This component is very essential in training for a Marathon. I run during the week for conditioning but, on Saturdays my long runs are solely to prepare my body to endure the 26.2 mile distance.
I’m presently training for the Pasadena Marathon, and this past Saturday, to my surprise I had to run 19 miles. I don’t know what I was thinking but, I thought I had to run 14 miles. Since I like to know the mileage before the day of, so I can program myself and my body to accept that distance, I was a bit distraught. But, at the start I just said, okay the sooner I start the sooner I can take care of my plans for the day. Considering the difference in the distances, I was a bit behind schedule the entire day.
Since I had programmed myself for (14) miles, the last (5) miles were a bit of a challenge. The mind is very powerful! Had I programmed myself for the (19), I would have handled the entire distance well.
Instead of enjoying the entire run, there was a constant battle between my body and my mind for the last (5) miles. There were many arguments. For example, “My foot hurts”, “I thought I was only suppose to run (14) miles, while not stop at that?” “I’ll do (19) miles next week promise.” “The hill is too hard today don’t do it, stay on the flat course.”
It is very important to pay attention to your training schedule. Make sure you prepare and condition yourself during the week physically and mentally for the weekend endurance runs. Handled properly these long runs can be challenging in a fun way. When you reach the (22) distance in training it’s a GREAT feeling. Don’t mess it up.
At this point you are ready to tackle the 26.2 mile distance. You can rest assured that your mind and body will work together so that when you cross the finish line, you will be overflowing with joy and fulfillment.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Never Too Young To Start.
I can’t stress enough the importance of placing your children in an exercise program as early as possible. My two were exposed very early. I not only followed a Prenatal Exercise Regimen, I also followed a Post Natal Exercise Regimen, and the Newborns had the Opportunity to watch “Mommy” while she exercised.
I don’t know if they were aware of the conditioning process, but I use to play classical music from the time of conception. The enjoy listening to this type of music today. This past year my son who is now 23 years old took his girlfriend to see “The Nutcracker Ballet”, and my daughter who is now 25 years old, and performed in the "Nutcracker" from the time she was 4 years old until she was 17 years, had to see the ballet this past year as well. In our family Christmas is not Christmas until we see a performance of “The Nutcracker”.
It was not always this way, my son use to say “not again” every year his sister performed. But, today he misses it. It’s amazing how conditioning works not only for the mind but, the body as well.
Now its my little nephew’s turn for conditioning. He has been to a few of my race events, and has seen all my medals. He has wanted his own medal for about a year. So, on February 1, 2009, he ran in the “Surf City Kids Run”. This was his first run, and it was a little overwhelming for him at first. When he has been to my events he has always been at the finish line very excited and yelling “Auntica”.
There was a bit of drama before, and during the run. He was a little concerned about having to run with all the “big people”, since this is what he remembered from my past events. But, we assured him he would be running with kids his size.
Secondly, the crowd at the Surf City Event was huge, and the commotion was too much for him at the start line. But, in the end when the crowd was cheering for him, the “Little Ham” in him prevailed, and the run to the finish line was great!
He received his first medal, it is a Surf Board. I could not wait to see him and his medal. I was participating in the Half-Marathon event, and all I could think of, was rushing to the Finish Line to see my nephew with his medal.
The size of the medal is perfect for him. I hope that this is the first of many for him. And I hope that I continue to lead by example. It is important to remember that our children are the future, help them lead a healthy life, and they will follow your example and continue the trend. Inspire and train them well in prevention through wellness and exercise.
I don’t know if they were aware of the conditioning process, but I use to play classical music from the time of conception. The enjoy listening to this type of music today. This past year my son who is now 23 years old took his girlfriend to see “The Nutcracker Ballet”, and my daughter who is now 25 years old, and performed in the "Nutcracker" from the time she was 4 years old until she was 17 years, had to see the ballet this past year as well. In our family Christmas is not Christmas until we see a performance of “The Nutcracker”.
It was not always this way, my son use to say “not again” every year his sister performed. But, today he misses it. It’s amazing how conditioning works not only for the mind but, the body as well.
Now its my little nephew’s turn for conditioning. He has been to a few of my race events, and has seen all my medals. He has wanted his own medal for about a year. So, on February 1, 2009, he ran in the “Surf City Kids Run”. This was his first run, and it was a little overwhelming for him at first. When he has been to my events he has always been at the finish line very excited and yelling “Auntica”.
There was a bit of drama before, and during the run. He was a little concerned about having to run with all the “big people”, since this is what he remembered from my past events. But, we assured him he would be running with kids his size.
Secondly, the crowd at the Surf City Event was huge, and the commotion was too much for him at the start line. But, in the end when the crowd was cheering for him, the “Little Ham” in him prevailed, and the run to the finish line was great!
He received his first medal, it is a Surf Board. I could not wait to see him and his medal. I was participating in the Half-Marathon event, and all I could think of, was rushing to the Finish Line to see my nephew with his medal.
The size of the medal is perfect for him. I hope that this is the first of many for him. And I hope that I continue to lead by example. It is important to remember that our children are the future, help them lead a healthy life, and they will follow your example and continue the trend. Inspire and train them well in prevention through wellness and exercise.
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