So by this time, I am completely immersed in my "training schedule". During the past 30 or so years, it crossed my mind that if I wanted to participate in a marathon that I would have to train to do so. When I began my research of different training plans, I was a bit overwhelmed by the different plans, protocols and general myriad assortment of advice that exists.
Thank you, Internet!
Some plans are 26 weeks in length; others 14; one is an even 100 days in length. Some have you jumping right into a weekly run total of 15-plus miles; others are a bit more forgiving.
So in May I started a 26-week training plan; I promptly developed an (unrelated) excruciating double-ear and sinus infection which sidelined me for about 10 days at the end of May/early June... I jumped ship and pledged my allegiance to Hal Hidgon's Marathon Training - Novice 1 plan, which promises that even non-runners can prepare for their first marathon in 18 short weeks!
Higdon's plan has many perks, including but not limited to built-in rest days, a built-in cross-training day, shorter mid-week runs and one long run per week which builds over time but maxes out at only one 20-mile long run (which will be taking place on Saturday, October 11th) - after that, a "taper" period cuts the mileage back and magically I will arrive 3 weeks later on race day fully prepared to tackle 26.2 miles.!
Even though I believe it, I don't really believe it, but as Henry Ford once famously said, "If you think you can, or think you can't, you're right."
I also really like that there's a compatible smartphone app which tells me exactly what to do each and every day in real time, and offers motivational support such as "Look like a runner. You are a runner!". It sounds a little lame but it realy works.
Things That I Love about having a "training plan" is waking up and thinking that the run du jour of 3/4/5/7/etc. miles is on my day's to do list. It sort of keeps me accountable and on track.
Parallel to my training schedule are concerns about my fundraising requirement, but more about that at a later time!
Today's run will be four miles, during which time the thoughts "I can't believe I'm actually doing this!" and "how will I ever run for 26.2 miles?" will invariably pop into my head but I will push them back and forge ahead, keeping Henry Ford in mind.
To learn more about Fred's Team, visit www.fredsteam.org and if you are interested in learning more about Hal Higdon's training plans (he has training plans for all types of events, including those for half-marathoners), visit him at www.halhigdon.com.
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