What's that you say? run a marathon? why SURE!

8/17/12

I decided to run a marathon on March 17,2013.  So, i figured i'd go ahead and keep a training journal as well.  

I set up a decent training plan, using information from several resources: Hal Higdon (of course!), some from this neat site:http://www.marathon-training-schedule.com/heart-rate-training.html, along with some things from Runners World.  

I haven't really been running THAT long, in the grand scheme of things - only about 4 years, and I realized earlier this year that i ALWAYS run at essentially the heart rate red zone - which just makes me tired, and sore, and at good risk for injury.  So, in the Spring, I decided to check out the idea of "training slow to run fast" - I'm focusing on building my aerobic capacity, and I *think* it's working.  I enjoy running more...it's not quite the challenge to go out and do it that it was, and that's the biggest gain.  I really didn't look forward to running - I did it because i thought i had to.  Now, i actually enjoy it!

Technically, my "training" doesn't start until Monday 8/20, but this week, I  did some lactic threshold training, spending about 50% of the run in an "easy" mode - roughly 60-70% of HR Reserve, and then about 50% in lactic threshold mode - or about 75-80% of HR Reserve.  I'm really enjoying it, but my times are slower, since I'm running much easier for half the run then i normally would.  

In addition to the running, Arjay and I started a Core Training for Runners class at our local running store Capital Run Walk in Cameron Village here in Raleigh.   I'm not really  a "joiner" - so never thought i'd like a class experience...but this is really good.  Bobby Mack, the guy who leads the class, is a GREAT runner - he came in 9th in the Olympic Trials for 10,000 meters - he's really down to earth, and does a fun, hard class.  We have 2 weeks left  - but have learned some great exercises that will be easy to keep up with at home - which is great for us, since we are WAY TOO CHEAP to think about joining a gym.  ha!

I'm looking forward to a Long Slow Distance on Saturday - I'm starting at an hour, and will stay there for at least 4 weeks, maybe longer.  I have a good bit of time till the marathon, so I'm going to take these early weeks to make sure I get the old engine in decent shape.  

My goal time for the marathon?  5 hours.  My stretch goal?  4:50.  We'll see how we do!  Here's to a great journey!