Next Race?

Now that I've gotten in almost 2 weeks of slow and easy runs, I'm feeling good. I'm certainly not at my full potential, but I'm on the right track. A few more weeks of plugging along should get me to the point I can consider future race plans. I've sworn off racing for the rest of this year. Just good old fashioned running. No focused training. And certainly no Tunnel Hill 50 miler (which is in 2 weeks!).

While I should hang low for a while and not even consider racing, I've already committed to one future race. It's the Illinois Half-Marathon on April 30. That's a full 6 months away. Plenty of time to get back to solid running, develop a reasonable aerobic base, then implement a targeted training plan. I'd like to break 1:30 for this half marathon. I'll be happy with a 1:29:59 finish. That's a 6:51/mile race pace. Not easy, but doable. Even for a 50-year old ultra guy. I'm looking forward to building speed and not doing really long runs (probably staying around 12-13 miles for the longest during this period). It'll be a change from years of ultra slogging. I even plan to follow an actual training plan with daily workouts for about 14 weeks. My plan of choice? The Hansons half-marathon training schedule based on their book. Three "something of substance" runs each week: speed/strength, tempo, and long run. These are interspersed with three other days of easy runs. Six workouts/week. This will be more consistent running than I've done in the past. And much greater focus of speed and stamina. Should be fun!

If this training goes well, I should be looking at a personal record on April 30th. Which might just set me up for another PR in July...when I attempt a certified trail marathon course and a BQ time!

I'm (almost) Back!

pa·tience

noun. The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.

Well, after 16 days of zeros, I've now managed a few runs. Hey, I even have a 5-day run streak going. I'm wise enough to know I'm not a streak runner, but it does feel good to have a few runs under my belt after being sick for almost 3 weeks. Still coughing a bit, but much better. With consistent easy running, I'll re-develop my aerobic endurance. Right now, it's tough to run more than 3 miles. I'll keep plugging away and should be "back to normal" in about 4 more weeks. Not super fit, but at least passable as a runner. Even with my shit-slow recent runs, short as they've been, it's great to be back. I look forward to moving more freely and smoothly every single day.

Now, I need to look ahead just a bit. In three weeks I'm supposed to be running the Tunnel Hill 50 miler. Not going to happen. Need to stay smart. It would be a waste of time and energy to force that run. Even if I used it as a training experience, it would be too much. Pacing my friend? Too much. I need to stay the course and keep on plugging away on easy-paced, heart-rate controlled, short to medium runs. I have no races the rest of this year. Probably no runs over 10 miles. Lots of daily running, but nothing too fast or too long. Build. Then build some more. It's base-building time.

Patience is a virtue and I need to contain my competive urges. Need to remain humble. Appreciate my health and take what is appopriate for my current fitness level. Time is my ally. I'll be fine.