My Training Program

I officially began training today. I've decided to use the same program I've used in the past only I will be using a modified version of the advanced program. It consists of running 7 days a week with one day off every other week for 20 weeks. I will max out around 65 miles with my longest run being 28 miles. Interval training will begin at one day a week then increase to 2 days a week as the program becomes more intense. I revised my schedule slightly to include cycling and or going to the gym at least one day a week. I've also added a few days off or swapped out easy runs for cycling. I'm hoping this will keep me from getting burnt out which usually happens mid way through. I've decided to make adjustments accordingly as my training progresses. Since I've never trained with this intensity or mileage I'll be learning as I go.

Another decision I've decided has been to alter my pace for long runs. Most programs encourage runners to to do long runs 90-120 seconds slower than their 10K pace (this is often 45 seconds slower than expected race pace). However, I've read several articles that say to run the second half of the long run at race pace. This supposedly gets your body used to running at that pace while it is fatigued. I'm going to try this but will change it if it begins to take a toll on my body.

I'm pretty excited about my new training regimen but of course there are worries. The first being injury. I've never run more than 35-40 miles a week so this type of increase will certainly have some effects. Pounding away on the pavement for up to 65 miles in a week will most likely bother my knees and chins. I'll have to try to run on dirt trails and stretch routinely to prevent this from happening. My second concern is getting burnt out. Usually after 12 weeks in I'm ready for the marathon to be over. My body is tired, my food bills are high, and I just get bored. I'm hoping that setting such a high goal for myself as well as recording my experiences on this blog will keep me motivated. In an attempt to combat the repetitiveness and boredom of the training, I will try to find new places to run as often as possible. Unfortunately this will most likely only happen on the weekends but I think by keeping things new and exciting I will be able to keep motivated. Lastly I worry about missing runs. Currently I only work part-time which definitely helps but the summer is sure to bring about lots of fun weekend activities. Any plans of fun races, camping, biking, vacation or weddings will be sure to hinder my training. At least this is something I can control. It won't be easy but marathon training will have to come first.