December 5, 2009 is going to come awfully fast this year!
And I confess that even though I have committed to running in the Reggae Marathon in Negril, Jamaica I am starting to have second thoughts. I can visualize starting and finishing…it’s just the 26 miles in between that I am completely blank about.
First things first: I need to loose some weight. Not much, just 15 lbs. I should do it within the next couple of months. The general plan is to continue to adjust our diet further. Lots of vegetables, chicken and fish. My wife Sally has already got us on that path with delicious meals that are prepared really well. Reducing my portion size will be key. There go the salty snacks though; Sally will be happy.
Then the strength training: my ‘Achilles Knees’. This was the killer that kept me from finishing the last one. And although I run, cycle and ski, I know I have to begin strengthening those tiny muscles on the side of my knees. We have joined the local YMCA here in Wasaga Beach. It is a great new facility with lots of high-end training machines. I am planning to work both upper and lower body.
And finally the running: as the weather improves, I plan to increase the mileage slowly throwing in some speed work, hills and of course our fantastic 14 km long flat, hard-packed sandy beach.
If all goes well and I minimize any injuries, 20 of those 26 miles shouldn't be so bad.
Congratulations on your Goal! This will be a great opportunity for you. I am signed up for 2 full marathons this year, walking the LA and running the chicago. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks. And I especially appreciated hearing that you walked the marathon. I am realistically thinking there will be some walking in this one.
ReplyDeleteIt was hot hot hot! i set my wife on a plan and got her to finish it in 6:30. not exactly boston bound, but she is happy to finish. it is WELL stocked with gatorade packets every single mile.
ReplyDeletethe half-marathon is the big draw. after the 13.1 mark, you are essentially alone.
good luck.
I am expecting Negril to be very hot as well. The race start is 5:15 am! If I finish in my target time of 4 hours ish, I will be on the beach by 10am :). I hope there are lots of water stations...I plan to bring lots of my own fluids. Regarding your wife's time: she finished!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm turning 50 this year and instead of the usual boozy party, I've decided to run a marathon. Like you, my knees have been killing me and I'm slowly losing some excess baggage!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your goal, I might see you in Jamaica!
Mark (I used to have a blog, moved jobs and lost all the details!)