I am slowly
starting to regain normal running functionality. I have been doing some
very easy and short runs the last two days without incident. This
morning I decided to try something a little bit longer, and started out
on what I planned to be an 8 mile trail run. Well not really a trail
run, it is technically on a dirt trail, but it is dead flat. Perfect
surface to increase the miles without straining the legs too much. It
was a nice run, but I cut it short because on the way out I started to
feel some leg fatigue at around mile 3. So 8 became 6, but I did pick
up the intensity a little for the last half mile and it felt good so I
think I am on the way to being recovered. Next week I will take easy as
well with some increase mileage and then the following week I plan to
be back in full training mode...


Even as the legs are still
healing like any diehard (read crazy) runner I have already started
planning my next cycle. I am planning on running the R'nR Marathon in
San Diego on June 1st next, and I am dead set on a BQ there. Before
Pasadena I was thinking of switching to 4 runs per week while
maintaining my current mileage (50-55 mpw). But after many of the more
experience runners on the Forums told me this was a bad idea, and my
general feeling of unpreparedness at Pasadena I am changing my training
plan in a large way. With the advice of the top runner on our marathon
team (thanks Ted!) I came up with a plan that peaks at 70 mpw on 6 days
per week. This turns out to be not much different than my 4 rpw plan
because the 2 additional runs are just recovery runs with a total of
about 7-8 miles...so just junk miles.


The biggest thing my
training is lacking is speed over long distances, and mileage. So my
new program has 2 weeks with three 15+ mile runs, and more steady runs
and tempo intervals. Also to reduce injury risks I will be using back
to back 15 mile runs on weekends between my two 20+ mile long runs.


I
am excited to see what my body is capable of yet a little
nervous....hope this aging sack of bones can handle the beating it has
in store for it.