Yesterday was the big run, the longest of my training plan - 12 miles. It was actually pretty uneventful, which surprised me. I think I did a good job of prepping myself during the week, both mentally and physically, and it paid off during the run. I'm still having a problem with miles 3 and 4, but less so yesterday. I think it was easier because I knew I had to run so much further than that, so I didn't have to be looking down at my watch all the time during that part of the run and could just power through it.
I decided for the long run I needed to plan a route that involved multiple stages so I could keep myself entertained. I ran from my building through Brighton center, down to Commonwealth Ave, then over Storrow at St. Mary's Street to the Charles River and all the way down to the Museum of Science. That's six miles exactly, so then I just turned around and headed home! I felt really good when I got to the halfway point, and I was on pace to keep up a 10:00 mile. Then at mile 7 I got the worst cramp I have ever gotten. I had to stop and walk for about 5 minutes as I walked through it. I was able to pick up the pace again pretty easily once it subsided so that was good. At about mile 9 I decided I needed to take my gel. I have not mastered the art of running while doing this so I had to take another quick break. The gel definitely gave me a boost! The only problem I had at the end was that I was tightening up so much I could feel my stride getting shorter and it felt awkward. I finished in 2:09:18, which I am pretty excited about!
The big question is, did I have another mile in me? The race is 13.1, so being able to push through and get that final mile in is critical. I think I could have done it, and I KNOW I will be able to do it on race day. I'm a little sore and stiff today, but I actually feel great!
I know I've skipped some workouts and not taken the best care of myself during my training, but I'm still proud of all the work I've put in and I'm really excited to finish the race. The next couple of weeks are a bunch of short runs then some rest before the big day!
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
Reflections on August
I had three goals in August which I talked about in a post at the beginning of the month.
1. Half Marathon Training: B+
I did the vast majority of my runs, but was less successful in getting cross-training in. I am really hoping to focus more on that during September to strengthen my back, which has been my only problem area in terms of injury. I'm pleased with my progress and just hope to keep on track and possibly add some speed.
2. Career Management Coach Credential Exam: A
While I haven't actually taken the exam yet, I still give myself an A because I have finished my training and requested my exam date. It's due to scheduling problems on the Academy's end that it wasn't able to happen in August, but will definitely be happening soon!
3. Career Development/Job Search Plan: B
My contract was extended at my current client until October 2, so the urgency wasn't quite as much as I had anticipated on this. Still, I could have been more proactive about meeting with people and learning more about the areas I am interested in. August is a tough month to meet with people between vacations and just that overall summer vibe, so I'm looking forward to jumping in full force in September. More details in my September goal post tomorrow, but I'm hoping to take October "off" to focus on this and develop a plan for 2010.
1. Half Marathon Training: B+
I did the vast majority of my runs, but was less successful in getting cross-training in. I am really hoping to focus more on that during September to strengthen my back, which has been my only problem area in terms of injury. I'm pleased with my progress and just hope to keep on track and possibly add some speed.
2. Career Management Coach Credential Exam: A
While I haven't actually taken the exam yet, I still give myself an A because I have finished my training and requested my exam date. It's due to scheduling problems on the Academy's end that it wasn't able to happen in August, but will definitely be happening soon!
3. Career Development/Job Search Plan: B
My contract was extended at my current client until October 2, so the urgency wasn't quite as much as I had anticipated on this. Still, I could have been more proactive about meeting with people and learning more about the areas I am interested in. August is a tough month to meet with people between vacations and just that overall summer vibe, so I'm looking forward to jumping in full force in September. More details in my September goal post tomorrow, but I'm hoping to take October "off" to focus on this and develop a plan for 2010.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
August
Well, it's the first day of the month so I thought it would be a good time for me think about some of my goals and make myself accountable by writing them.
Goal 1: Half-Marathon Training.
The goal here is to stick with the plan. That means this month I will run 95 miles, including a long run of 9 miles. Yikes. The goal is to take it one day at a time, making sure I manage hydration and nutrition so I can actually do this.
Goal 2: Career Management Coach Credential Exam.
After about 6 months of classes and training, I will be sitting for my credentialing exam at the end of the month. The action steps here are to continue preparing for my mentor coaching calls, studying the various competencies, and practicing as much as possible.
Goal 3: Career Development/Job Search Plan.
My major consulting contract will be complete at the end of the month, so it's time to develop a plan for next steps in my career. I need to think about how I want to leverage my CCMC credential (see goal 2), my education, the personal and professional development work I have been doing, and what I have learned over the past two years of doing independent consulting work. Action steps include: continuing informational interviews, professional networking, some introspection, and developing my list of "Things that Matter" for my next professional role.
Should be a busy and very exciting month!
Goal 1: Half-Marathon Training.
The goal here is to stick with the plan. That means this month I will run 95 miles, including a long run of 9 miles. Yikes. The goal is to take it one day at a time, making sure I manage hydration and nutrition so I can actually do this.
Goal 2: Career Management Coach Credential Exam.
After about 6 months of classes and training, I will be sitting for my credentialing exam at the end of the month. The action steps here are to continue preparing for my mentor coaching calls, studying the various competencies, and practicing as much as possible.
Goal 3: Career Development/Job Search Plan.
My major consulting contract will be complete at the end of the month, so it's time to develop a plan for next steps in my career. I need to think about how I want to leverage my CCMC credential (see goal 2), my education, the personal and professional development work I have been doing, and what I have learned over the past two years of doing independent consulting work. Action steps include: continuing informational interviews, professional networking, some introspection, and developing my list of "Things that Matter" for my next professional role.
Should be a busy and very exciting month!
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