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June 24, 2006
Marathon Training
Today I ran 14.10 miles with my Dad. It was the longest I had run all year and the longest that my Dad has run ever! I was so psyched for him, he did such a great job. I know that he is currently in better shape than I, so I was just happy to be able to finish the run. I also used this run to start my marathon training program for the Twin Cities marathon. I know it is not normal to start a training program with a 14 mile run, but nothing in this season has been normal for me.
We met in Cannon Falls and ran on the Cannon Valley trail. THis trail is an old railway line and parallels that Cannon River which feeds into the Mississippi. The first 7 miles were down hill and when we turned around the last 7 miles were up hill. Now this grade is very slight, but enough to notice the difference. The trail itself is quiet secluded with little traffic. It is also very well protected by trees, so it keeps the heat down.
By the end of the run, both my Dad and I were feeling the miles in our legs. My knees and feet hurt and I could feel some strain in my quads, specifically my left quad. When we got back to the cars, we stretched and grabbed some snacks and then it was into the car for the hour drive home. I figured my legs would cramp, but I loaded up on water and some fruit and things seemed good. Normally I would be zonked after such a run, but I had decent energy levels.
On Sunday, I ran for a 1/2 hour figuring that it would do my legs good to get moving. The first 15 minutes were touch and go as I could feel my legs starting to warm up. The last 15 minutes I was getting into a good groove and even pushed the pace a bit. I had to keep reminding myself that this was an easy run. When I feel good I tend to want to push it even when I should not. That is one of my biggest issues with training as a whole.
Anyway, my goal is to try and run 4x a week with one long run for 90+ minutes. If I can do something like - Saturday's are a long run, Sunday a recovery run, Monday a 45 - 60 minute moderate pace, Tuesday's off. Wed. cross train on the bike with a 15 - 30 minute post ride jog, Thursday's 45 - 60 minute run, Friday's off I would be very happy. My goal is to make my fitness base to be very strong so I can concentrate on supporting my Dad in this marathon.
Posted by kermisch at June 24, 2006 6:24 AM