Success Isn't Linear
Lessons from the ups and downs of distance running
Here it is, almost mid-April 2021…
I am Carly Pelerin, Marc’s wife and I’m taking over his newsletter today!
Today I’m writing to help hold myself accountable to my spring training, but also to help motivate you.
The last year has been tough on a lot of us, but for the last few months, I have been slowly building my mileage up. Currently, I’m running around 14-18 miles per week.
I’m looking forward to upping my mileage, cross training more, and continuing to add strength training to my weekly plan. I’m hoping to continue sharing my experiences with you in hopes that it keeps you going when you start to struggle, because we all struggle at some point!
For those that don’t know me, I have been a runner since my high school days. I ran in college, but had brief stretches in college and after where I wasn’t running regularly (hello semester abroad, postpartum, and the occasionally injuries). For the most part though, running has been a regular part of my daily routine for the last 25 years.
I’m so thankful for the habits and structure that running has given me. On most days, I don’t even have to question myself: “can I get exercise in today?”, instead, “when will I get exercise in today?”
This week’s breakdown:
Monday: 4 miles of hills with the BOB stroller (but I should also mention Marc was pushing the BOB for this run!)
Tuesday: 4 miles
Wednesday: 4 miles
Thursday: OFF
Friday: 2.5 miles
Saturday: 5 miles
Sunday: Yoga + Strength
Total mileage: 19.5!! Definitely the most I have run in a week in the last two years! (That sounds a bit crazy for me but between pregnancy, post-partum, injury, and the crazy quarantine life, I am going to choose to be proud of that 19.5 miles) It was a bit of a cheat week too because Marc was on spring break so my schedule was A LOT more flexible!
In addition to my mileage is dynamic warm-up exercises. I have learned that as I age and my body changes, I NEED to warm up properly. It’s a hard reality but if I have 30 minutes to work out, I will have to make sure I properly warm up 5-10 minutes which means only 20 minutes of actual running. Not perfect, but it beats getting an injury! I change up my exercises most days but I try to include many single-sided exercises to get my core functioning properly before I hit the pavement. This week’s warm-up included:
60-seconds jump rope
Bird-dog (10 each side)
60 seconds jump rope
Fire Hydrants with leg extension (10 each side)
60 seconds jump rope
Front-side-back straight leg lifts (10 each side)
If you have Amazon music, check out this playlist I put together to help your workout!
Did you like today’s post? Share it on social media or give a shout out to Carly by replying to this email.
Friday’s Action Plan:
Give yourself a break. Training is not linear and you shouldn’t expect it to be.
What’s Got My Attention:
Article: Meet the man hoping to become the first professional triathlete with autism
Popular Articles on the Blog this Week:
Marathon Training Lessons: What I’ve Learned that can Help You
Updated post: Core Running For Runners
How to Taper For Your Peak Race
Popular Newsletter Sessions:
When You Don’t Feel Like Running
Quote of the Day:
We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort. - Jesse Owens
Connect with me:
Here’s what I’m working on and what I’d love you to check out:
Thanks for following along on the journey! Have something you’d like to add? Have suggestions or comments? Email me: TrainwithMarc@gmail.com
If this resonates with you, I would love it if you could share it.
Marc is a middle school teacher and coach but also works with distance runners online. I help distance runners around the globe by providing support, writing customized training plans, and designing workouts to help them reach their racing goals. I write for my blog every Wednesday morning and newsletter every Friday morning.