A Passion for Running

Something’s on my mind…

I’m pondering my training plan for the next several months – there seems to be a lot to consider and I’m having a tough time with it.

Prior to setting out my race schedule/goals, I’d planned on running the Edmonton Marathon late in August but now the plan is to just to do the half and use it as a stepping stone toward an October 10 marathon. Tom and Aaron were also planning on doing the Edmonton Marathon so we all began ramping up our mileage. Then, I opted in favor of the half and Aaron subsequently backed out too due to injury so now poor old Tom is on his own to do Edmonton Marathon.

My quandry is that I’m actually doing too much right now based on the date for Victoria Marathon and I need to do something about that. Tom and I did an 18 mile long run last Saturday and will do the maximum 20 miler Saturday after next. I’m also way ahead of schedule in terms of speedwork.

According to the literature, I’m setting myself up to peak (and then crash) WAY to early and that ain’t good.

I’ve set myself some other goals too and am admittedly feeling quite taxed. Bike commuting 32k a day is a lot to adjust to especially when you are also running. Plus, I really want to get into the gym twice a week as soon as I’m more used to the biking. I have to listen to my body and it’s telling me it’s tired and that means I could be courting an injury if I’m not careful.

hmmm…somethings gotta give but what?

Decision #1: I think the first thing I need to look at is the biking. It’s definitely getting easier but my body is one big ache lately and I’m tired much of the time. Yesterday I biked to work, had a very short run with Aaron after work and then biked home but I did something different on the bike home – I rode MUCH slower and learned something. I learned that a slow bike home is much like a slow run – it doesn’t feel damaging and it even felt like it aided in recovery. So that’s the first thing I’m gonna do – keep biking three times a week but take it EASY when I’m fatigued – maybe even sometimes when I’m not.

Decision #2: This one is a toughy because it may involve letting a friend down but I think I need to back off a bit on the long runs. Perhaps I can head out with Tom (and Aaron when he begins running long again) and turn around earlier? On the one hand I’d feel bad because 20 miles isn’t a whole lotta fun to run by yourself but I’ve got my own marathon goal to pay attention to. ..argh.

Decision #3: Watch it with the speed work. I’m ok with doing speedwork twice a week but I just need to make sure I don’t max out on intervals for a while. I think my goal needs to be maintenance and variety of speed work for the next month or so and then begin to ramp things up.

Okay, now I feel pretty good about things and can get to work on that training plan. Sometimes you gotta think out loud so hopefully this was not too a boring post but I am curious to hear what you have to say…any thoughts?