Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Chicago Marathon Training Week #2

When we last took a look at my Chicago Marathon training, I had just finished week #1 with a relaxed 16 miles. In week #2, I completely ignored the "10% Rule", and I almost doubled my miles from 16 to 30. And the results are in: So far, so good. Even though it would appear that I am overdoing it, I am consciously trying to avoid the "too-much-too-soon" syndrome that I often fall prey to when training. I am alternating medium runs with short recovery runs and that seems to be working well. However it's quite difficult to hold back on the mileage, especially when I read about other runners who are already in the 60+ mile per week range at this stage of the game.

I know what great confidence boosters those 60+ mile weeks are, and how I can feel the huge fitness gains after they are done. However, the potential injury downside to those high-mileage weeks is too great. I don't want to return to "Injury Jail" anytime soon, so I'm trying to stay focused on training for a fun and moderately-fast Chicago Marathon, and then start really training for a fast spring marathon. I have to keep reminding myself to not "let loose" in my training until I get to those fantastic runs by the lake in January and February.

My marathon P.R. finish line photo (March 2011)
In any case, I do have an "A" goal for the Chicago Marathon which I will share for the first time here: BQ at the Chicago Marathon. If my training goes according to plan, and if I run a smart, conservative race, I should be able to go sub-3:25, and BQ. I already have a BQ time from last year's race (3:10), which I could theoretically use for 2014. but it would be nice to know that I did it again. My "B" goal is to finish with a smile.

In other week #2 news, I worked out at the gym three times and did yoga twice. Week #3 is in progress...


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10 comments:

  1. emmers712August 28, 2013 at 1:19 PM

    Congratulations on a strong Week 2 of training and glad to hear that things seem to be holding up well! Since I tend to be injury prone myself, I am a big believer in the "less is more" theory when it comes to mileage. 60+ miles per week is beyond comprehension for me! It's hard for me to imagine NOT getting injured at that kind of mileage. I also firmly believe in the "B" goal of just finishing with a smile - and I am certain that you will obtain that goal easily!!!

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    1. Pete BAugust 28, 2013 at 1:26 PM

      Thanks. Yes, I am slowly beginning to subscribe to your "less is more" philosophy. If I'm smart with my training, there is no reason I can't maintain speed and stay injury-free for a long time. It also helps that I am throwing other workouts in the mix and not just running (like I used to). A little strength training here, a little yoga there and I can keep improving my fitness without the detrimental repetitive stress on my joints and tendons. Either way, I am planning on finishing the marathon a smile!

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  2. XaarlinAugust 28, 2013 at 1:21 PM

    I am so so so very happy to hear training is going well and presumably you don't have any lingering issues? If I don't BQ in fox valley I might have to try to keep up with you in Chicago- we have similar time goals :) and I love your B goal. That's always one of my priorities on race day. Happy week 3!

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    1. Pete BAugust 28, 2013 at 1:30 PM

      Thanks. I can still feel my ankle a little, but it's not that bad. I am really paying attention to it. I think when I run too fast then it starts to remind me to back off a little. Anyway, it would be awesome to run Chicago with you, but I'm confident that you will just be running Chicago as a "victory lap" after Fox Valley. :)

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  3. runningthewindycityAugust 28, 2013 at 1:48 PM

    Nice jump in mileage! I find it's easier to ignore the 10% rule the longer you've been running. Are you planning to run Boston in 2014?

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    1. Pete BAugust 28, 2013 at 2:19 PM

      Yes, you are right about ignoring the 10% rule since I have been running longer than people just starting out. I just have to keep some kind of rule in the back of my mind (20%,30%?) so I don't wake up one week decide to go from a 30 mile week to an 80 mile week! :) I'm not planning on running Boston 2014, but you never know! :)

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  4. kilaxAugust 28, 2013 at 2:06 PM

    I was going to say the same thing as runningthewindycity - the 10% rule seems to not really matter when you have been running longer and know your body and what jump it can handle! That being said, I am happy you are taking it slower for you, despite seeing others at 60s, to make sure you don't get injured again. Keep doing what you're doing!

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    1. Pete BAugust 28, 2013 at 2:23 PM

      Since you are a certified trainer, it's good to hear your professional input. It is tempting to put on my shoes for a few more "junk" miles per week, but that would be counter-productive. I will continue soldiering on, dreaming of my high mileage runs in the winter!

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  5. UnknownAugust 29, 2013 at 8:08 AM

    mileage percentage increase is directly related to sausage consumption and sausage puns. You'll be doing 100mpw in no time!

    Stay healthy!!
    I'm constantly paranoid that injury jail re-entry is one sidewalk crack away or one bad step!

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    1. Pete BAugust 29, 2013 at 10:01 AM

      Yeah, 100 miles here I come! :) That reminds me of how I rolled my ankle on the Lakefront Trail a mere 2 weeks before the Boston Marathon (that I ended up not running). Keep your feet on flat surfaces! :)

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