It never ceases to amaze me how easy it is to lose fitness! It’s been just around one month since I ran a marathon and I feel a little doughy and slow. Believe it or not, that’s exactly how I should feel right now.
The build up to the New York City Marathon was a long one. After my hamstring started to feel mildly better and I began going to Finish Line Physical Therapy last spring, every run was ran around the idea of reaching my marathon goal.
As you know a marathon came and went yet my goal was left dangling like a carrot cake cupcake out in front of me.
I needed to take some time after Richmond to let my body and mind heal; breathe and just be. Now, though it’s time to gingerly start building up the base mileage before Spring training begins. I say “gingerly” because a recent workout gave my unloyal hamstring a setback.
I want to train my heart out for this race.
For base building, I’m going sans garmin and the only plan is to run slow, run often, run happy.
How many weeks of base mileage do you do before starting a training program? When’s your next big race?
After my final triathlon of the season, I took two weeks off to rest and recuperate–it was great! By giving my body and mind a break, I felt refreshed and energized to start off-season training. And right now, I’m doing pre-season training, which means moderate levels of swimming, biking, and running at low-medium intensity. It’s all about building a base at this point.
This half marathon is my first one, but before I started training I was running at least 12 miles for 6 weeks.
I’m hoping to find a half marathon in the Spring, but I’m ready to Rock N Roll in Oslo, Norway in June 2013!
I’d say if you have 15-20 mpw, that is a good base for marathon training. Plus, it’s not like you’re an inexperienced marathoner either. My next “big” race is the San Francisco marathon in June and I’m totally training non-traditionally for it. What’s your first spring race?
I know how much is needed, just curious as to what other people do. 😉 Eugene is my next big race.
I like everything about this. If you want a buddy for those “run slow” jaunts, you know where to find me! (One of my goals once I’m back into really running is to run with faster friends, soooo…you?!)
I like the whole idea you have, sans Garmin, run slow, run often. I believe I will do my build up with you 🙂
I love that quote!! It’s so true. And as someone who isn’t very patient, I don’t like the idea of waiting, anyway!
I’m trying to build up my mileage so that I’m getting closer to 20 miles a week instead of 12-15, while at the same time doing regular speed work. Preparation for getting used to longer runs and starting to train for a full!
Well, this is timely:)
I am going to have to sort out my base training in 2013 post munchkin. Crazy. I’ll take all the tips I can get.
Sans Garmin is always a good idea, but I typically put it on one run a week to see what my mark is. Curiosity killed the cat:)
I have also been suffering from the post-marathon-training slump.
I’ve found some peace in completely overhauling my exercise routing–I started taking a new exercise class that is a combo of intense interval training and cardio, and then I’m also running 2-3 times a week. Or 1-2 depending on the weather 🙂
I’m reconfiguring my base all together–more strength training, less aimless running. It feels good. And I feel like I’ll be ready for the half and ten-miler I signed up for in the spring.