On To The Next One

I have entered my next marathon. Originally I wanted to run Edinburgh but that is not until late May which would give me zero time to recover and train for an autumn marathon. So, next step scour the internet, weigh up the pros and cons and the winner is (drum roll) Manchester. It's on April 6th, it is the flattest marathon in the country and it gives plenty of time to rest and train for an autumn marathon (probably Chester again in October).

I've also been looking at different training plans. An 18 week plan would start in December which gives me just over two months to recover from the Chester marathon (about 5 weeks) followed by a bit of base training.

One of the plans I've been looking at is called the Hansons Marathon Method. It's based on the principle that the longest training run is no longer than 16 miles (and not based around catchy mid-90s pop songs). This is quite a challenge since pretty much all the other training plans have runs of 20 or 22 miles. The 16 miles is meant to be run in a depleted state thus recreating the last 16 miles of the marathon rather than the first 16. It's certainly different. I've got the book that the plan is based on so will read it before making a decision, but I am drawn to the shorter long runs and the anecdotal evidence is strong. One to watch I think.

This week I have managed to run the grand total of 9 miles!

After Chester I didn't run for four days. I worked from home on the Monday and then cycled to work the rest of the week. I had DOMS but not as bad as it was the first time I ran a marathon in 2010 when I could barely move the next day. My first run was on Friday, an easy 4 mile loop just to get the legs working. I wrote after the Richmond Park marathon earlier in the year that the temptation to run further and more frequently is strong but must be overcome to reduce the chance of injury. Rest and recovery are the most important thing for the next month or so.

This morning I ran 5 miles. Again at easy pace. In slightly drizzly weather. The temperature has certainly dropped in the last week which I welcome. I love the changing seasons, both spring and autumn. The leaves change colour, there's a snap in the air. As long as it doesn't drop to the sub-zero temperature we had last winter I'll be a happy runner.

Quick note - I've ordered a new heart rate strap. It's a soft version from Polar that is compatible with my Garmin monitor. My current strap is too stiff and causes a rash on my side. Also, it has started to pong a bit (it's about 4 years old and smells like it regardless of how much I wash it). I intend to run my next training plan by pace but I'd like to keep the heart rate monitor on just to make sure I'm not overdoing things.

Next week, much of a muchness. I think I might get my total mileage into double figures. 5 more miles this year and I will top 1500 miles, my most ever!