Nashville Training Schedule

Official training starts next week! The race date is April 25th. I have an 18 week training program mapped out. The weekly breakdown will follow this pattern (slight adjustments will take place to boost mileage at peak training and will pull back when ready to taper):

• Monday: Cross-train day - bike, swim, snow shoe, etc...
• Tuesday: 3-5 miles (increasing to 4-6 at week 7 of training program)
• Wednesday: 5-7 miles challenging pace (increasing to 6-8 miles at week 4 of training program)
• Thursday: 3 miles AND strength training
• Friday: REST and Stretch
• Saturday: 5-7 miles at marathon pace (increasing to 6-8 at week 4 of training program)
• Sunday: 9 miles (will build approximately 1 mile every weekend; running 20 miles twice)

Note: For my half marathon friends, you can follow this schedule, but just cut the mileage roughly in half, so your longest run will be to complete 10 miles twice.

Fond Memories of the Christmas Markets in Deutschland

Over 2005-2007, I spent an obscene amount of time in Germany for my job - it became my second home. I have such fond memories of my time there. I joined a running group and even ran a couple of races while there - the schönbuch halbmarathon was one of my favorite races that I ran. The landscape is just stunning and the terrain is incredibly challenging - a guaranteed great workout.

If I am lucky, I get to travel back to the area once in a while. But even if I don't get a chance to return as often as I'd like, I try to incorporate some of the culture and traditions I learned while there. Some of my favorite memories are from the time spent at the Christmas Markets drinking Gluvine (a warm wine). I recently had some friends over for a holiday get-together and made this recipe. It instantly brought me back to to the Christmas Market in Stuttgart. It's super easy and very yummy. Enjoy!

Lucky Number 7!

It's official. I registered for the Nashville Marathon! This will be my 7th marathon. The cost of entry was $85 (excluding the $7.50 processing fee). It is really important to know that the registration fee will increase to $100 at the first of January, so if you have any interest to run in the race - register now or before December 31st!

I was pleasantly surprised by all the interest to join me for the weekend; whether to run in the race or just party and check out Nashville. I am pretty pumped! Stay tuned, I will be working on my training schedule and posting it soon. My general rule of thumb that has worked for me is to run 5-7 miles - 5 days a week, one long run on the weekend that is not to be skipped and incorporate some weight/strength training. It's that simple! :-)

Winter Running

While running in the winter can be quite challenging because of the icy and unpleasant conditions, I always love getting the fresh air on my face.

If you are looking for something to help aid your support running in the snow - give these a try: YakTrax. They average about $20.

The advantages are that they do their job! They help grip the snow, stabilize your footing and are relatively comfortable. However, the disadvantages are they frequently fall off and, because they are unnoticeable, can easily be left behind on your run.

I tend to go out and hope I don't fall (which, admitedly, isn't the brightest idea) . For the price and safety footing though - it's worth a try.

Hind - What a Good Find!

These are the best hats ever...light weight and comfortable - they are great for winter and fall running. I even wear them snow shoeing and running errands because it's a great fit and does the job of keeping the noggin warm! Hind hats come in a variety of colors. Check 'em out!

Yeehaa Ride 'Em Cowboy!

2009 is the 10th anniversary of Nashville's Country Music Marathon (and half-marathon). Some of my friends at work are planning on running in this event and encouraging me to join them. I am nearly committed, but need to mentally prepare and motivate myself for some serious winter running!

Here are my reasons, why I am seriously considering signing up:

1. I haven't run this one before. It's my opinion that if I am going to spend hours running - I want to tour a new city/place. I've made the decision to never run the same marathon twice.


2. I've run the San Diego Marathon, which was also a Rock 'n Roll marathon and had the time of my life - okay, that might be a little dramatic, but it was really fun!


3. I have a friend who qualified for the Boston Marathon and, since these races are within a week of each other, it would be incredibly motivating to have someone to train with.


4. The weather conditions are favorable. The average race day temperatures are 58° F at the Start and 65° F at the Finish


5. My husband has some friends in the area that we could visit over the weekend - bonus!


6. I am fan of Wild Horse Saloon and, yes, I'll admit it - line dancing!

So, I am almost ready to be counted in...my arm can so easily be twisted when it comes to running! I am going to see if I can recruit some others...

I've got good news and bad news...bad news first?

Living in Michigan, it's hard to avoid the topic of the Auto Bailout. It's unsettling to wake up to the news this morning that the senate has rejected the aid. It's even more disheartening to hear that the world markets are already plunging and incredibly frustrating to hear that AIG is giving bonuses to their executives -what?! There is no debate in Michigan - the auto bailout is needed desperately.


So, I did mention that I have good news - MSU was awarded $550M for an isotope lab. This is exciting news for the state of Michigan. Between 2009-2016, it will create thousands of construction and indirect jobs, and when it opens in 2017 - it will create 400 jobs. More so, this will really put the state of Michigan in a position for advanced research and development and hopefully scientific breakthroughs!

Here are some links to local Detroit news to read more yourself:
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage
http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081212/SCHOOLS/812120373

New Shoes? Stock Up! Dr. Scholl's Blister Treatment

Within the past month or so, I've had several conversations with running partners and walking friends about blisters - often a result of getting new shoes. These, Dr. Scholl's Blister Treatment 'band-aids', are my absolute favorite to use. The problem I've always faced is that regular band-aids will often come off or slide around. These are like glue. You don't have to worry about sweating, wet weather conditions and/or showering. Just be sure to apply a couple of hours before activity.

Hitting Stands December 23rd!

Apparently, there is new Women's Running magazine coming out - it is targeting smart, successful women who use running to balance and enrich their lives. Sounds right up my alley!

What a great Christmas gift idea too...subscriptions come with a free t-shirt when you subscribe:

https://www.womensrunningmag.com/freeshirt?form_id=9

Take a Dump in Your Pants If You Need To!

To the right, I've listed a couple of the running sites that I like to check out. Elite Feet is one of my favorites. Awhile back, they featured creative signs that supporters make for participants along the course. This picture is compliments of Elite Feet... here are a few of the greatest hits!

New York City Marathon - Registration Early 2009! Stay tuned...

http://www.nycmarathon.org/home/index.php

Hello and welcome to my new blog - Lady Sole! Here you will find topics that run the gamut (bad pun?!), but of course, I primarily intend to focus posts on running products, events and experiences. I hope to provide some motivation, some insight, and at a minimum, some entertainment.

I am the first to admit - I have an addiction. I am obsessed with running. My next marathon goal is New York City (if I get selected in the lottery). Registration begins in early 2009!