Final Attempt

Every time lately, no sooner that I start feeling positive about my running, I end up feeling injured again afterwards which has put doubts into my mind as to whether my current goal of reaching Marathon distance for me is attainable.  To that end I've decided that if I can’t do it this time for whatever reason, then I will be more than content to return to distances under 13.1 miles knowing that these better match/suit my natural ability and fitness levels.

To that end, I’ve settled on another of Jeff Galloways plan which I have adapted (see below) to fit in with my preferred running schedule.  To determine where I should start, I pushed myself last week and managed 11 miles which sees me slot onto week 5 of the adapted plan to commence this week more or less.  All runs less than 60 minutes will be run in their entirety as per normal and longer runs will be completed using Galloway’s Run-Walk-Run technique.  The exception to this rule is running club runs on Tuesday evening as I enjoy these runs the most and the distances run on these days will determine how far I want to go.

Week No.	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thu/Fri	Sat/Sun
5	40 min	40 min	Off	5 miles	Walk
6	40 min	40 min	Off	13 miles	Walk
7	40 min	40 min	Off	5 mi MM	Walk
8	40 min	40 min	Off	15 miles	Walk
9	40 min	40 min	Off	4 x 1	Walk
10	40 min	40 min	Off	17 miles	Walk
11	40 min	40 min	Off	6 x 1	Walk
12	40 min	40 min	Off	6 mi MM	Walk
13	40 min	40 min	Off	20 miles	Walk
14	40 min	40 min	Off	8 x 1	Walk
15	45 min	45 min	Off	7 mi MM	Walk
16	45 min	45 min	Off	23 miles	Walk
17	45 min	45 min	Off	10 x 1	Walk
18	45 min	45 min	Off	6 mi MM	Walk
19	45 min	45 min	Off	26 miles	Walk

So there we go, my final plan laid bare to see whether I can go the distance.  Regardless of the outcome, I am looking forward to redirecting the energy and time used to up my running mileage in the last 12-18 month to my other leisurely and more enjoyable hobbies that I have neglected as well as continuing with just maintenance and running club runs.  

After all, I’m almost at my target weight and size so I just need to continue maintaining fitness and building core strength to help minimise future back and neck related injuries which have dogged me this year.