Calm before the storm

Tomorrow is day 1 of the training program, and hopefully the beginning of a new life for myself. My days until school starts will consist of the gym and organic chemistry... and some beach. Quite the combination right? My weight has not changed as of late, but I guess maintaining is better than gaining. I'm a little stressed however, due to the fact that Clarkson has not made up a financial aid package for me, and that's leaving me less and less time to apply for a private loan when they shortchange me again. My limited funds for survival until school starts are also dwindling, and I am unfortunately having to rely on my mom more for things, which I don't like to do. It's too bad I was not able to find a job this summer, at least one that was worthwhile. After my experience with the uber-religious/anti-gay/ignorant chiropractor, I received no more leads on any of the hundreds of applications I filled out. Thankfully, I had my graduation money to live off of, and a few weeks worth of paychecks to get me through. Overall, life is good.

Creating a Training Plan

I've always been an athletic person, and despite my weight fluctuations over time I have managed to stay decently fit. As of right now, I can't honestly say if I can run even a mile non-stop or not (to be determined). The idea of running 26.2 miles in one shot is pretty daunting at this point. However, I know that the key to success is preparing well. I have to train well and eat right, however, the latter will probably be harder for me in general.

I've created a training plan that consists of two main phases: mileage build-up and marathon training. The marathon is on May 27, 2012, so I have 43 weeks from this Sunday to prepare. That is approximately 10 months away. I have put the entire plan into a spreadsheet, which I have inserted below and I will keep the link on the sidebar.

Marathon Training Schedule 

I developed this schedule drawing from a range of sample schedules on the internet. Basically, I will be running 4-5 days a week, with cross training and weight training thrown in. The schedule has it set up that I have a long steady run on Sundays. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday I will have shorter runs of varying intensity. Saturdays I will have an easier run. Monday, Wednesday and Friday will be cross training days (biking or swimming) and/or weight training days. I will be giving myself a day of rest a week, or a day with only light swimming to relax my muscles and joints. I will be increasing weekly distance totals by no more than 10%, so that I don't over do it. There will be 3 weeks of increasing mileage, and then a rest week of significantly decreased mileage. The last few weeks of the training before the marathon will be a "tapering off" period in which I will not run long distances before the race.

I will be discussing my various steps and progress in my training in more detail as time goes on (that wasn't enough detail?). Hopefully I can set an example for other people who might be struggling with weight or self-confidence.

New Beginning

If you're reading this... welcome! I don't expect to get many viewers, if any, but I view this as a good way to keep myself accountable. I have decided that it is time to take charge of my life. After reaching an all time high weight of 230lbs at the beginning of the summer, I realize it's time to set some goals for myself. At this point, I have already lost 10lbs through minimal effort, but I have a long way to go. Therefore, I have decided to set a long term goal for myself that is not purely to lose weight: running a marathon.

Last May, my brother ran his first marathon in Burlington, VT. I have decided that by next May, I will run with him. Of course, I am well aware of the amount of preparation that will take, so I am giving myself approximately 10 months to do so. Since this large amount of weight has been put on over the past year and a half or so, and I have managed to stay relatively fit under my "padding", I am quite confident I will be successful. As for goals of finishing under a certain time? Well... let's get to that later.

I hope that this blog will be relatively entertaining, as I plan to document all my successes, failures, and embarrassments (pictures included!). As my grandfather said about fear and hesitation, "Shit or get off the pot!"