Blog of a Middle Aged Athlete

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I always need a “next” race to keep me motivated to train.  Well, here is one for everyone.  Sign up and be a part of a worldwide event.  I’m running the half marathon!

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According to the Pfitzinger training plan I am using, this is my recovery week.  I am ONLY supposed to run 43 miles this week (I’m actually travelling this week so I’m cheating and eliminating a 5 mile recovery run.  Don’t tell anyone).  I emphasize the word ONLY because I believe that was the highest mileage week when I was training for my previous marathons.  The good news, it began with 2 rest days!  The bad news, I had to run 11 miles yesterday on a treadmill due to storms blowing through the area.  Despite the fact that I felt like a zombie staring into the wall for 90 minutes, I actually felt pretty good, so I think the extra days rest helped.  I think I will tough out the 9 mile tempo run today despite the fact it drizzled all day.  I need some outside time!

I’m just over 8 weeks out from the San Antonio Rock n Roll marathon.  Kids soccer has started, which means my Saturday long runs with the group have become Joe’s 2 1/2 hour alone time.   8 weeks seems like so far away that it is hard to get motivated sometimes.  However, mileage has ramped up into the mid-40s per week, which requires motivation and diversion.

I have a philosophy when I create a running playlist.  I like to change up the music genre, and even put in songs I would never listen to, just to break up the monotony of running for hours on end.  In the same spirit, I bring you the following video.  Enjoy.

I’m in week 2 of Pete Pfitzinger’s shortest and easiest marathon program.  The schedule is 12 weeks long, which is perfect for the San Antonio Rock and Roll Marathon in mid-November, with a maximum weekly mileage of 55 miles. 

Although I am still suffering with IT Band pain, it seems to be getting better as I continue to stretch.  Last week I put in 33 miles, with a long run of 13 miles.  This week I’m scheduled for 38 miles, with a long run of 15 miles.  Despite the fact that this is the “easy” program, I will soon be setting new records for my weekly mileage.  During my training for previous marathons, I don’t think I exceed 42 miles, so we will be reaching unchartered territory!

As an aside, I just signed up for the half marathon distance for the Worldwide Festival of Races, which was started by Steve Runner, a podcaster I have been listening to for at least 2 1/2 years.  You can check out his website here, or go directly to the WWFR website here.