Another Record of Total Monthly Miles – 166!

During September, my marathon training was in full earnest and that can be easily seen when I look back on the miles I logged during the month. A total of 166 miles – mostly Easy Runs but I also had weekly Long Runs and a couple of Races. Notably, I finished the Rock 'n' Roll Philadelphia Marathon in 1:59:02 (a new PR!) and the Chestertown (Maryland) 5K in 25:25 (1^st in 50-59 Age Group and 9^th Overall!) Not bad, considering we had the rainiest month on record here in the Philadelphia area.

My October Challenge is going to be nailing long runs at distances that will be new to me. But, I am always up for a challenge! Over the next 3 weekends, I am planning to tackle 15, 18 and 20 mile long runs. That will take me to October 15 which will be just 4 weeks away from the Philadelphia Marathon!

I am feeling very confident that I can do this and it's a matter of staying focused, driven, and injury free!

Hoping that everyone out there who is training for a half or full marathon this fall is doing well….

Happy Running,
John

Week 9: Marathon Training

Training For:
Philadelphia Marathon
Sunday, November 21, 2011

Week 9:

September 26 – October 2, 2011

Day	Date	Session
Mon	Sep 26	45 min, Zone 1 – 2
Tues	Sep 27	60 min, Zone 2
Wed	Sep 28	REST
Thu	Sep 29	60 min, Zone 2
Fri	Sep 30	45 min, Zone 1 – 2
Sat	Oct 01	REST
Sun	Oct 02	210 min
Total		7.00 hr Run

Mon and Fri:
Optional Cross-Train Days

This is the last week of September, we are already into the Fall season and this begins week 9 of my 16-week training program for the Philadelphia Marathon. I've had a busy schedule these past 2 weeks and here are some of my more notable milestones:

• Set a new PR for a half marathon in Philadelphia on September 18 à
  1:59:02
  
• Finished 1^st in my age division (50-59) and 9^th overall in the Chestertown (Maryland) 5K on September 25 à
  25:25
  
• Logged 43 and 39
  weekly
  running miles over the last 2 weeks
  

My biggest challenge in this week's schedule is a 210 minute long run. I still need to plan when and where I'll be doing that so I still have more planning to do!

 

Happy Running!
John

1st – A New Accomplishment!

First in my age group (50-59) that is! Yes, this has never happened before so I'm a bit in shock. I ran the Chestertown (Maryland) 5K last weekend and I finished in 25:25 and that was good enough for me to place 1^st in my age group and 9^th overall! WOW. Finishing in the top 10 has always been one of my dreams and I was able to top it off with the 1^st place finish in my division. Sweet…. Very sweet indeed.

What made the event even more special is I ran with my nephew-in-law who also finished 1^st in his age group and he placed 4^th overall. Now, that is a great family team if I say so myself!

Now, I have to get serious about training for the Philadelphia Marathon. I am in week 9 of my 16-week training program and I need to focus on planning my long runs. The 20-mile long run is my next biggest milestone and I need to tackle it within the next couple of weeks. Wish me luck!

Happy Running,
John