Friday, May 3, 2013

Planning for Dumbo Training!

In case you were wondering: I survived Zumba :) In fact, I loved it so much, I stayed for the 2nd class! What?! I know. I can't remember the last time I laughed or even smiled during a workout. It was SO much fun. Originally, the size of the class was intimidating but once in it, I realized I like being surrounded, it helped make me feel more comfortable. The second class wasn't as crowded and it was a little harder. So, I'm sure I'll be feeling it tomorrow (Thank god it's Saturday!), I'm just exhausted today. I really hope it's a good form of cross training, because I can totally see it being a new favorite. And double win, it's a part of my gym membership. Score!

Dumbo training "officially" kicked off this week, according to the rD Jeff Galloway plan. Now, I'm having a bit of a dilemma with training plans.

A few months ago, this plan was posted online and it seemed to work out perfectly. I put it on my calendar and even worked in local races to work with it. It seemed to fit the previous training plans I've worked with, all being for beginner runners. Then, this Dumbo plan was leaked (currently, it's up the runDisney site, if you need it, too).
Oh, hello, possible Dumbo medal design? You're pretty :)
I was hoping they would have 2 plans (one just to finish, the other for speed), but it looks like the one for finishing in the upright position is it. This plan specifically says it's for "experienced runners" who have been running for more than 6 months- I'm assuming that means me, right? At this point, I think I can move from the beginner plans to the experienced- it's been 2 years, 2 full marathons and 13 half marathons. I think it's time I think of myself like that. Thanks, Jeff and rD for helping me realize that!

At first glance, it looks like it's a little light on the back-to-back long runs and alternates increased mile weeks. In the past, I've usually just continue to increase miles each week until taper. Since this time around I would really like to work on speed, I think the lower miles might help that- quality over quantity. A bit of doctoring might have to happen, too; add cross training (hello, my new love for Zumba!), speed work, and hills.

I also think I'm just weirded out because I'm starting fresh for this one. Previously, I had been piggy backing on my original base, which I'm sure wasn't doing me any favors towards the end. Hence, the much needed break. So, I'm anxious to see what happens this time around.

Anyone else following / have followed a Jeff Galloway plan? What do you think?


How are you training for your next race?

10 comments:

  1. I'm running Dumbo, too! I agree...it does seem a bit light on back-to-back long runs, and I, too, have been upping mileage every week as opposed to every other in training for my other halfs (this weekend is my third!).

    Sooo...I'm pretty much making my own plan at this point based on my tried-and-true half marathon training plans with back-to-back longer runs on weekends as we get closer.

    You are definitely a SERIOUS runner, so you'll rock it no matter what plan you use! :-D

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    1. Good luck on your race this weekend! I look forward to reading about your training for Dumbo, too!

      You're too sweet, but I don't know if I'd consider myself that. . .just crazy :)

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  2. Uh, two full marathons and 13 halfs? YES you are definitely an experienced runner! I used Hal Higdon's Novice 2 training plan when training for the Princess Half and my goal was just to finish. My next race isn't until September and it's a 5k, but I'm planning on doing some speed work so that I can place in the race and get a sweet medal! Then after that I'm running the Tower of Terror 10-miler and I'm just hoping to finish.

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    1. I think I'm going to brave it out with the experienced plan. It makes me nervous though. How was Hal's plan? I heard good things about those, too.

      You'll rock ToT! Hope to see you there!

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  3. Oh man, I totally wish we were heading to DL right now! I don't want to wait until Labor Day weekend. I've always wanted to try Zumba, but I always think I'm going to look like an idiot. ;) Glad you liked it. Maybe I'll try it!

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    1. Right?! Can't this training this be over and we be there?!

      Trust me, if I can do it- so can you. Everyone looks like an idiot. No one cares. It's amazing!

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  4. I am going to try to go with this plan with a few modifications for the weekend. I want to do more back to back runs - a short and a long. I am going to start from scratch as well with the goal of getting the weekly mileage up to 30 miles. This should get me prepared for my fall races and take me through Dopey.
    We will see :-)

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  5. Yay!! I'm so glad you liked Zumba!! I think hearing you survived (and went back!) is going to make me brave enough to try it.

    This is a good reminder that I need to sit down and figure out my Dumbo plan. I'll probably use Jeff as a guide and modify where necessary. I

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    1. Do it! I promise it's fun. I'm going again tonight. haha!

      I like Jeff's plan- I'm just going to add some cross training.

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