Monday, July 7, 2008

Marathon Training Starts Today...

Today was a cross-training day in my marathon plan (Higdon Intermediate II). And, like usual, I totally ignored it. I'm not saying this with pride.. it's just the truth. However, depending on weather, I'm going to ride to work tomorrow and do 3 miles of running over lunch. So, I figure that will serve as my cross-train.

Looking ahead to my plan, it's kinda scary. I have two 20 milers and a 22. The plan has three 20s scheduled. But, I revised it to have a 22 because I fell apart in the marathon at 20 in my first effort and I would like a longer run this time (for my head more than for my legs). I also have three over 50 mile weeks in the plan. For a guy who has never run more than 40, that's kind of imposing.

So, you think I'm crazy? Maybe... But, there's plenty of time to rearrange the schedule if need be. For now, that is the plan. I expect to keep to it... but I'm not so stubborn that I'm not willing to change if it's not working for me.

It begins...

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's daunting to me as well. Of course this is your second, so that might be worse. I have this naive glamorous view of how awesome it will be to train all summer for a marathon.

See you out there!

KristenCHealy said...

My training plan also calls for a longest run of 20 miles, which also makes me nervous. I wish I could remember what I did for my longest long run in my last marathon, but it was quite a long time ago and I didn't keep a log then so I don't have a good reference point.

I may do the same as you and an increase it a bit because it would suck to hit the wall at 20. Good luck!

Eric Gervase said...

I'm sure there is a good reason why they stop you at 20 (a lot of the plans do that). But, it's more a mental barrier than a physical one for me. I think I'll feel better about it if I run the 22.