Race Pace Runner Gregg won’t let me forget the first time we met in-person and I boldly stated that winter was the best season for training. I assume in that conversation, I also gushed about the quietness of Central Park and how once you figure out how to dress, it’s the best season to run through.
I jinxed us all.
The thing about running, that non-runners don’t see is there are adventures and challenges lurking around every corner year after year. This is not the boring sport it may appear to be on the surface. There’s always something new to try, even if it’s just a new way to train. There are three primary ways I’m altering my training this season.
The first and most important new thing I’m doing in training is using the treadmill. Reluctantly after the eighth snow storm of the season, I signed up for a 30-day pass at New York Sports Club to use their treadmill.
That 30-day pass has been a lifeline. Dare I say, I’m actually starting to enjoy the change of pace? I like doing 800-meter repeats on the treadmill and I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment when on Sunday, I completed my first ever double digit treadmill run. I hope the weather in March allows me to get back outdoors since my NYSC pass expires just in time for LA.
Another way I’m mixing things up is by taking an extra rest day (2 vs 1) each week. The theory being if I rest more often, I’ll be able to work harder during my workouts and reap bigger benefits. I’m not doing any fewer workouts, just doubling up one day per week. This will be an adjustment, but I’m willing to give it a try.
The third thing I’ve added to my training schedule are twice-weekly hot yoga classes. While I don’t physically notice any differences yet, after six weeks of diligently going twice a week my core feels stronger and my mind feels lighter.
My general training schedule (with the occasional extra spin or third yoga class thrown in):
- Monday: Hot Power Yoga
- Tuesday: Rest Day
- Wednesday: Easy run + Hot Power Yoga
- Thursday: Rest Day
- Friday: Speedwork (800’s or mile repeats)
- Saturday: Easy Run
- Sunday: Long Run with tempo miles thrown in for good measure
There are only 18 days until Spring Marathon #1! How are you mixing up your training this winter?
Great training schedule! I train a lot on the treadmill and I have actually grown to enjoy it. I guess when you have snow on the ground 6-7 months out of the year you kind of have to learn how to enjoy the treadmill. Good luck with your training!!
I’ve also embraced the treadmill this winter, and I’m trying to incorporate more yoga as well (hello sore hips!) Good luck with your training this spring!
“You’ll love training for a marathon in December and January!”
I like running in the cold but I know I won’t be signing up for a spring race again in the near future!
I’ve been resting an extra day, too, for the same reason. Exciting that your marathon is almost here!
I been mixing it up by treadmill during the week days (I am at work during daylight) and long runs are outside. It has worked so far! 🙂 Surprisingly there have only been a few Sundays that were brutal for run outside.
Great work mixing things up, I keep saying I will take more yoga classes (my gym has fabulous classes) but I haven’t done many yet. I think you are taking training really smart and will see huge payouts for that come LA and Boston.
Training has been interesting for sure this winter, of course my first winter training for Boston….of course we would have THIS weather we have been having. I’ve done a LOT of treadmill running, but have forced myself to get outside at least 2 times a week. My shins can’t handle 100% TM running.
So funny because I just came to the realization I’ve been <> enjoying my forced treadmill workouts due to this snow. I can’t seem to go more than 6 miles on one though so congrats on your double digit milling! I have been loving doing hills, intervals and tempos. And there were a few nights I waited for the storm to end and then drove to the gym at night for a workout i might have otherwise skipped because i used to loathe the treadmill that much. Thanks winter for allowing me to find some love for treadmill workouts =)
Love it!
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Training has been interesting for sure this winter, of course my first winter training for Boston….of course we would have THIS weather we have been having. I’ve done a LOT of treadmill running, but have forced myself to get outside at least 2 times a week. My shins can’t handle 100% TM running.
I just came to the realization I’ve been enjoying my forced treadmill workouts due to this snow. I can’t seem to go more than 6 miles on one though so congrats on your double digit milling! I have been loving doing hills, intervals and tempos.
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