Training Schedules For Running - Making Progress!

by Bill
(Lancaster, PA)

Coach Carvey says...Keep up the good work Bill!!!

The Weather Outside Is Frightful, But Training Was Still Delightful...


OK, Marathon training is never delightful, lets be real, you strap on your running shoes in 20 degree weather, layer up in your Under Armour, dry-fit pants and shirt, topped with a weather proof outer shell. You start out freezing and end up cooking, but progress feels so good.

I did lose two days of training because our streets were packed with snow, and I got a little lazy, but gave myself a swift kick in the ass and got back on track.

I think the honeymoon is over, the thoughts of running into the Old Olympic stadium shouting Victory (Niki) after a 26.2 mile run in Romantic Greece, have faded a little as the soreness of breaking through the aerobic barrier is a reality.

I have felt really good so far, nothing too strenuous, and my Spartan attitude has kept me mentally warm in cold, rainy weather. But those little demons sometimes still pop up and tell me, "You can't do this, you are going to look like an idiot for telling everyone you are running a marathon," I choose not to listen to them. I think the minute I feel some pain in my legs is when I get a little worried. I am wondering if it is the running sneakers I bought and if they are the right size.

I am thinking of making a trip to the running store and getting sized up by a professional. See we have another store that has huge discounts, for example you can get $130 running shoes for $80, they are new, and at least last years model, but the store clerks pretend like they are experts, some run, others don't. I am thinking the discount isn't worth it. When your feet and legs are the front lines in your arsenal on conquering a marathon, then spare no expense.

Yesterday I ran the whole workout for the first time. I walked for 5 then ran for about 2 miles. I had a pace of about 11.5 minutes a mile, a nice jog. Today I am working, but resting my legs.

It did not help that I took the family to Hershey park's Candy lane, and probably walked a mile or two around that park in the cold. but it was so worth the family time.

One last thought; Family time. I know as I progress in my training that I will need more time to train, I have really gotten great support from my wife and kids, when the weather gets better, I will take my oldest along as she can ride bike, while I run, great way to spend time and train. Also I plan on taking my cheering section along with me to every race that I run, from 5K's to half marathon's. I will not sacrifice what is most important to me, because of a new endeavor in my life.

I am reminded of the main character in Chariots Of Fire, He was a devout Christian and refused to run a Sunday race as it was the sabbath. Most of us probably wouldn't understand that in today's society, but in relation to my family, I will not sacrifice them for running.

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