Training Goals

During the "off season" I let myself get away with eating ice cream two to three times a week (damn that Marble Slab in Brookhaven!), having bread with breakfast (gasp!) and munchkins (a 50 count box - woo!) at least twice a month. It was pretty nice, except for when my clothes got tight, which is when I committed to (not signed up) the Zooma race in April.

I started training (thank you Hal Higdon) for the race two weeks ago (I'm two days into week 3) with the following understandings:

• I won't be lighter until at least week 3
• I won't be fast(er) until at least week 4
• I won't feel strong until at least week 6

But something surprising has happened - my clothes aren't tight anymore after only two weeks. Yes! I knew this would happen, just not so soon. Either way, I'm glad I won't have to suck it in to get into my fat pants and my running tights are a little more forgiving. 

I did get a little faster from week one to two, but not with any real consistency. My legs are still adjusting to the beating they're taking between the running and swimming. My weight lifting in between has been intermittent, but will be back on this week, so I'm sure that will affect my speed. However, it's all good.

Clearly, my "race" goals (feeling strong, fast and light) have nothing to do with running 13.1 miles on April 22. No matter how many of these things I do, more often than not, my goal has been to make it to the day without injury. What are your training goals? How many of you out there are all about the PR?