An Excellent week prompts thinking of what's next

Dear James, Daniel and Emily

Sunday's Run

Sunday my goal was 9 miles, but when I hit 9 miles I felt good enough to keep on going, and while I walked a couple of short spots I still ran it out to end up at 9.9 miles total for the run, and if you tossed in my warm up walk I was over 10 miles all told. This was the capper of a week where I ended up over 24 miles total running distance! By far and away my best week. And I am feeling ever so confident of being able to complete that half marathon in 2 weeks.

But a week like this did prompt me to ponder exactly what my running plans are going forward. When I don't have a specific race to train for. I have a 10K in October, but since I am used to running that distance at least 3 times a week training is different.

I have spoken of getting ramped up for a marathon next year, so that's a goal. But I need to do some research and planning to figure out exactly what course the training for that should take. When do I start training in earnest etc.

But what I am realling talking about is what sort of regular training schedule do I want to settle into. My Dad has his regular exercise schedule, and most really fit people I know have some regular regimen. So what do I want my regimen to be when I am not actively training for a race? Right now I am contemplating the last week and this week as a model: 2 6 mile runs, 1 3 mile run, 1 10 mile run. That seems to be a good model for continued fitness, and would be flexible enough to springboard into a training program.

Another question for me to answer is when and how advisable it might be to add in a couple of short runs into the mix on a couple of my current off days? Right now I am looking to add some morning walks first on those days, just to get the day started on the right foot. Then we'll see what direction that goes.