So despite my lack of blogging about it lately I am still running on a regular basis. In fact, I am running my third half-marathon on October 11 in Kelowna and Eric is flying down that weekend to cheer me on. Can’t wait!
For my birthday my parents got me the Garmin Forerunner 305 . Umm, can I just say how much I love my new training buddy! How did I ever run without this thing? I especially like taking it on my trail runs since those are pretty much impossible to map out on mapmyrun.com. Now I can just head out for an un-planned run and my trusty Garmin will tell me how far I’ve gone!
I’ve upped my mileage while training for this half. I’m doing five runs a week instead of four and my mileage has been between 20-30 miles a week. Doing track workouts on Wednesday mornings has definitely improved my speed and on Sundays I do long runs with the local Runclub and they have a run/walk philosophy. We run for 8 minutes and walk for 2. The walking breaks work really well for me on long runs, they keep my knees from getting to sore and I find I can maintain a faster pace if I take walk breaks. I think when I do my half I’m going to do 9:1. I’m really hoping to PR, which means I have to do it faster than 2:12:26. *knock on wood*
On another note, now that fall (my favourite season) is here the temperatures are dropping and soon there will be snow on the ground so I need to tweak my workout plan for the winter. My workouts used to be much more varied; I would do weights and the elliptical, group classes, swimming etc. but since I’ve started running it pretty much makes up my entire workout schedule. Occasionally, I’ll do the 30-day shred or yoga, but for the most part it’s just running. Master’s swimming just started back up again, though, so I’m going to start doing that 2-3 times a week.
OK, this was kind of a random post about my workout schedule lately, just wanted to tell you guys that I AM still running even though I don’t really blog about it much anymore!
What kinds of workouts are you guys doing these days? Who else LOVES their Garmin? How do you tweak your workout schedule in the cold, winter months?
{ 2 trackbacks }
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
You just blogged cause I gave you shit today, thats why this random post came up! hahahahah
xoxo
J
I’m horrible at maintaining a workout schedule. I was doing the 30-day shred but I quit after about two weeks. Since we won’t have snow until November or December, I’m hoping to get some running in between now and then. I’d like to bike some as well. In the colder months, I’ll keep in indoors by doing yoga and maybe the 30-day shred every once in a while.
I love my Garmin – L O V E it! Good luck on PR’ing at your next half!
Oooh your new “accessory” sounds fabulous! I’ve become more of an indoor exerciser since I’ve joined a gym, but if I ever hit the pavement again I’ll totally invest in one!
I’m really into the exercise bike these days, as well as strength training. It’s a bit different from anything I’ve ever done before, and while I’m usually REALLY sore after a workout, I feel really great as well!
wow your 3rd half marathon. you’re totally getting into this! i love it!
I’ve got a race on the 10th! I have no idea how i’m gonna tweak my workout in the cold winter months, especially if i want to keep up my long distance running.
I can’t afford a garmin– we have way too many other expenses. plus i don’t know how much i’d like having something that bulky on me!
Everyone keeps talking about fall but alas… no fall to be seen round here… *sigh*
Congrats on Garmin!
In the winter I either run in a local indoor track, walk the mall or do workout videos at home. Occasionally I will pay a drop in fee at one of the community centers. I was doing really well working out last week and then I lost my voice and have a head cold.. Cannot run when I cannot breathe. Hell I can barely get off my couch ha..
I adore my Garmin as well.
It is just fantastic. Sometimes, though, I miss my pre-Garmin days where I just went out & pounded out the miles, not worrying about pace. Because now that I know my pace, I can sort of mentally beat myself up if I am slower than I think I should be! But I do LOVE LOVE LOVE my Garmin. 
I am thinking about really switching up my workouts this winter. I won’t have a 1/2 to train for since there aren’ t any until April or May. So I think I am going to really switch things up, still run 2-3 days a week but throw in some swimming and random classes like kick boxing and things likethat. I figure the variety will be good for me, and then I will still do 2 3-4 mile runs during the week and one longer run, like 6-8 mi on the weekend so I can keep my endurance.
