Monday 9 July 2012

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.