Revisions, revisions
Did I set my bar too high?
Perhaps, because between the heat, being a first-time dad and using an advanced training schedule, I was exhausted. So after Saturday’s eight-miler, I made another change to the rest of my training schedule.
With the help of Rebecca, I revised the final six weeks of training, which she got from The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer, a book she used to run the Walt Disney World marathon in 2005.
I will now be running four days a week, instead of five days. It cuts down a run the day before a big run. Mostly, it cuts out the Saturday run.
Another thing I severely underestimated in training for THIS race was the parenting factor. Getting up with Kyan at 6:30 a.m. each day often left me tired. Some days I ran early, and other times at night. Because of the heat, running in the afternoon is out of the question.
I think part of the problem is my schedule used to be wide open. I could run whenever I wanted to. However, that has changed, and I won’t subject Kyan to sitting in a jogger when the temperature is in the 90s. Therefore, my training window consists of morning and night during the week.
I also was a tad nervous about cutting back my training and still posting a great time in the race, but through talking with others, I am realizing it isn’t about the time. It’s about the experience. The object is to finish, which I was reminded by Rebecca.
I think my leg base is strong enough from three months of training in the heat that this won’t affect me too much. But if it does, so be it. I’ll still be crossing the finish line in Quebec City, I’ll get a medal draped around my neck, and I know I’ll feel great for accomplishing it.
So this week’s revised running schedule is 5 miles (Tuesday), 8 miles (Wednesday), 5 miles (Thursday) and 18 miles (Saturday or Sunday).
Comments
The ultimate goal in training is to run a race and cross the finish line. The accomplishment of training and running this marathon under your new life circumstances will set the "standard" for your future marathons. I can't wait to see you cross the finish line in Quebec and experience the thrill with you!
Posted by: Cindy | July 18, 2006 6:48 AM
Good for you once again.. "The non runners marathon guide" is the best.It takes you thru from start, "I cant even run 1 mile", to finish, "I did it..." It doesnt dwell on personal best and all that stuff.It is an inspirational guide.Kudos to Rebecca.
Posted by: rudy | July 18, 2006 6:59 AM
I also found that taking 1 day a week off really helps my body recover and for some reason I feel much more energized the following day. I was working 7 days a week, now I go 3 days than 1 day off then 3 days and that pattern seems to have helped. You know I am not training like you are for a marathon, for those who do not know I had a serious heart attack 2 years ago and Brian has been a huge source of inspiration, but my doctor told me to take a day off each week and I have felt better ever since and have been able to increase my distance and shorten the time it takes. So keep it going Brian, if you can do it so can I!!! God Bless
Posted by: Ted Bloom | July 19, 2006 9:51 AM