I love my garmin too! I love the distance alert every mile, I feel like I am checking off mile on my to do list.
We did a half last fall and used the walk/run, we did 10:1, it worked I had a 3 min pb.
AAAAAAH I AM SO JEALOUS!!!! I want to hear more about this garmin!! Does it tell you your heart rate and everything too? It looks great btw!
It’s so funny, I’m EXACTLY the same as you – I just realized that my workouts are a bit stale bcoz I’m always doing the same thing! I haven’t forgotten about your email btw I’ll answer today
I’m so jealous of your Garmin! I’d love one. I live in Houston so winter months are actually better for running than summer is. Have you ever thought about doing a triathlon? I’m going to attempt my first one this spring, I think it’ll be really fun!
OMG your freakin AMAZING!!! Seriously your my inspiration! Three halfers your first year WOW! I had to call Steve right away and tell him
I’m doing nothing right because of my back , which happend the same weekend we hauled the treadmill downstairs. WEIRD!! LOL Oh well i’ll be back running outside, i love love love running outside in the fall, i can’t wait!
The day of Steve’s first marathon I bought him a garmin and he loves it. One thing i’d like to see them do is pretty at least one garmin up for the ladies….like pink or purple. I’ve only seen the light green or black one here.
Looks like a fun gadget to use! That’s soo exciting that Eric is flying in to cheer you on =)
Lately my workouts are mostly cardio, at least 50 minutes each time. It’s making me feel pretty awesome about myself!
Right now I *try* to run 3 days/week and do yoga 3 days/week – it doesn’t always happen, though
I also ride my horse 3-4 days a week. My schedule doesn’t change much in the winter – I can’t run when it’s icy but I can do the others inside!
my workout schedule is practically nonexistent. does walking hazel count? your post makes me feel so guilty!! ugh. it is so hard to get motivated. and lately it has been sooo hot. but I can feel it cooling down too, slowly but surely. maybe I will want to get back to the shred then…
I don’t have a Garmin, but it sure does sound neat! I had never seen a wrist one like that before. my dad has a GPS, I think it is a Garmin, but it just sits on the dash in his car
oh, and re: Canada– I am coming soon! this week actually. I leave Thursday morning and will be coming home Sunday afternoon. so not a long trip, but I’m looking forward to it. just makes this work week a bit more stressful since it is shorter
too bad we won’t get to meet up though. bummer. but if you have any ideas of things to do in victoria, let me know!
Glad you like your new Garmin! Sounds like things are going very well in the running realm. I think it totally helps to have a schedule and groups who keep you accountable.
Now that is one sexy piece of technology, congrats on your garmin. I hope you’re very happy together. During the yicky fall winter months I try to load up on activities like yoga and tai chi and ballet to make the time pass til summer. Not strenuous but it does the job.
SO glad you’re enjoying the new running toy!!
I obviously LOVE mine – I’m training for the next half-m right now; don’t know how i Ever did LRs without that thing. It keeps you on track!!
Good for you Amber!! Your Garmin looks fantastic… Isn’t that the mile-tracker that you’ve always wanted but it was too expensive to buy?
As for winter workouts, yours sounds great! I’m starting to get into yoga again and trying to go 2 times a week and go running 3 times a week. I have finally reached my weight goal and I weigh about the same as I did in highschool now! I have been so strict with eating habits and I’m becoming accustomed to only eating healthy food. Its crazy, but somehow its working. I’ve sure been wanting to try your DELICIOUS zucchini brownies again. Man, they are good!
Anyways, good for you missy!
I love my Garmin, too. However, don’t be afraid to run without it sometimes. It’s good for the soul.
I don’t usually adapt my schedule much in the winter but it doesn’t snow much here so… not much adaptation needed. With rain I just suck it up and run anyway.