So, What’s Next?

Several folks have asked me that question following last month’s marathon attempt. I’ve purposely waited until last weekend’s half marathon was behind me before answering.

So, here’s what’s next.

1. I plan to keep my running mileage high enough to remain perpetually ready for a half marathon, but I won’t run one until March’s Tom King Classic in Nashville.

2. I’m moving out of “training” mode and into “fitness mode.” By that I mean I’m going to start working out six days a week (I no longer require rest days before and after high mileage runs). On two of those days I’ll lift weights. I’ll run three days a week. On the sixth day I’ll do some type of cardio, perhaps swimming or cycling.

3. Nutritionally, I’m going to cut back a bit on carbs. Notice I said “a bit.” I won’t cut them out completely but I don’t need as many now as I did while marathon training. Just don’t get between me and my morning oatmeal. You have been warned.

4. My food plan is Weight Watchers. I’m doing it on-line and I have the phone ap. There’s no excuse for me not to track my food intake and exercise. Sigh…

These tactics should have me back in fat-loss mode. I have my annual check up in March and hopefully by then my doctor and I will be ready to have a discussion about whether or not I’m where she wants me to be from a health perspective. Hopefully I’ll be entering the unchartered territory of weight maintenance, but that’s the doctor’s decision, not mine.

5. Yes, completing a marathon remains on my bucket list, but there’s no way on God’s green earth I’ll ever again run 18 miles in 101 degree heat. I plan to choose a marathon that takes place sometime between late January to early March 2012, which means I’ll be “gettin’ my long mileage on” around this time next year.

Now, enough about me. What about you? Leave your fitness goals, bucket list items, etc. in the comments section. I’d like to cheer you on.

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