Today was an 'Easy Run' day: 5.5 miles at a very easy pace (13:20 minute mile). I am still being prudent with my workouts - staying more focused on the time duration of the run, rather than the pace or speed. I know from my history that endurance is important for me; I always seem to be able to run at a faster pace when it comes to race time. I don't want to over train heading into my upcoming half-marathon and marathon races. This is a very different year for me as far as my marathon training is concerned. Because of my 2 knee surgeries this year, I am not focused on improving my time; rather, I am focused on finishing and having fun!
The Chicago Marathon will be my third marathon in as many years. In 2011, I ran the Philadelphia Marathon in 4:23 and in 2012, I ran the Marine Corps Marathon in 4:36. Clearly, I am not the fastest of runners! However, I will be very happy if I can run Chicago as close as possible to the time I ran Philadelphia 2 years ago. That is my goal.
So, this week will proceed with more cross-training tomorrow, another easy run on Thursday, and a long run on Saturday, probably 16 miles.
Staying focused!
John
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Monday, September 2, 2013
It Is Cross Training Day!
I will be heading back to the gym this morning after my rest day yesterday. My legs feel pretty darn good following my 12.25 mile long run 2 days ago. Cross training on the elliptical and strength training are on this morning's agenda at the gym.
My confidence is building but I know running 26.2 miles is considerably different from running 12 miles. In 2 weeks, I will be running the Rock 'N' Roll Half Marathon in Philadelphia. Following that event, I hope to finish my Chicago Marathon training with an 18 mile long run. The good news is that I have the experience of running 2 marathons behind me and I know that being prudent with my training is my best course of action at this point.
Getting stronger week by week!
My confidence is building but I know running 26.2 miles is considerably different from running 12 miles. In 2 weeks, I will be running the Rock 'N' Roll Half Marathon in Philadelphia. Following that event, I hope to finish my Chicago Marathon training with an 18 mile long run. The good news is that I have the experience of running 2 marathons behind me and I know that being prudent with my training is my best course of action at this point.
Getting stronger week by week!
Thursday, August 29, 2013
My Legs are Coming Back!
I have been so negligent with my posts these past few months. My knee surgery in June put me in recovery mode so my marathon training plans had to be put on the 'back burner'. But... I am coming back slowly and as of 2 weeks ago, I finally feel as though my legs are coming back!
Even though I was in recovery mode, I was diligent about getting to the gym several times a week and managed to stick to a cross-training program. Lots of riding on the stationary bike and learning how to cross-train on the elliptical kept my cardio pumping. After avoiding the elliptical all these years, I finally learned how to train on it effectively so now I actually look forward to my 'elliptical days'!
Over the past couple of weeks, I have returned to the treadmill for my easy runs and managed an 8-mile run at the track and a 10-mile run on the beach. This coming weekend, I will be attempting a 12-mile long run - not sure where the venue will be yet. I am considering running along the Delaware River Towpath in Yardley; it is very flat and quite conducive to longer runs.
So, I am back to feeling confident about being able to run again. I do not plan to include speed or interval training in my program over the next couple of months. My next 2 race goals are to run the Rock 'N' Roll Philadelphia Half-Marathon in September and the Chicago Marathon in October. I am not expecting to break any of my personal records; I just want to get out there and have fun.
I have to admit that I reached a point this summer where I really did not think I would be able to lace up the running shoes again. During my last post-op visit with my Orthopedic doc, he asked me what my racing plans were. I told him I had originally planned to run the Chicago Marathon in October; I said, 'I don't think my heart is in it anymore'. His response to me was, 'Well, that is a matter between you and your heart. Your knee will be fine.' Thanks, Doc for giving me something to chew on and reminding me that running is a part of who I am. It is my heart and I will continue to lace up those running shoes as long as the rest of my body says, "Go!"
Happy Trails Folks, John
Even though I was in recovery mode, I was diligent about getting to the gym several times a week and managed to stick to a cross-training program. Lots of riding on the stationary bike and learning how to cross-train on the elliptical kept my cardio pumping. After avoiding the elliptical all these years, I finally learned how to train on it effectively so now I actually look forward to my 'elliptical days'!
Over the past couple of weeks, I have returned to the treadmill for my easy runs and managed an 8-mile run at the track and a 10-mile run on the beach. This coming weekend, I will be attempting a 12-mile long run - not sure where the venue will be yet. I am considering running along the Delaware River Towpath in Yardley; it is very flat and quite conducive to longer runs.
So, I am back to feeling confident about being able to run again. I do not plan to include speed or interval training in my program over the next couple of months. My next 2 race goals are to run the Rock 'N' Roll Philadelphia Half-Marathon in September and the Chicago Marathon in October. I am not expecting to break any of my personal records; I just want to get out there and have fun.
I have to admit that I reached a point this summer where I really did not think I would be able to lace up the running shoes again. During my last post-op visit with my Orthopedic doc, he asked me what my racing plans were. I told him I had originally planned to run the Chicago Marathon in October; I said, 'I don't think my heart is in it anymore'. His response to me was, 'Well, that is a matter between you and your heart. Your knee will be fine.' Thanks, Doc for giving me something to chew on and reminding me that running is a part of who I am. It is my heart and I will continue to lace up those running shoes as long as the rest of my body says, "Go!"
Happy Trails Folks, John
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