Tuesday, March 04, 2008

MASTER PLAN

My skiing “experiment” seems to be working out as planned; it’s allowed me to take my mind off of running for awhile and helped me maintain some level of fitness. I’ve said all along that I expect to be in worse running shape than “normal” early in the season, but more fired up throughout the summer, which will result in better race times over the entire year.

Well, I have the “worse running shape” part down. Now I just need to make sure I follow through with the rest of my "master plan".

In order to do that I think I need to adjust my focus. I’ve been trying to tell myself that I can jump right back in with 70-80 mile weeks, throw in a couple of MP workouts, and run a PR at Boston.

It’s like I want the best of both worlds – time away from running and PRs.

I’m realizing that’s probably not going to happen. Instead of worrying about PRing at Boston, I just need to get back into the routine of running every day, building mileage, and rediscovering my love of the sport. If I do that, the times will take care of themselves. I may even surprise myself at Boston.

Somewhere along the line my 10 hour workout weeks dropped to 6-8 hours. Given that I haven’t really added any intensity, I need to build back up to working out 90 minutes a day.

Saturday I ran a fairly strong 11 miler. That gave me 41 miles for the week, plus another 15 on skis. Sunday I ran 16 miles in my least favorite conditions, 35-40 degrees and rain. For some reason those two runs left my legs incredible beat up. Monday I tried to ski, but the rain made the trails way too icy for my skill level. Today my legs were still sore as I slogged my way through 5 miles.

Looks like some of the Team USA Minnesota runners have been updating their journals lately. Check out recent entries by Brad, Katie, Chris, and Carrie.

Quote of the day;

“I think we surprised a few people as to how fast some of us old farts can run.” – Dave Tappe

2 comments:

Ryan said...

"Instead of worrying about PRing at Boston, I just need to get back into the routine of running every day, building mileage, and rediscovering my love of the sport." - I'm a bit baffled by this comment, since I can't see how you ever lost your love of the sport. You write about running every single day. I sense lots of anxiety over a PR in Boston out of you, but I am struggling to understand why you put so much pressure on yourself. You have forayed into x-country skiing this winter and had a blast (ref: your recent race post). You have proven yourself TO yourself so many times. Just slip back into the mileage you are used to and go hit Boston w/ your usual intensity. Besides, is Boston the ideal PR venue? Just my 2 cents...

Chad said...

Ryan, it seems like I write about skiing more than running lately.

And I never understand why people don't think Boston is a PR course - maybe thoughts of Heartbreak Hill scare everyone.

In 2001 I ran Gma's in 3:03 (PR), TCM in 3:01 (PR) and then ran the 2002 Boston in 3:03 - not a PR, but within spitting distance. Had I run smarter, I probably would have PRd.