Disclaimer: This is Not a New Year's Resolution
It's kind of unfortunate that my marathon training schedule began so close to the new year, because it makes it feel like a New Year's Resolution. I am allergic to New Year's Resolutions.
My marathon is Saturday, May 7, which means that my 18-week training program started January 3. I chose this marathon after several months of thought and planning. After tracking my running for five years and running for more than half my life, I have noticed a clear pattern. I do the majority of my running (and I enjoy it the most) between the months of January and April.
Even after I recognized the pattern and tried to counteract it, it stuck around. So instead of fighting it, I decided to lean into it and schedule my marathon training to coincide with those months, culminating in a marathon when I'm at my peak running frenzy.
Unfortunately, it seems that I'm alone in that pattern. There were slim pickings for a marathon in the spring in Wisconsin, so I settled on one in early May.
Week 1 Plan
My first week of marathon training prescribes 15 miles of running, broken down as follows.
Sunday: Rest
Monday: 3 mile run
Tuesday: Cross training
Wednesday: 3 mile run
Thursday: 3 mile run
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 6 mile run
Week 1 Results
I stayed pretty close to the plan. I had to cut my Wednesday run short due to the cold weather, but I ran a little extra on Thursday and Saturday to finish the week with 14.71 miles.
Sunday: Rest
Monday: 3.08 mile run
Tuesday: Cross training - HIIT
Wednesday: 1.25 mile run
Thursday: 3.73 mile run
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 6.65 mile run
It's very satisfying to check off rest days on the calendar. Do nothing, and you've accomplished your goal! It can be difficult to hold back when you actually want to go for a run though, like on Sunday. Long walks and hikes are nearly out of the question when the weather is this cold, so there isn't much outlet for the extra energy.
The Complication
I have been doing my runs outside this week. The indoor track I like to run at has been closed this week, but is scheduled to reopen next week. Last year I adapted to running in cold weather since the track was closed all year due to Covid, and I can now run when it's as cold as -10 Fahrenheit (including windchill).
As mothers love to say, even though you can do something doesn't mean you should. Outdoor runs in the winter are bracing, but it presents a lot of obstacles to adhering to a training plan. Having an indoor option for my runs will help me stick to the plan when it's too cold or icy outside.
Unfortunately, I found out after my long run on Saturday that a member of my household has Covid. So even though the track is opening up, I won't be able to be there. Best case scenario, I'll be stuck running outside for another 15 days or longer. Even if I don't get sick, the CDC says I still have to wear a mask indoors for ten days after their last symptomatic day, and masks don't mix well with running, doubly so with glasses. (I mean, really, there should be a flowchart to explain this. I read the CDC's wall of text several times, and I'm pretty sure there's a loophole to get out early if you sacrifice a young calf on a full moon or something. Unfortunately I don't have a calf and don't believe that would affect whether I would be a potential disease vector, anyway.)
Since it is so early in my training plan, I should be able to make up any days I lose due to weather or illness, but my main fear is losing motivation. Running is a very psychological sport, and if you lose your momentum it can be very hard to get going again. On the plus side, having already paid the $100 entry fee is a pretty good motivator.
As of today, the weather for the coming week looks pretty good for outdoor winter running, and I am still symptom free.
Comments