Monday, October 27, 2014

Sticking To The Plan

When I do a lot of halfs marathons, I don't have time to properly train for them. I get caught in constant taper and recovery modes.  I made the hard decision to scratch the next half on my schedule to give myself 5 solid weeks of training for Route 66.  Granted, 5 weeks is probably not enough time to make much difference but I've got to try.  I desperately want to beat my time from last year....no actually, I'd like to crush it.

I've always followed a plan but it was just a general schedule stored in my head.  And let me tell you, it's crowded in there.  {Talk about hoarding!}  Never have I printed a plan and checked off the daily requirements.  I'm completely guilty of falling into the trap of running the same speed.  I would slow down a little on my long runs but every other run was about the same.

In an attempt to change it up, I officially began doing speed work in June - 600 meter repeats. I have a section of road in my neighborhood (without a hill...which is hard to find) that just happens to be that length.  I've been doing this workout every Wednesday unless I was tapering or recovering from a half.  Until recently, it's been too hot and humid to know if this has helped my speed at all.  However, I did shave 15 seconds off a recent 5k from my last year's time.  So - maybe a little improvement, but not much.
I want to crush my time at this half!
The plan I'm following now (the final 5 weeks of it) has me working up to ten 400 meter repeats.  OK, so I shortened my speed work distance. When the plan says easy, I run easy. When it says race pace I push it to race pace.  When it says rest, I rest.  I found I like checking the boxes.  It's one less thing to think about.  Just do what you're supposed to do today.  What a relief!

My only variation in the plan will be this weekend.  It calls for rest on Saturday and a 15k race on Sunday (we don't have many 15ks around here!).  I'm running my favorite 10k on Saturday. But, I'm in a quandry about what to do.  Do I run hard for 3 extra miles after I finish the 10k and rest on Sunday?  Or, do I just run some easy miles on Sunday?   If so, how many?

What would YOU do?  I'd love to hear your suggestions!

7 comments:

  1. I'd do the extra miles after the 10k and rest on Sunday. Your legs will welcome the break!

    ~Wendy

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    1. You're probably right. I always run on Sunday so that will be strange...

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  2. Actually you'll be surprised at what 5 weeks can really do for you, I think your smart to put your focus on 5 strong weeks of training!
    I am always in favor of giving the body 1 day off running each week. So if Sunday would be your easy to no running day I'd keep it that way. Run your 10K strong, and if you feel you need more you can always keep running after it. Or if right now your only focus is on speed, then yes push that 10k as hard as you can!!! Good luck this Saturday!

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    1. I'm sure the competitor will come out and I'll give the 10k everything I've got!

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  3. I would run extra miles after the race and rest on Sunday. Love your plan. I should try that.

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  4. They may be a lot slower, but I think I'll run another 3 miles while waiting on results.

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