Finally getting back to running after taking quite a lot of time off so I finally have something to write about again. I began my 24 week training plan this Monday and will be doing 43 miles a week for the first few weeks (then I ahve no idea what my coach has planned for me). I have forgotten what it feels like to be running hard several days in a row. My shortest runs are 6 miles with long runs of 9 for now and 1 day off a week. I am just glad to be running again and hope I can keep it up til the marathon.
I don't have too much to write about, but thought I would just go ahead and take this chance to give a few updates.
I am registered for the Chevron Houston Marathon which will be taking place on January 13, 2013. According to their website that is 163 days and 20 hours away. I am really looking forward to this marathon. It will be the only official marathon I run this year so I plan to run it hard and fast. The course is very flat, and the crowds are amazing. I ran my fastest time last year in Houston and hope to top my fastest ever which was set on the hilly course of Austin. I am not going to put up any goal times for now because I don't want to set the bar too high or too low just yet. I plan to wait and see how well I stick to my training plan and where I am at when it gets closer to race day.
I also have decided on the most likely choice for my 50 miler which is the reason for starting this blog. I orignally wanted to run the Rocky Racoon but it is only 2 or 3 weeks after Houston and just won't work. So instead, I have focused on Hells Hills Trail Run which is April 6, 2013. That will give me a good two and a half months to recover from Houston and shift my training to a little bit longer distance. It is also very conveniently located between Houston, Austin and San Antonio. The run consists of 3 16.7mile loops. I am allowed a pacer for the final loop so if anyone is interested in helping me finish, I am going to be looking for someone who can run 16.7 miles relatively easy (it's all relative. Just gotta be able to run it faster than I will be able to after 33.4 miles so I'm not having to pull you along). This should be a very good experience and the very first step on my long journey of ultramarathon running.
Like I said, nothing too exciting right now to write about. I am just starting to get back into serious training and had a few updates on the races I will be running so I thought I'd go ahead and write them down. I have a few ideas on things I would like to write about sometime in the future that aren't directly related to my 50 miler, such as tips and tricks for winning a cross country race (not always the most fair), how to run a 5k for beginners, and a few other ideas. As always, I thank anyone who took the time to read this. I write it for myself, but really enjoy knowing others read it lol.
I thank God for the gift of running and the ability to even dream of what I plan to accomplish. None of this would be possible without Him.
Run hard, run fast, run smart, and never give up.
Matt, keep running and enjoy it. Been doing a lot myself here in Rome. Too bad we weren't able to run while you were here, but you'll have to come back for the Rome Marathon sometime. In the meantime count on my prayers, and say one for me!
ReplyDeleteDeacon Mark