On my run this morning my thoughts were about my running schedule. I've been following this one developed by Bob Glover for the NYC marathon. And for this training cycle, I've followed the schedule fairly closely. I've decided that's a good thing...at least for now. Mid-week I usually run twice with others and twice by myself. My running pals depend on me and I depend on them. We run no matter the weather...rain, sun, snow, wind...you name it. I'd have to be deliriously feverish to cancel at the last minute.
On the days I run by myself its my (self-imposed) schedule that keeps me honest. I always get my running clothes assembled the night before. The alarm goes off at 5:30 and I'm up! No snoozing allowed. Change...a quick glass of Gatorade....shoes on....and I'm out the door by 5:40. I don't give myself a chance to think about it. Its mindless and it works for me. Sure I've had to cut back a few times. I was out for a few days after needing stitches from my trail tumble. That was a little disappointing since I was right in the middle of the build-up. But having that schedule to aspire to ultimately kept me on track.
Funny, then, for me to see Matt's recent post about his lack of a schedule. And despite what I've written above, moving towards a more flexible way of training is the next phase for me. I still want to have general plans and goals, but I definitely want to get away from the "It's Tuesday, so I must be running 6 miles today." mentality.
The Schedule helped push me to the next level, but now I'm ready to move ahead on my own, more intuitively.
5 comments:
i think you hit it on the nail, sarah. i want to have goals for my training in a general sense, but i become fearful of getting bogged down by a tight schedule. it's a balancing act and i have been probably teetering a little too much on the loose side of planning.
I find that the more I move away from a schedule, the more likely I am to do nothing. No matter how much I enjoy running or exercise in general. For me, it comes from my team sports background. I never miss a practice -- even if it's just my own practice!
I love the Portland Marathon because it is the one marathon a year that I really race and it was my first so it will always have a special place for me.
However, I just noticed that you are running North Olympic Discovery. I thought it was very well organized, pretty flat except for some rollers (don't quote me on this, after all I am horrible at judging hills), scenic, great t-shirt and medal, and a great race overall. Good luck with the next couple of weeks.
And Yes, you are lucky to live so close to Forest Park. I love it there.
Bob Glover's book is excellent! That's what I followed for my first marathon training.
Then I kind of developed my own system. I do pencil in, on a weekly basis, that I am going to do 5 miles on Monday, core workout Tuesday, 4 miles Wednesday, etc, like Carrie, if I don't know what I am doing at 7am, I will be more apt to blow it off.
I need to do something like that, set my clothes out and everything ready so come morning, there won't be much thinking...
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