50 Days....

Yes, you read that right. 50 days. A little over 7 weeks. Not much time to start from almost scratch in regards to half-marathon training. But I am determined and have assembled a great team of ladies to help and keep me motivated during this so short a time.

First and foremost is my good friend, the "Dingo" to my "Bunny", the divine Miss "M". Miss Marg, with her amazing Running Coach credentials and extensive workout knowledge, put together a half-marathon training program for me based on a walk/run approach similar to the one that I grew to absolutely love in the Run Your Butt Off! (RYBO) book.* Miss M and I plan to just run and have fun at the Rock n' Roll half marathon in May. No PR's, no stress, and keep it fun. She is one of those genuine people who tells you like it is with an edgy humor and endearing snark. She also runs a fantastic fitness enterprise called "Blue Ox Running". (http://www.facebook.com/blueoxrunning) I would be lost and floundering without her enduring support and love. Be sure to check out her Facebook page and show her some love!

Another great supporter of mine who deserves a shout-out is one Jessica Bienvenue. She's my Beachbody coach, a great friend and top cheerleader when it comes to her teams motivation. Her group of ladies on Facebook (I couldn't begin to list you all!) has kept me on the path many-a-times when I've wanted to throw in the towel. She has an astonishing number of marathons, ultras, halves and other misc. training and experience backing her wise words and is a constant source of inspiration, perspiration and kindness. Her group "Success With Jess" is a fast growing and supportive place that is run without judgement and the cattiness is typical of a lot of fitness boards. (http://www.facebook.com/groups/SuccessWithJess/)

So there are examples of just two people from my fantastic support group! I'll continue to post in the coming weeks vignettes about the other personal "heroes" that abound in my life.

As for the plan for the coming week:

Saturday (Mar. 31st): Day off / Wii games

Sunday (April Fool's Day): Cardio & Abs

Monday: 4 mi. Elliptical

Tuesday: 5 mi. Elliptical

Wednesday: Abs/Core Only (Hip Hop Abs?)

Thursday: 4 mi. Elliptical or run

Friday: LONG RUN: 7 mi. Elliptical

Saturday: REST (easy abs only)

Stick with me folks!!! A lot of updates to come!

As a personal aside, I am applying for EMT school this week! Keep the good vibes and thoughts heading this way! :)

~Grace

[Caveat]* It's not the only program to use the approach, but I liked how well it was put together, its simplicity and step-by-step ramping up, building upon each concept method.

A Series of Unfortunate Events....

So, my knee was a major pain and ended up being a bigger issue than I'd realized. I got a nasty nasty shot under my knee cap, have damaged cartilage and I'm still on LOA (limited activity) and I'm not allowed to run, bicycle (unless I spin at a high cadence instead of "mash" the pedals), or do any weight-lifting or exercises that use a "squat" or "lunge" stance. Completely frustrating!

Add to that that I've made poor choices overall when it came to food intake since February and I'm in hurt city!

From tonight I have 67 days to train for the May 20th RnR half-marathon in Portland. *eep!*

Physical therapy started last week and goes for another 5 to 7 weeks depending upon my progress, then I can get back to Roller Derby. More importantly though is prepping and being ready for the upcoming half.

My basic plan is as follows and allows for a LOT of leeway depending upon how I'm feeling, time constraints and my knee's temperament:

1. Swim - 30 minutes of laps 3-4x/wk, these are slow laps to get form in line and work the core

2. Elliptical - Ramping up from 30-60 minutes 3-4x/wk - switching between intervals, speed work and long slow "runs", without actually running.

3. Stretching - Daily

4. Jacob's Ladder, Slideboard, Core work, Freeweights 2-3x/wk - a switch-up of the aforementioned exercises to round out the mass amount of cardio I'm pushing (gently) in the coming weeks.

My goal is to NOT re-injure myself, but to lose weight while getting back to where I was without any actual running. I know, I know, the only way to get better at running... is to RUN. But until my knee is cleared, I have to take it easy, no stairs, no running, no mashing the bike pedals.

I'm re-committed to my fitness. Things are starting to look up in life again and I need to get back on the fitness wagon so I don't lose ALL of the wonderful progress and weight-loss gains I made in January 2012. Here's to a new perspective, a new appreciation of my life, renewed conviction and an abundance of ambition!

Warmest Regards...

Your,

Grace