Last year I followed the Galloway training plan to a "T". The result: I think I was over trained which probably caused my injury.
This time around I am doing things MY way. I am not saying that my way is right or wrong but I am training based on how I feel and my body's reaction to it.
My schedule has been quite hectic lately but I have really been trying to stay consistent with my training. I have been going to the gym at Physical Therapy 2-3 days a week. I do one short run during the week and one long run on the weekend.
When I started my weekend runs, Scott decided that he wanted to join me. We do all our runs on the trail. He rode bike while I ran. I have to say, it took him a while to catch on to how this whole marathon training thing worked. One week he pulled over to watch a ground hog and expected me to stop running and come watch it too. One week he was distracted by a sign that said Labrador puppies for sale. I had to remind him that "NO" we were not stopping to look at puppies. At various points along the trail people are selling produce and one week there was Root beer for sale on the trail. Scott decided that he may have to carry a backpack to collect all these goodies when he comes with me. I think he finally learned that unless I am injured, I DO NOT STOP for anything while I run.
So far, my short runs during the week have consistently been 5 miles.
My weekend runs were as follows:
Weekends one and two: 5 miles.
Weekend three: 6.2 miles
Weekend four: 8 miles
Weekend five: back down to 6.2 (because I ran a 5k that same weekend).
Weekend six: I jumped to double digits with 10 miles.
Weekend seven: I went back down to 8 miles because I didnt get enough workouts in at the gym that week.
Weekend eight: back up to 10 miles.
Weekend nine: 12 miles. I was ready to be done by mile 7. I didn't have any pain from my injury, but my legs were SO tired.
Weekend ten : 13.1 miles.
So far with all the long runs I have been able to stay consistent and stay below my goal pace. Last training cycle my longest run was 22 miles before race day. In an effort to prevent injury, I do not plan to run that far during this training cycle. I talked this over with my PT and he didn't think it was necessary either.
I don't want to jinx myself by saying "I'm feeling good about training at this point" because I know anything can happen, but so far it IS going well. I do have a concern though, the weather. I mention the weather because the weather in Florida in January can be somewhat unpredictable. Last year it was pretty perfect though. It was overcast so it wasn't too hot. I just worry that it is going to be really hot this year during the marathon. This bothers me because I have been struggling in the heat during this training cycle.
How is YOUR training going? Have any funny stories from training? -M
You are being really smart about your training M and hopefully this gets you to the starting line feeling confident and pain free. Everyone has different training requirements and the "one size fits all" training plan needs to be adjusted no matter what your age and stage of running. Glad things are going well for you and hopefully we will run into each other in January!
ReplyDeleteThis makes me happy to hear that you think this is a good plan for me!
DeleteSounds like you're taking a very smart approach to your training this time around. While training plans are great, its important that you modify them to meet your specific needs. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteYes, I have been modifying based on how I feel while still trying to be consistent with mileage!
DeleteI'm really proud of you for training YOUR way. That is so good - no training plan knows your body better than you. Fingers and toes crossed that you continue to make it through uninjured.
ReplyDeleteYour husband's reaction to the long runs is making me laugh so much...he is the "SQUIRREL!!" to your zenlike, focused running. :)
Haha, yes that is exactly it! I love it when he comes along though!
DeleteI think skipping the 22 miler is a good idea too. Sometimes I feel like a need a 20+ run and sometimes I just feel like it is overkill! Depends on how my body is feeling.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I did that 22 miles last year because it really built up my confidence. I just don't think there is a need for again till race day!
DeleteI am SO glad to hear this!! I'll keep my fingers crossed that the weather is good on race day and you feel great/have no issues with the remainder of your training! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen! I hope the weather is good too!
DeleteSounds like a really sensible approach to training. I am in a bit of a workout rut at the moment and I really need to pull myself out of it.
ReplyDeleteI can understand being in a rut if you're not training for something. I'd feel like that too.
DeleteThat's interesting about the overtraining possibly causing injury. I'm beginning to look at training plans for my next half since Wine and Dine is almost here, and that's one of the things I was worried about. The local training group I was with last Winter goes up to 16 for their half marathon training! It sounds like your training is going really well and I'm glad to hear it's been pain free :)
ReplyDeleteWow, 16 miles for HALF marathon training? That seems like a lot of extra miles!
DeleteMy husband went on a bike ride with me on a long run recently. He seemed to have a good time so I think we're going to try it again while my training group is on a break. I enjoyed reading about all of Scott's pull-offs, but totally understand that would be kind of annoying to deal with mid run! haha I'm running in Florida in February (Naples) and am also concerned about weather. It will definitely be a huge change from Ohio training! Anyway, sounds like your plan is working! You're experienced enough that I think you can trust your gut. The long milage looks perfect.
ReplyDeleteI do appreciate the fact that he rides with me! I'll keep my fingers crossed for good race weather in January and February!
DeleteI would've stopped at the puppies sign too. Not to adopt, but to play with the puppies.
ReplyDeleteHaha, if the puppies were sitting out by the sign I would be tempted to stop too but it was just a sign that led down a long driveway. You couldn't see the puppies from where we were.
