Pre-cycle Inventory

I am a sucker for lists and plans and I love the kick-off portion of a new training cycle.  This one in particular is very interesting for me, as I have spent the past few months building and building on my base.  It's exciting to know that I will be comfortably running 80 MPW right out of the gate, with 2 to 3 quality runs to boot.  I have big plans this summer including a 36:30 10k at Victory, a 1:22 half at City of Lakes, running all the Como Park Relays and capping everything off with a 2:52 Twin Cities Marathon!

So, where am I at now.  Well, tomorrow's 5k will give me a fitness gauge, but I did just come off a 1:23:15 half on low mileage, so things are looking good.  I weigh in at 156, so I already close to racing weight (152).  I have been averaging around 65 mpw over the past few months, so feel ready to jump into the high miles.  Mentally, I am excited and ready to take on the challenge of 2:52, not even close to burnout, which is key.  Physically, everything is good, no injuries and aches and pains are at a minimum.   So, what needs improvement?

• Mileage - easily fixed, when I start doing my 8 to 15 mile MLRs on Wednesday.  Also, I have  been skimping on my LRs, which will change this week, running 16 to 22 every Sunday from now through late September.
• Sleep - big problem, I need 8 plus hour a day.  Since I have to get up before 5 and my employer does not allow naps, I need to go to bed around 9!  That rarely happens, so I catch up on the week ends.  Not ideal, so it's early to bed and early to rise for this old man.
• Diet - I am getting better and better at this, but still have some work to do.  I think some decent menu planning should do the trick.  I tend to wait until I am starving, then just shovel it in, whatever we have lying around!  Not ideal.
• Quality runs - I think I found the solution to mixing in quality runs; lots of racing.  This is not a problem here, there are always are lots of cheap races to take advantage of, not to mention the aforementioned Como Park Relays in August.  Flexibility is the other key, be ready, willing and able to run anytime and anywhere.  It's never too early in the morning or too late at night.  Lastly, I will continue to run with others, which is great motivation to get up and get moving.
• Balance - there is lot of other stuff going on, take advantage and enjoy the summer.