Alameda Runners – Get After It!

As you may know, I tend to write about what I am doing.  I also tend to socialize with people with similar goals.  Things are similar for running and triathlons but not so good when I am resting after a big event.  Rest is a bit boring.  Today’s post is a list of 10 or more things for distance training.  I will attempt to follow up with a daily explanation for each item on the list.

13 things from Ted’s training list:

1. Just do it
2. Long runs (or rides) are for training.  Slow down
3. Increase your distances slowly
4. Eat before a long training day
5. Run by feel and time
6. Cycle your training with buildup and rest phases
7. Don’t train to someone else’s pace.  Train at your own pace.
8. Rest, when you are not feeling well.
9. Find a training partner
10. Practice eating
11. Work on your strength
12. Work on your core strength
13. Watch your diet

I will talk about number one today
Just do it – Long runs are hard; you have to go out and do it.  The bigger the distance or duration, the more excuses your subconscious can come up with to avoid the effort.  People often ask me why I train so hard for the Escape from Alcatraz triathlons.  I tell them “The bay does not care how cold the water was on a training day.  If you do not practice, you will sink.”  The same can be said for marathons and bike rides.  The hills do not care if you train or not.  If you do not train, you will not conquer them.  I look forward to the peace of a long run.  If I build up my distances properly, I don’t put myself into difficulty until I get up around 18 miles.  I try to put the difficulty out of my mind before the 20 mile run the following week.  For my long bike rides, I pick great places to ride.  I absolutely love riding up the side of Mount Tam.  I am going to do the Vineman half ironman again next year, just to get out and ride at all of the great locations around San Francisco.  My lunchtime run was along the bay in Berkeley and Emeryville.  I have a great location for outdoor sports.  I still pinch myself that I can live here.  It does not matter where you live, you have to make the most of it and get out and do it.