Marathon Season is Here (for the running geek in all of us)

Last week, I sat down to attempt to plan out my marathon training schedule. As I struggled through how much to run, when to start, and what plan to start with, I had a lot to keep in mind:

1) We have a baby on the way - due April 20 - this could really hinder my training schedule.

2) I have a 2 year old at home (maybe this will be the year of the jogging stroller??)

3) There are a few key races I love to do and needed to incorporate those into the plan:
- Soldier Field 10 Mile (May)
- North Shore Half Marathon (June)
- Chicago half Marathon (September)
- Chicago Marathon (October 10)


I really don't have a goal this year. I would love to do better than the 3:39 I did last year, but considering I am way behind where I was last year at this time, I don't know if that is a realistic goal (not to mention #1 and #2 above :-) So, I think my goal is the same that it's always been - run the best race I can run on the day of the race (10/10/10).


With that in mind, I started with the goal of doing the Half marathon in June, then starting my 'official' 16 week training program after that. Here's what I came up with:

Mondays - Cross Train (likely a bike ride with Sarah or long walk)
Tuesdays - Speed work (about 5 miles or so)
Wednesdays - Easy pace 5 miles
Thursday - Tempo run - 8 miles
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Long Run (10-22 miles)
Sundays - easy run 3 miles (Saturday and Sunday can easily be switched if needed)

The first 10 weeks (leading up to the North Shore half marathon) were loosely based on a plan put together by Ryan Hall: http://www.runnersworld.com/charts/hallchart.html, while the final 16 weeks were based loosely on the plan I attempted last year from Runners World: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-244-255-11938-0,00.html#

For those newer to marathons, or wanting a slower paced schedule, I'd recommend trying this plan: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-244-255-11937-0,00.html#

In total, I will do 4 runs of 20 or more miles, and IF I complete all of the runs, I will run over 900 miles between now and October 10 - I am sure I'll miss several runs, but it's a good goal - wish me luck.

Get out there and run!!