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Thursday, April 21, 2011

Fitness For Ever - Tips and Motivation cont'd

So I just returned from another Boston Marathon, #15 for me now.  I think.  5 running, 10 "working", but I am getting tired of being a spectator.   So I decided, next year, 2012, when I turn 45, I need to be at that starting line again.

Which I have to earn (qualify).  

That's the hard part.  It would be easy to accept a free entry which we have access to, but I would never do that, I have too much respect for the race.  Running as a mascot has been suggested, but maybe Jefferson will also qualify one day!   I do have the advantage of qualifying well after the field fills up, as I may need a very late 2011 marathon, or even 2012 like Miami to get fit in time.

The easy part is that I have been there before, and think now I can make do with less mileage than before, which was usually 50-60 miles a week with tonnes of track, speed and tempo work.  This time, I am going to mix it up, cross train, use some races for speedwork and see what happens.  Jefferson (the real dog) will be along my side all the way, the best training partner available!   It's been years since I did any quality training, but I do know that the body "remembers" all the past trainings, mileage and like a piggy bank saves this up for future reference.  Since my last serious racing (spring 2008) I do have an ironman (fall 2008) under my belt and two World Records!  (running in fur, albeit slow, still counts as training in my book).....(:

For 5 consecutive years, I sat in the Media Room at Boston, and enjoyed watching the race unfold, occasionally writing, eating alot(!)...hob-knobbing with Running Royalty.   Bordin, Pippig, Clayton, Rodgers, it's been easy to stay motivated, but translating that into fitness something else.

Last weekend, attending the Champions Breakfast, I met Ron Hill, 1970's winner and reigning "streaker" record-holder (no days missed running since 1964).*   I decided that I would re-start my own fitness streak, knowing full well that if 21 days passes and you can maintain a consistent pattern then it may very well become a new habit.  Changing my diet will be key (too much sweet, salt, alcohol and caffeine to name just four), and, getting up earlier to get this out of the way before my days take over.

So as I write this, it's 3 days successful.....lol

Tip #1 in a series of these tips, create a plan.  As Katherine Switzer would say.  So, here's my plan.   Every day, no matter what, I will do at least 45 minutes of exercise, mostly running for now, but soon cycling will easily be added.  I need to stretch more and work out these aging creaks and cracks, so 15 minutes daily will be started too.  Watch out, Yoga may follow.....yikes...

Tomorrow we'll get to the goals.

Regards,



Peter D.
aka Jefferson the Mascot
Guinness Book World Record Holder