Week One, The Fun has Begun

The training began in earnest for the marathon this week.  I decided to really get in and enjoy this experience so I signed up for the Disney World Marathon Runner's World Challenge .  As a part of the challenge they provide a training plan and premium access to the training site TrainingPeaks.

Sunday involved get everything set up in Training Peaks.  After imputing my personal information and loading the beginner plan from the assortment of training plan choices, I am ready to go.  This week's plan calls for two runs of 4 miles, one run of 2 miles, and a LSD (Long Slow Distance run) of 8 miles.  I chose this plan intentionally to allow my body 3 days of rest in order to make it to the start line healthy and ready to run.  Given the intensity and distances in this plan, I have not doubt I will be ready to race if I can keep to the plan. 

I have taken to rolling out the legs every day as after a week of inactivity they seemed a little stiff during the first run.  I could tell the difference today and made sure I quickly rolled them out this evening.  So far the first two 4 mile runs this week have felt good.  I will run the 2 miles tomorrow and then run an 8 on Saturday. 

I will post again when week one is in the books. 

Happy miles my friends . . .

Easy Street

After setting a moderately aggressive training schedule since mid July, this week sets up to be a nice break for the legs and the mind prior to a steady build to the January 2013 marathon.  I kept to the schedule nearly perfect on the run portion and 90% on the cross training.

As seen at my local grocery store.

This week I will only run three times with no cross training and low distance (1/2 the amount of last week).  I scheduled this week prior to the start of the 16 week training program to allow for the body to rest and relax before pushing the distance.  I have a couple of nicks, such as a sore hamstring, that hasn't prevented me from putting in the miles or speed, but this week comes at a great time to heal that up.  So far, so good.

The extra rest and the light miles will do the body good.  Next week, the real fun begins!

Run strong my friends . . .

The Training Continues

Can I just admit I really have nothing to write about, I am tired, and my running week is over? Again, so far, so good.  The really training for the marathon starts in a couple of weeks.  In the interim, I continue to build mileage and work to stay healthy and prepare for the upcoming training demands.

Next week will be the high mileage for this training cycle.  The following week my mileage will take a dip as I take a break mentally and physically before the mileage takes off.  My motto continues to be "run to the wheels fall off and make it to the finish line healthy".

Until we run again . . .