Say it, Do it! {Back at It!}
{If you’re new to SIDI here’s some info: At the beginning of each week on FCITC “Say it, Do it” is a chance for us to commit to our workouts for the week by saying them out loud here and keeping each other accountable.}
My “free play” week has come and gone. I have to say that as much as I loved running just to run and taking a several rest days this week, I really enjoy having a plan and a goal.
Highlight of the week: meeting Dara Torres
When I’m not working towards a specific goal I feel unfocused and loose a bit of my normal workout drive. Brain breaks and physical breaks are important, but this one needs to be short and sweet. That means I’m getting back at it this week.
My big picture training plan for the year looks something like this:
- Winter/Spring: Focus on kicking injuries to curb & building base mileage
- Late Spring/ Early Summer: Maintain base mileage and work on speed
- Summer/Fall: Train my heart out for the New York City Marathon
- Winter: Recover and regroup
Right now, SIDI means more to me than it ever has. I’m not good at sticking to a speed work schedule so I’m counting on you to help me stay accountable!
Here are the workouts I’m committing to this week:
- Run 25 miles
- one 10-mile run
- one speed session with 6×800 meter repeats
- one 4-mile race
- one easy run
- Plank a day every day
- PT exercises every day
- one yoga class
- one spin class
Due to injuries I haven’t been to a yoga class since last summer. I’ve missed it like mad. Now that I don’t have any big races on my schedule I’m willing to risk trying it out. Cross your fingers all goes well!
Which do you prefer: “free play” weeks or scheduled training weeks?
How did your workouts go last week and what do you have scheduled this week?
NashVegas
An Inspiration for a Generation
Growing up every Olympian was an inspiration. Aspiration to become on Olympic athlete was as high on my dream list as was becoming a famous actor.
Obviously, none of those dreams panned out.
As a 36-year-old I still occasionally day dream about what it would be like to be a professional athlete. Yet, the famous athletes that come to mind are all “young.” In my age group, it can be hard to find athletes to look up to.
Today, I got the opportunity to met one of the athletes I admire and find as a huge inspiration, Dara Torres.
I don’t buy into ageism or the idea that if you are a certain age you should behave/dress a certain way. However, as I get older I can’t totally ignore good ‘ole Mother Nature.
Half the amount of time I’ve been writing this blog I’ve had injuries, but prior to this time I never had any real issues. I’m beyond convinced that my livelihood combined with my age and lack of sleep is why these injuries have been so relentless. I’m convinced that 35 was the magic number.
For all of us who were little girls who looked up to athletes like Mary Lou Retton, Dara at 45-years-old is an inspiration for another time in our lives when we start to realize we aren’t so invincible, but can still work hard to achieve our athletic goals.
As she tries to qualify for her sixth Olympic Games, Dara is proof that you don’t have to be 21 to achieve great fitness feats and that Olympic dreams aren’t just for kids.
What athlete’s inspire you? Do you have any “older” athletes that you look up to?
