what’s next?
One thing I’ve learned about marathons is that the journey (training) is often more rewarding than the destination (running the marathon) itself. The journey truly is where most gains are made. It’s where habits are formed. Where both physical and spiritual strength are found. Where fitness is developed. Where limits are challenged, broken down and, ultimately, where potential and new limits reveal themselves.
It’s very exciting stuff which, in my opinion, is what the human spirit wants for itself – to discover and grow. I’ve certainly come to love and crave the process and know it’s what keeps me coming back.
So, here I am. Exactly one week after arriving at destination #6 and looking forward to the next journey. Where do I go from here? What are my goals for the next journey?
One of the realizations I’ve had over the last several months is that I don’t have much of a history with so-called “short” and “middle” distance running. I’d like to concentrate my efforts in that area for a while:
Goal One
Do some time trials. Head out to the track and see how fast I can run 100 meters, 200′s, 400′s, 800′s and a mile. That’ll be fun!
Goal Two
Train for a definite PR at the 5k distance. It will be definite because I’ve never entered a 5k race! At this point, I’m not sure what time I’m after but I’ve run 5k in under 22 minutes doing tempo runs so I guess that’ll be my starting point.
Goal Three
Power, strength and form training. This means spending time in the gym developing better overall body strength – especially in the core. It will also mean trying some new things like I’m reading in that book you see on the left called Explosive Running. It will also likely involve some barefoot running and opening my mind to other activities like pilates and yoga.
Goal Four
Start planning another marathon. Aaron and I have spoken casually about going back to Kelowna next October. I’m not making this a firm goal yet because I want to work on the other stuff first. Who knows? Maybe Kelowna will just be a super-duper fast half marathon. I don’t know. We’ll see. I guess the point I’m slowly making is that I’m not rushing a decision in this area. The one certainty is that I’m not done with marathons. I love ‘em!
The Here and Now
I need to rest a bit more before getting into any of this stuff. The guideline I’ve always followed is one day’s rest for every mile raced. That means I won’t be doing any hard running until 26 days after the marathon (November 5th). The time is necessary to give all the micro-tears in my legs and feet a chance to heal fully. I’ll start running this week but it will not be intense – it’ll be slow and easy.
So, what do you think of my plans? Have you got any suggestions for me?
Comment by 
Comment by 
Comment by 
Comment by 
Comment by 
Comment by 
Comment by 
Comment by 
Comment by 
Comment by 
Sunday October 17, 2004 @
Mark….I think you should be a writer. What a great post. ~ Even though I only completed a half marathon last week, I feel the same way. The training was more rewarding and now that it is over, I’m left with a “what do i do now?” feeling. I think I will also have to set some new goals soon. ~ As for your goals, they sound fantastic. How about adding one more….going for a run once a week with out Gretchen… because you are passionate about running. (It sounds good in theory, but in reality I’m definitely a numbers person too. I love to know how far/how fast I ran). Good Luck with your goals. I know you will accomplish anything you set your mind on.