I started running again a couple weeks ago. I took a few weeks off from training last year. I took forty-nine weeks off actually. I haven’t really done anything since Rocketman 70.3 in May.
To say that running now is frustrating would be an understatement. It’s frustrating, humbling, and depressing. My three-mile runs are filled with walk breaks and I feel like I’m learning to run all over again.
I put together a running schedule to help me acclimate and get my legs used to working again. I figure I’ll start off with intervals and get used to the short distances, then focus on weening off the intervals and running the entire workout. By starting with 1:1 intervals (I know — right!) and increasing the run interval to five minutes every week and a half, I should condition my body to run again pretty quickly.
With this plan, I should be able to get to marathon distance in time for the Jacksonville Bank Marathon in December. To hold myself accountable, I’m going to journal my progress here, using the tag Back to Basics 2014, and will include diet, weight and training activities.
I wish we were close enough to train together…its been so helpful having training partners. Do you track all this stuff online anywhere? I’ll consider that marathon. I’m also planning for Miami.
Me too. It would make a noticeable difference to have someone to train with. It’s amazing (unfortunately, I suppose) what a motivator peer pressure can be. I have a neighbor who runs on Tuesday, Thursdays and Sundays, so that will help keep me honest. I do track everything online — using http://connect.garmin.com. What’s in Miami?
Miami marathon at the end of January. Either will be great or horrible weather.