Back To Training

Its obvious I am back to training. Today I had a cookie and latte for lunch :)

The coaches from Team In Training have offered to help us out with a training schedule, but we still dont have it ... so right now I am just guessing. There are schedules out there that talk about how to "maintain" your training level for a marathon...but I cant find any that talk about how to set your training clock back a bit in the event you actually didnt get to complete your marathon on the date you originally expected :) For now we are just winging it until we get some more structure.

Here are some of the tips I have found thus far:
Response from Coach Jenny (Runners World) to a similar question
Generally, this is what she says

• Take this week to recover & allow your body to heal from Sunday's miles and heat.
• This week, focus on easy paced cross-training, short easy runs (later in the week) and stretching.
• This week, also focus on re-fueling your body with foods rich in complex carbs, lean protein and electrolytes.
• This weekend: try running 60-70 minutes to gague general feeling. If things feel normal and good, begin to gradually ramp up your mileage.

She then gives tips for training for a race in December.
Week 1
Run 60-70 minutes this weekend
Weeks 2 & 3
Give yourself two weeks of easy running and shorter long runs.
Week 4
Include long runs of 10-12 miles
Week 5
15-17 miles, and follow your normal taper into the next marathon.

Coach Jenny also says: "Avoid over-training for this next marathon. You have your summer training under your belt and will carry it to the next race."

Training Log
Time:  30:00 time  Distance:2.82 miles   Pace:  10:38 min/mi
I did run today after Pilates. I was actually nervous! My body is still a bit sore from Sunday, and in addition I thought I would never "have" to run again. I was actually looking forward to not having to train - to see if my body or mind actually begain to desire a good run. Thus far I have not experienced any sort of love-of-running and instead have been running out of duty. In order to train and prepare, I must run. Looks like I wont have the ability to elect to run until December ... and am back on the training wagon :) Anyway, I did a short 30-minute run at a comfortable pace. My muscles actually loosened up during the run so it turned out to be a really good idea. And, compared to Sunday, todays run was actually enjoyable!