08.13.08
Phase 1: complete
As noted in the previous post, I created my marathon training plan. The basic premise is that I’ll be running easy paced mileage, steadily increasing to a long run of 20 miles three weeks out from the marathon. The 18 week plan is easily broken into six three-week segments or phases. In each phase, the long run increases in length for two weeks, and then there is a “cut-back” or recovery long run before moving on to the next phase. Each phase builds on the previous one, culminating in a final “long run” of 26.2 miles.
I finished phase 1 a few days ago, and at this point I’m feeling very good. Although I’m pushing some days back here and there, I’m completing all the runs each week. This is key for me, as in the past even when I’ve had a written plan to work from I’ve missed days here and there. There have been days when I’ve been eager to hit the road, and days where I’m wishing I was glued to the couch, but I’ve been out putting in my time and sticking to the spirit of the plan.
Keeping my runs at an easy pace has been key to my success so far, I believe. In the past I’ve tried to keep my aggressive pace while increasing mileage, and I always seem to end up with some pain or another that keeps me from progressing. This is not to say that I’m running appreciable mileage now, but it is notable that I’ve put in back-to-back 20 mile weeks for the first time in 11 months and I’m feeling very good. I’m happy with this. I realize that my training and experience will likely leave me all but crippled at the finish line of this marathon, but I’ll get there.
The last month has not been without it’s ups and downs, despite the generally easy track taken. Of note on the high end, I set a new personal record in the 5k on July 26, running a 23:20 at the Dash for Donation in downtown Columbus. I ran hard, nearly lost my breakfast at the finish line, and was very pleased with my effort. Of note on the low end, playing softball has aggravated my left calf and made it very painful to sprint or run hard. Thankfully, sprinting is not a part of my marathon training. But pain is still not a welcome house-guest. I’ve been doing as much icing as I can, resting when able, and not overexerting the muscle. After nearly two weeks of said attention, things seem to be improving. I’m happy with this, as well.
In the coming weeks, I’ll have long runs of 11 and 12 miles, and by early September I’ll be up to the longest runs of my life at 14 and 15 miles. Sooner or later, I think I will realize that I’m a moron for doing a marathon so soon.
I’m just hoping there is a camera present to capture the moment of enlightenment.