In the past year, I went from completing my first half marathon in October of 2015 to running a FULL marathon in June. While to the outside world it would appear as if I am “runner” I don’t identify that way. I’m just a fitness junkie/adventurer that wanted to cross “finish a marathon” off her bucket list. I much prefer weight training, and really almost hate any form of cardio. That said, I know it’s a necessary evil of staying fit. Plus, races can be pretty fun. So, I wanted to share my training plan leading up to my next race – the Mankato Half Marathon. It incorporates just enough running to help me not want to die on the side of the road on race day, but yet enough strength and flexibility to keep me sane while I train. Many of the workouts I mention below are free on #BOD (Beachbody on Demand). You can even get a Free 30-Day Trial of #BOD when you train! Please comment below if you also incorporate Beachbody workouts into your race training. I’d love to share ideas!
NOTES:
- I plan tempo runs for Saturdays because that’s when I have 5Ks
- I plan long runs for Sundays when I have more time (and my training partner is available)
- I included strength on alternating days, arms after the long run to allow time for legs to recover. Too high-intensity training without proper weight training for strength can lead to risk of injury.
- I define “Active Recovery” as any workout that does not involve building strength or endurance. It could be light cardio or flexibility.
- I give myself enough freedom to switch the order of these workouts based on my schedule and if things come up, but allow for recovery after working legs with weights and with long runs.
- Energize if my preferred pre-workout drink, Recover my post-workout shake.
- I drink Shakeology daily.
- For this training plan, I bump up my caloric requirement to around 2,000 calories a day.
