Today I started my marathon training.
My shoes: Vibram KSO
I love these. They took some getting used to and I had to work my way up mileage wise but now I love them. The farthest I have gone is 9 miles, I am curious to see how I do in these for the longer runs...for now they are the pair I am sticking with, but I do have a backup pair of Asics just in case.
My Training Plan: Hal Higdon Intermediate I Marathon Guide
I chose this one because I have followed his half marathon plans before and they have worked out well for me. Today I am started the third week of this guide, I have been running on my own for a long time now, basically keeping longer runs in my workouts since I did my last half marathon in February. I was on vacation last week and so I thought it would be easier to officially start this plan and my marathon training this week.
My Past Runs: I have done 4 half marathons and one Jacksonville River Run 15K. I have done a bunch of 5K's and 10K's, but the ones I mentioned I found the most challenging. I ran my fastest half marathon at the OUC half marathon in Orlando. It was my first and I really trained hard with a group of great friends. I still flied and died, but my time was 2:04...I haven't come close to that on my other three nor at the River Run. Of course I also puked a few times at the end of that and laid in a bath tub for about 6 hours before going to bed for the night...not a good feeling...
I mention all of that because I wanted to give my plans for this big race. I am fairly comfortable keeping an under 11 minute mile pace and think I will do that for the marathon. Ideally I would beat 10 minute miles, and through training that may happen...but for now my goal is to reach under 11 minute miles.
Today's Run: Today I did a 3 mile run, which is the Tuesday run for the 3rd week of Hal Higdon's plan. I am moving the plan back a day since the marathon is on a Saturday not Sunday. I decided to officially start on a week that had less mileage because I didn't get to run much on vacation and I think it will help get me back on track rather than jumping into a higher mileage week. Plus I have been fighting an on again/off again stomach bug for a few weeks now and it is not PLEASANT when you have to do long runs. Ugh.
I really want to do all of these runs in the morning. The marathon is in the morning and it is really nice to be done for the day with the workout and not have to worry about it after work...especially since these afternoon/evening temperatures are brutal this time of year. I have been very unsuccessful with the morning runs in the past...mostly because I have to get up so early and it's still dark out...blah...but I live in a reallllllly safe area. So I need to get over it. Tomorrow will be my first test of this because I will have to start running while it is still dark out for my 6 mile run. Yikes. Prayers! Motivation! I need it!
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