter while running country roads, along with the ongoing contention between runners & bicyclists.
My only intent in this blog was to lend you my experience. I've read several others' blogs about their marathon training, and attempted to integrate their lessons into my routine.
The only objective in distance running is to define a goal you think may be unachievable, then put all the resources you have at your disposable to exceed it.
Sorry for the long blog.
God is Love!
Jason
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