Getting Back on the Horse

Well, I suppose its time to give this another try. After several failed 'comebacks' to running and the accompanying blogs I've been pretty hesitant to make another one until I was more sure that I would be maintaining a healthy running schedule. And well, I think I've finally reached that point!

I've been running roughly 5 out of every 8 days for a couple months now, and my long is starting to get back up there (maxing out at 13.1 in recent weeks). The hardest thing for me to come to terms with is that I am no longer the runner that I was. I can't go out and bust out 20 milers, or 10 mile midweek long runs that I used to be able to. The good news is that I seem to have retained my speed, and if anything gotten a little faster. Really, its the ability to absorb training that I've lost the most. I've finally found a running buddy that I do most of my runs with!!! (I'm training him to complete his first full marathon this spring). And because of my work schedule I'm operating on an 8 day training week, which actually works out really well.

Goals

1. Run at least 4 days per week without fail
   
2. Complete a spring marathon (will be my first marathon since the fall of 2009!)
   
3. Reach and consistently train at 65 kpw
   

I've been training in kilometers for the past few months instead of miles. I really like the more frequent and shorter intervals, helps me break up the run much easier mentally. So I apologize in advance lol. I train without a concrete plan for the moment, I feel like I've run and studied running enough to know what I need, and marry that with what my body can handle on any given day. Gives me a lot of play room to fit in various workouts. I've also just started listening to music while running, and oh my god!! I don't know why I never tried this before, but it makes running so much more enjoyable for me! Don't get me wrong, sometimes I just like the peace and quiet, but having a theme song playing makes motivation a ton easier.

Today is the first day of my training week, and its going to be somewhat of a stepback week for me. My main goal each week is to nail the long run, and most other runs I'm either doing easy or fartlek. Just kinda going out and doing what I feel like doing.

I know I've got a lot of ground to makeup to get back to where I was, but I think I've figured out how to actually do it this time.

Good luck with the training Neil, and here's to a successful comeback!

Good luck this go-round, Neil, and nice to see you're at it again. You're timing is interesting, as we head into winter! You will get your fitness level back where you want it if you keep it up. Windy today, so if you head out the door, wear heavy shoes!