After indulging in too many of mother-in-law’s pies and too many stocking treats, I am ready to get back into full-scale half marathon training! This morning I set out on a five mile run and did some strides at the end. It felt good to start back on a training plan and have a goal in sight.
During the month of December, I took a sabbatical from running–reduced mileage and more days off. I felt kind of run down at the end of this year, and I wanted to make sure that I would be raring to go for the new year. I read once that ultrarunner Scott Jurek takes a couple weeks off at the end of every racing season– as in completely off. He likes to spend time relaxing and eating good food. He swears that his yearly vacation from running and hard core training is what keeps him healthy throughout the year.
After my mini vacation from hardcore training, I can see the wisdom in his half marathon training advice. It was nice to kick back and relax–to eat great holiday food and take it easy. Now I am fully committed to getting ready for the Anthem Half Marathon on St. Patrick’s Day weekend. I am going to start at 30 miles per week and will be working up to the mid-forties by the time I run the half.
I also decided to go back to working with my coach. Although I feel like I have learned quite a bit about running and the strategies behind different types of workouts, I have concluded that I just push myself harder when I am accountable to my coach. I trust in Coach Jeff’s years of professional running and his coaching and exercise science training to keep me in top form. There will be no slacking off for this mother runner!
What are you plans for the New Year?
I’ve heard a break like that can be very beneficial, both mentally and physically. Good for you for working it in! It’s always nice to start a new training plan refreshed and ready!
It is Laura! I am so ready for the training now 🙂
Good luck with the training. I think breaks are good. Personally, December has been a rough month to be a peak training. I ended up so run down (waking up at 4 AM to run, teaching all day, and being a mom)– that I got very sick, and tore a chest muscle. Just now starting to feel better (finally taking 4 days off completely during my taper). Hoping I can still run the marathon in less than two weeks.
Thanks Cailin! Wow–that is a rough December. Glad you are starting to feel better! I am sure the taper will help with that too. Can’t wait to hear how the marathon goes 🙂