In Search of a Training Plan

"A good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow." - Proverb

Eleven weeks from now, I'm registered to run the Rex Healthcare Half-Marathon in Raleigh, NC.

When I registered for the race, I was in search of a goal.  The three years before Fiona was born that I spent training for triathlons reconfirmed my goal-oriented nature. I know for certain that laying down the cash for race registration will indeed help get me out the door when I'm tired or my running clothes are dirty or, or, or.....  So, this race - with just enough distance to require more effort than my current 30-minute runs - is motivating me to actually get up for early morning runs before parenthood and work and the other parts of my life that involve others get going.

The problem? 

I need a training plan that intentionally incorporates those other parts of my life!

At first, I thought I would train for a PR.  With the right training, I know that I could run 13.1 miles in  under 2 hours -- and, on the right day, maybe even run the race in 1:50. But, since I've decided that it's important for me to do most of my running during the week with my daughter as my training partner, I don't think that this is the year to run my fastest at any distance.   Speed work, intervals, and hills might be possible while pushing a running stroller, but the likelihood of me actually completing those workouts when just getting out of the door feels like success is low. Could I miraculously run faster than ever before on race day once I'm untethered from the running stroller?  I'd love to think so, but I know better.

I also took a look at the  training plan my former coach  and yoga teacher Sage Rountree wrote for Athleta.  Most of the workouts seem achievable and I know that yoga helps my running through building my physical and mental strength.  But these days, the I'm lucky to get one or two forward-facing folds in during my shower or the random sun salutation  in front of Fiona's high chair as she eats breakfast.  So, we'll see...

What I really need is a training plan that gets me ready to complete the half-marathon distance, but says something like this:

Monday - Focus your efforts on getting you, your child, and your spouse out the door dressed, fed, and ready to start the week.  Give yourself a huge extra gold star if you also decide to go for a leisurely walk.

Tuesday - Run for anywhere from 10-50 minutes depending on (1) if you're pushing a stroller, (2) the weight of your child, (3) the number of hours of sleep you got Monday night, (4) your child's current ability to sit still.  Pace, terrain, and distance do not matter.  Heck, just get outside and walk up and down your driveway for a while.  It's all good.

Wednesday - Cross-train.   Bending over for much of the afternoon as you help your child learn how to walk counts.  Carrying a 23 pounder for more than 10 minutes, picking finger foods off of the floor, and reading the same book 13 times in a row also count. 

Thursday - See Tuesday. 

Friday - Yoga.  This could simply be breathing in and out with intention as you sit as the stop light on your way to work realizing that you have already been awake and working (in your first full-time job: parent) for more than 4 hours.  Do not engage sivasana.  You WILL fall asleep.

Saturday or Sunday - "Long" run or walk or hike depending on your family's needs, how much work (from the full-time job for which you get paid) you needed to bring home this weekend, and the amount of food / fuel currently in your refrigerator....or nap.

Wish me luck.