I'm in a blogging mood -- a couple of articles from IronGirl newsletter stuck out to me. And yes someday...I desire to run an IronMan (2.4 miles swimming, 125 miles biking & 26.2 miles running)...it is a dream. The 3 marathons on my belt were seasons & accomplishments but I want to go the distance - at least once in my life.
Run Like a Mother: How to get Moving and Not Lose Your Family, Job, or Sanity
Is the new book Run Like a Mother: How to Get Moving and Not Lose Your Family, Job, or Sanity on your nightstand (or Kindle) yet? It should be. Unlike clinical, workout-heavy running books, the essays in Run Like a Mother mimic the lively conversations good friends have when they're out on a run: a mix of personal stories; hard-won, helpful advice; and crack-you-up anecdotes that cement a connection that goes well beyond the miles logged that day. Sprinkled throughout the book is advice garnered from more than 150 running moms across the country.
With 26 chapters covering everything from conquering hills to summoning motivation after a sleepless night, from managing cranky husbands to finding the shortest port-a-pottie line before a race, this book enlightens and inspires newbie runners, veteran marathoners, and everyone in between. The book has been getting rave reviews everywhere from Redbook ("Their funny, frank stories and tips convince you that lacing up is one of the best things to do,") to mom-blogs ("This book. These women. How do I even say it? I feel like they stole the words right out of my brain."). The co-authors, Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea, both contributing writers at Runner's World, have been-or will be-at our Seattle and Tempe races to sell and sign copies.
In addition, Run Like a Mother is for sale at Amazon.com, bn.com, Borders.com, and bookstores nationwide. To tap into the tribe-vibe, join the chat at www.runlikeamotherbook.com or on Facebook at Run Like a Mother: The Book. And meet Dimity at the Tempe Iron Girl race.
Rewind That Tape
By Amanda Loudin
Before you begin planning next year's season, take a look back.
By this time of year, you have probably marked a period on the end of your season and are taking a well-earned break from any type of hard training (well actually I'm towards the middle/end of my mini-marathon training -- Nov. 13th is my "middle of the season"). Your body and mind are taking some necessary downtime after fighting the rigors of a tough season, but there is no doubt that you have already begun to think ahead to next season. As you begin to plan your goals for 2011, start with a look back at this year.
1. Consider all of the races you did:
Were you more successful at some distances than others? Why?
Which was your favorite race? Which was your least favorite?
Did you race too often, not enough or just the right amount?
Could you have gone harder in some races? Did you blow up in others?
2. Review your training routines:
Did you spend more time on one sport than another?
Did you give yourself enough rest between hard efforts?
Did you strength train? Did you stretch?
Did you neglect any particular area of training?
3. Evaluate your reviews:
With all this information in hand, take a look at your strengths and weaknesses. How can you alter your training next season to focus on the weaker areas? If you didn't enjoy certain races or distances, consider scratching them from next season's agenda. After all, we do this for fun, right?
Figure out the right mix of races for your lifestyle - if you felt overwhelmed by training last season, maybe you need to put fewer races on the schedule in 2011. If you think you can stretch yourself and step up to a longer distance or more racing, play with the calendar and see if you can make it happen.
By keying in on what worked and what didn't, you can develop the right combination of training and racing for your coming year. With the right approach, you can not only become a stronger athlete, but a more satisfied one, too.
Amanda Loudin is a Maryland-based freelance writer, runner, triathlete and certified RRCA running coach. She's completed seven marathons, including Boston, and countless triathlons ranging from sprints to Ironman distance. You can follow her adventures at www.misszippy1.blogspot.com.
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