21 January 2013

Train to Run #1

We're 2 or 3 weeks into January and where a lot of people are falling foul to their New Years resolutions and goals, mine have somehow taken a turn for some serious commitment!

I'm specifically referring to my Goal 4; to run a sub 60 minute 10k. Listen here...


Once upon a time there was a woman; she loved running, it was her "me" time. She ran 3, sometimes even 4 times a week keeping going as long as her legs would take her racking up km's upon km's each week. On a Sunday morning, she'd skip the big breakfast and go for a long run...but did she know WHY? Did she know why she was running? Why she ran the distances she did? and WHY did she do her long run on a Sunday? ...I think the answer is because *insert women's magazine title here* told her to, but never really told her why...

These are questions I have been given the answer to...from Personal Trainer and Running Coach Gil Cramer of F.I.T Concepts. Coach G's goal for 2013 is to complete a 122km off road marathon...(that was not a typo...I did type 122km!). But hey, I'm benchmarking on my own past achievements and my personal goals!


So...1 1/2 hours and a grande soya latte later (FYI Coach G had a green tea)...I had the basis of a plan to conquer a 10k race in July (aiming for the British 10k) in under 60 minutes. I hadn't actually thought about which 10km race to do but Coach G said "you need a specific goal...and then a structured training programme leading straight to that goal to ensure you peak at the right time".

Coach G then told me "to start with you need to run the race distance each week". So 10km a week...this is achievable right?! ..."it can be 5 2km runs, or 3/3/4km over 3 days". Yep, I can do this...! *presses mute button on voice of self doubt*

Coach G also informed me that training to run isn't just about the running; "you need to have a good training programme of strength work and conditioning to supplement the running you do". We discussed and agreed that everything I already do (NTC, pole, yoga) is perfect!

There's me, satisfied I could do this...for me...when Coach G informs me that I need to make this commitment to him as well. *gulp*. He says "I need you to email me on a weekly basis, Sunday afternoons, updating me on your weeks training. But I don't just want to know how far you run, I need to know how you felt. This can all be taken into account for your next weeks training programme and schedule". Okkkkkaaaaaay!

So less talk...lets do this...This week, I'll be doing the 3/3/4km option starting today Monday 21st January 2013. A recent update to the NTC app included a 15 minute stretch sequence for runners (see picture). AND, if you live in London you can get a session in with Coach G free of charge through Nike Training Club. Currently Coach G leads the Train to Run sessions in Regents Park each and every Saturday morning! Click to Book a Live Class. You can also find Coach G on Twitter or Facebook!

You can keep up with my progress, and Coach G's advice right here on Keep it SimpElle...

Elle ;) x
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4 comments:

  1. Ooooooh eeee! I am inspired by your commitment - good luck :)
    I'll be cheering for you!

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    1. Thanks Nerissa! I'm sure you'll have some good advice for me when the going gets tough too! ;)

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  2. This post is awesome, and so timely for me too! I have been wafting about a bit without anything to train for (and then sick for about a month so all training stopped) but I recently decided that 2013 was going to be the year of the 10k for me. I really like that distance - it's long enough to settle into a proper race pace, and you need to have trained for it - but it's not quite as time consuming/taxing as training for a half marathon (which I do want to do another one of later in the year, but thats another story). I've signed up to She Runs Windsor in May and the Zest 10k in June.

    The idea of breaking the 10k down into distance runs over the week - WAHEY..I can DO that! I've also signed up for Gil's class at Regents Park this Sat, I'm preparing for the worst and hoping for the best...ahem...

    Thanks also for the headsup about the new NTC 15min workout, I love those, and knowing there is a running specific one = perfect end to a short run.

    Now...to just get out there and conquer the snowy roads!

    Good luck Elle, I am sure you will nail it too!

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    1. Thanks Leah! Sounds like you have some good goals in place and like me, we just need to put in the ground work ;) I myself would also like to run another half marathon...I know I CAN do it (like you) but I want to do it better! So the best place to start was 10k...exactly like you say, long enough to settle into a race pace and achievable with everything else going on!
      Hope you enjoy Gil's class (I am in no doubt you will)and let me know how it goes :)
      Here's to our 10k journey...good luck...and i'll be there to hi ten you when we both succeed :)

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