DeleteGreat job with training! So happy to hear you're feeling good (and I hope that doesn't jinx you as well!) Keep up the hard work!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gretchen! I know anything can happen so I'm being very careful!
DeleteOMG Scott is hilarious! Your training IS going well! Don't worry about race day weather because you can't do anything about it. Just be prepared and flexible enough mentally to accept and make the most of whatever the day gives you.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it always like us runners to worry about things we can't control?
DeleteI love that you are listening to your body and letting it guide your training! And Scott is hilarious!!! They just don't get it unless they are runners too!
ReplyDeleteYup! I think he's learning though!
DeleteI loved when I read that you weren't following a training play per say and listening to your body and doing your own thing!!!! Its no secret, I am sort of not a fan of most training plans, I just don't belive they allow for life and like you said listening to your body. So many get so caught up in sticking to the plan they try to make up missed runs, double the mileage before they are ready etc...
ReplyDeleteI think you are probably okay to say training is going good. I mean you just learned the #1 most important rule for any runner who wants to be successful and life long at the sport, your listening to your body and that means training is going awesome for ya!
As long as that pesky injury does not appear, i'll be good. I really worry about that happening now that i'm increasing mileage.
DeleteI'm just finishing up my half marathon training and I have to say it has gone great so far!! After this race I will start marathon training. What is the farthest you are running this training cycle? I went up to 20 for my first and only marathon and that was enough for me haha. That's awesome that Scott bikes with you while you run, it has to be nice to have some company!
ReplyDeleteI would like to get in 20 miles but that isn't too much less from the 22! Realistically I'm gonna say between 15 to 18 depending on how I feel.
DeleteAt my first Disney race, it was in the upper 40s at the start. I realize now that is about perfect, although being new to running at the time I thought it was cold and I overdressed. It sounds like you have a very sensible plan. Keep it up. If I can get my foot healed, I'll be there too. Fingers crossed everyone is healthy!
ReplyDeleteOh I have over dressed plenty of times cus I hate being cold at the start of a race or training run. I've started to log the weather and what I wore during the run and if I was comfortable or not. That let's me determine what type of clothes to wear for the next run when the temperature is the same.
DeleteYou know your body best so I think your training plan sounds perfect for you!
ReplyDeleteYour strategy for doing training your way is great! The more I read about training, the more I think that no one plan works for everyone. I know the Galloway plan has worked well for many people, but that doesn't mean it works for everyone. I think it's so important that each of us finds what works best for us, and it sounds like you are doing that. No wonder your training is going so well! Keep on running happy!
ReplyDeleteYour husband cracks me up! I love that he enjoys being out there with you and he has things to entertain him. Training plans are definitely one size fits all so it sounds like you're doing a great job of taking care of yourself to make it to the starting line healthy! :) Keep up the good work! -C
ReplyDeleteHaha!! Puppies?? Now I love puppies probably as much as anyone in the world... but even me isn't stopping a marathon training run for that! Your hubby made me smile this morning :-)
ReplyDeleteHaha!! Puppies?? Now I love puppies probably as much as anyone in the world... but even me isn't stopping a marathon training run for that! Your hubby made me smile this morning :-)
ReplyDeleteSmart training!! I have done the same for my last 2 marathons, cutting out the mid week long run and doing yoga, strength training, etc instead and my legs/knees thanked me!
ReplyDeleteI think some of the Galloway long runs are just TOO long. I looked at the half training program and I think some of his half marathon training programs call for a 17 mile run, which seems like too much for a half.
ReplyDeleteGood job trusting your instincts!
i am happy for you that you are training your way! It is so important to listen to your body and do what is best to get to the starting line healthy and ready to run!
ReplyDeleteNo matter how good a training plan is, you've got to listen to your body and make adjustments as necessary. Here's hoping this training cycle goes well and remains stay injury free!
ReplyDeleteFunny story: One time on a long training run, I pulled out Shot Bloks that I'd picked up at a race. I gave each of my friends one and we each chomped down on them at about the same time. They were so old and hard that our teeth sunk into them and we couldn't chew or open our jaws to spit them out. We pretty much had to let them dissolve in our mouths. We laughed so hard (which is difficult with your teeth locked shut) that my abs hurt the next day! :-)
Listening to you body and doing what is best for you is so smart.
ReplyDeleteYour long runs are progressing nicely. I try not to stop too much, but now that you mention it, this week I stopped for deer, to chat with folks and at my mailbox for water and food during the long run. If there had been puppies on my trail, oh, no!
ReplyDeleteI definitely relate to this. My 5th marathon is on the 7th, and this time around I've been following my own plan. Mine sounds similar to yours, 1 or 2 short runs during the week, and then a long run on the weekend. It works great for me! Funny that your hubby wants to stop a lot!
ReplyDeleteCatching up FnF posts :) Glad the training is going well - sounds like you have a smart plan and approach. I love that Scott rides his bike while you run and able to get all the goodies at the market haha :)
ReplyDelete