Running vs Training

Running is easy. Training is hard. 

I am hell bent on actually training for JFK50.   I haven't really trained for a targeted race since 2011, when I went after my Boston Qualifier. Since that Hartford Marathon,  I've run a lot--but not fully trained.  While preparing for both my 50 and 100milers, I had long training runs, late night runs, high mileage weeks, and even low mileage ones. Occasionally I'd do some speed (Fartlek or track), but these were never planned more than a week out. Maybe just a few days earlier. There was never a plan to work anything beyond endurance.

All too often I ran by how I felt.  The daily mileage was planned well in advance, but the effort was determined on the fly.  If I felt strong and frisky - I'd run hard. If I was fatigued, I ran slow.  

My new approach won't allow for that flexibility.  On set days I will run specific workouts, planned weeks out. Recovery days must be adhered too closely.  Hopefully this will have me ready for each workout. However, if I am tired, the workout will go ahead.  The idea is to train the body and mind to push regardless of my current state.  I will even setup some hard training on days I expect to be fatigued.

My first scheduled workout was Monday - and I had no idea if I had signed up for too much. 8 miles, with a long fartlek session over the last 5 miles. It was only two days after my weekly long run of 10 miles.  The goal was to warm-up at a brisker pace than my typical training run start. I targeted an average 7:45.  Each recovery half mile was to be at this pace as well.  This isn't too fast for me, as it is within 30 seconds of my marathon pace. My goal was to experience a solid start and avoid a major drop off for the recoveries. I was to start out at 7:00 mpm for the first 1/2me pick up, and each subsequent one thereafter would be 15 seconds pace per mile faster.  My last being a sub 6:00. 

The workout went great. I hit the targets, and even struggled to hit the mark on the last pick up. It was a huge mental victory for me to hit those last splits, pushing through the fatigue as I did. Being this early in the training program, it only encourages me, that if this continues to progress, I'll have the leg turnover for a fantastic marathon in Oct (Marine Corp). A good Marine Corp will build confidence going into JFK50.  Mental strength is as important as running strength!