It’s Monday and It’s Game Day

Ahhh, Monday. You snuck up on me you little devil you. After a productive weekend of racing and working, you came again and are beckoning the start of many new adventures.

But unlike most Mondays, I consider this a significant one. Why so special, you ask? Well, today is the first day of Chicago marathon training. Eighteen weeks of Pfitz, renewed focus and taking training to a newer, more serious level. I really have Aron to thank for sharing her a-freaking-mazing spreadsheet with me. She really did all of the Excel work and made my life that much simpler. So here’s a big shout out to Aron…thank you!

This plan peaks at 55 miles per week, but includes three 20 milers, which I think will really help my stamina and endurance come race day. This is also going to be the first time that I run with certain goals in mind for every run. Usually it’s just go out and do X number of miles and I do it. But this time I’m going to train with lactic thresholds, intervals, goal paces, and more, all in mind. I think this is going to really aid in preventing burn-out while taking training to the next level.

The past two bouts of marathon training grew in significance, but were minimal at best. For New York, I barely eeked out any mileage over 16 and my lack of commitment showed in the race (I ended up dehydrated and in the med tent). Training for LA was significantly better, but I still only ran one training run over 20 miles and right as I crossed the 20 mile marker during the race, I could feel my body saying, “Whooooa, nelly.”

Well listen up Chicago…I’m coming at you like my sister at the after Christmas Target sale. This time around I’m motivated, ready to get serious (insert stern look here), and will glide through your uber-flat course no problemo. I have my training plan in the Google cloud, the training books highlighted and marked ala the college days, and the fiancé is well aware that the weekends will be my time to commit to the road. But most importantly I’m making a declaration to you, Boston! I’m coming after YOU so be afraid, be very afraid.

Who’s pumped for renewed marathon training focus?! As you can tell, I sure the hell am! Can I get a “Let’s get ready to ruuuuuumble!?!!!!!”

Given that there are so many October races, I’m curious…who else is starting training this week (or should I say…who is ready to kick some arse)?!

P.S. See Jane Run Half Marathon race report coming tomorrow…first race report ever! Here’s a preview (I know, I know…the anticipation is just killing you, isn’t it?)

Thanks for the pic, Aron!