My running life since the 2016 Boston Marathon has been one of resignation, then fighting that resignation followed by the same cycle over and over again. I've been running consistently, but all of it very relaxed and easy. None with the passion, vigor and drive that was part of my running the past 8 to 10 years. I have moments when I think it is back, but when the alarm goes off at 5 am, it is nowhere to be found.
It was back again this morning, when I ran my 10 mile Saturday progression run. I cranked up the Rage Against the Machine and System of a Down and it felt pretty damn good, but will it stick?
Perhaps I need a couple of short term goals, stepping stones to getting back to 3 hour marathon shape? Right now I don't even think that I could finish a marathon, so it would need to be many, many steps. To be honest, I think it will take at least 18 months to get into any type of condition to get close to sub 3 shape. So, maybe spring of 2019? Maybe Grandma's?
So, where do I start and how do I get there? I am running the Nersyrand Big Woods Half next week end, so that will be a good measure of where I am at fitness wise. It's a trail marathon, so I thing even close to 1:45 would be a positive sign. I'm guessing though that I am closer to plus 1:50 shape. Regardless, it's a great starting point.
From there, I need to wring together a couple of months of base building, and not the random mishmash of miles I tend to put together. I need 40 miles per week, building to plus 50 by early December.
December it sold be time to crank up the intensity and set my sites on the Meet of the Miles. Setting a modes goal here of sub 5:45 would be a huge step. January and February should see significant mileage gains, say in the 60 and maybe even the 70 mile range. This will give me some decent endurance gains and the fitness to run a decent 5k in the spring. Perhaps shoot for a sub 19 performance at the Brian Kraft 5k?
The summer should be the next mileage jump, where I hope to be in the 70 and 80 range. I will kick off the summer training with Dam to Dam race in Des Moines. I would hope in be in 1:30ish shape and possibly win my age group and redeem myself from last summer's debacle. I will also end the summer with another half, seeing how much progress I can make with a long summer of high mileage.
Early fall will see the start of the next phase of mileage building, strengthening the body for the big ouch leading up to Grandma's Marathon.
So there you have it; 21 months of rebuilding and rekindling my romance with long distance running. I really need it back in my life. I am not ready to shut down my competitive spirit. I have a lot of good running to do and races to compete in!
I have to be smart though and make the right decisions. This blog will be my weekly check in to see how things are going.
In the short term, this week will be one of easy, relaxed and social running. I want to rest my body for Saturday's race. Tuesday is the Keith Ainsworth Memorial 10k and Wednesday I run with my Como Park Relay pal, Patrick.
Talk to you next week.
Rick
