Thursday, September 25, 2008

Check the Comments Section/Post on Most Recent Entry...

Runners,
I LOVE that you are all using the blog to field such great questions. Thank you! If you do post a question, please post the question on the most recent post so I can find it. If it is a personal, quick question, I'll answer it in the comments section. If it's a larger question which would be better in its own post, then I'll just devote an entire post to it.
If you have a private question that you don't wish to share with the group, PLEASE feel free to email me. The blog saves me time by answering a few similar questions at one time, but if it's something that you really need and you'd rather not share with the group, by all means email me.
Thanks!
-Coach Cami

Monday, September 8, 2008

Strength Training Pictures

Below are pictures of many of your strength training exercises for the month. Thanks to my expert demonstrators, who graciously agreed to be models at the crack of dawn this morning in Central Park. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Also, I'm still getting emails w/questions about the program. If you have questions, please use the blog to ask them. Just click on "comments" for the most recent post, and ask your question. This enables the group to benefit from the answer, and it allows me to answer the same question only once on the blog. You can also use the blog to get to know each other if you wish--creating conversations about local races and any other info you wish to discuss.

Crunch: Come up just until you feel tension.
Opposite Elbow to Knee (repeat w/same elbow to knee)
Chin to Ceiling
Superman Pose

Plank: pull in belly button towards back (away from your belt), and keep your back flat.

Rotating Plank: Bring knee to outside of opposite elbow, keeping your back straight and abs engaged.
Lateral Squats Start Position
Lateral Squat Second Position. Return to center and repeat w/opposite leg for one repetition

Have a great training week!
Coach Cami

Friday, September 5, 2008

5x, 3x, Optional: what do these mean?

More great questions from the group. Though I've described this on Page 2 of the program, let me go into further detail...
5x means "5 times," or 5 repetitions. So, if the workout says " 5x:30 build spread throughout run" or "5x:30 build," it means that somewhere in that run, I'd like you to do 5 repetitions of :30 increases in speed. You get faster throughout the :30, so that at the end you're at about 80% of as fast as you can go. The key is to do this GRADUALLY throughout the 30 seconds. It doesn't matter where in the run you do these (not in the first or last 5 minutes), as long as you are fully recovered between them.
For the 5x1:00 fast, you're doing five repetitions of 1:00 at a pace that you can't talk at, with 1:00 (1 minute) in between each. Do this in the middle of the run.
The purpose of these changes in tempo is to keep you from "settling in" on the run. Often times, most of us get complacent in our pace somewhere along the way. All these do is get a little speedwork without being too taxing, and at the same time increasing your run cadence.
Hope this helps!
Cami

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Training Cycles: BT1--What does it mean?

Great question in the comment section: what does BT1 BT2 BT3 mean?
BT refers to "base transition," which is the cycle of training that we're in. Every aspect of the training has an objective, categorized by major "cycles" of training. These cycles, ideally, are put together for an entire year, but they can also be used for a block of training with a specific objective. For this block Base Transition refers to the time of laying the foundation for training, doing a little bit of speed or hill work, but only in short bursts to get the legs to turn over. The rest of the time serves to build up your foundation. You need to build up a solid foundation of endurance for your joints, ligaments, and muscles to withstand the additional mileage required for a half marathon.
There is a time and a reason for everything! :)
-Cami

Off and Running!

Let the training begin!
If you have registered for the team, you should have received your schedule for September's training. If for some reason you did not receive it, please let me know.
Training is broken into two groups: Blue (beginner) and Silver (intermediate). My assessment of your group placement was based on your fitness level/experience as highlighted on your questionnaire. If you did not return your questionnaire, I placed you in the blue group.
If you have not yet turned in your liability waiver, you aren't authorized to begin the program. Please send it either by scanning or snail mailing it as soon as possible. Thank you!!!
This week's blog posts will address the structure of the program, first by posting descriptions/demos of the strength training that accompanies this program. The strength training can be done at home, without equipment, so it should be easy and convenient for all.
Feel free to post here w/questions and comments and to "meet" each other!
-Coach Cami

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Registration/Signup Info

For those of you registering for the Virtual Training Team, here are a few notes:
1. You do NOT have to go to Vegas: If, for whatever reason, you can't join the party but want to join the training, follow along with us. Join the Virtual Training Team, and I'll help you find a local race. For those of you in this situation, feel free to answer in the comments section--let me know where you're from--and I'll find some suggested races in your area. I have athletes scattered all over the country/world, and I can get the scoop on the best races in just about every major city in the US.
2. If you are going to Vegas: register for the race. If you have trouble, contact me. Book your accomodations shortly, as 10k-plus runners descending on Vegas = limited accomodations.
3. If you have not registered for my program, please do so. You can go to http://teamwildblue.com/coaching_services and click on the Paypal link under the Virtual Training Team. You can pay by either credit card or your paypal account.
4. Once you register, you'll receive a liability waiver and questionnaire, as well as additional instructions. In an effort to make this program as personalized to the group as possible, I must get input from you, so please email the questionnaire back as soon as possible.

TRAINING STARTS SEPTEMBER 1ST!!! Get your shoes, get your gear, and get ready for some fun! :)

Coach Cami

Monday, August 25, 2008

Last Call--Las Vegas Half Marathon Training Program

This is the LAST WEEK to sign up for my Las Vegas Half Marathon Virtual Training Team. In order to have a program personalized for the athletes, I must have a committed head count this week. Please go to www.teamwildblue.com for details and to pay for the program. Feel free to contact me with any questions!
Coach Cami