Increasing Mileage, Training Plans, and Knowing Myself as a Runner.

Lots on my mind here as I've been spending some time with my running books as I prepare for Boston training.  The next couple of months will mostly be about building a base, increasing miles gradually and safely and reflecting on myself as a runner.  I have many years of running under my belt but I think I've overlooked a lot of the lessons I've learned and the knowledge I've gained about myself as a runner. With my training plan in the works, I think the most important thing for me to do is to adapt my plan based on how I'm performing, feeling and what I know about myself as a runner...what works best for Amanda.  I'm going to try really hard to be as reflective with my running as I am with other areas of my life...trying to trust myself more than any plan I can follow.  By now, so many of us know that a plan is just a framework and what works for one runner might not work so well for another.  Reading Run Faster, e-mails from friends, and the Jack Daniel's Running Formula this week have just been a reminder of this.  So here are some things I'm thinking about right now:


MIleage:  I've always claimed that I do well off of 60 miles and under when it comes to weekly mileage.  But the truth is, I don't really know how I do with higher mileage (when increased wisely) because I've never tried it out.  I think I'd like to attempt a higher peak mileage with this coming Boston training.  However, I am perfectly aware that it is important to gradually increase mileage and to NOT make too big of a jump from previous training.  I'd love to be able to peak at 80 miles for this training plan but this is a big jump for me and I am keeping this in mind. It will also involve a lot of time commitment that I may or may not be able to devote. I very well might have to reevaluate this goal as my base continues to build and as I see how my body responds to the increase in mileage.  70 might be a more realistic goal.  I won't know this until I see how it goes.  My gut tells me that I will be okay since a lot of my running will be slow miles and just going through the motions.  With a treadmill (that we are getting in a week or so), I will be able to manage my time more efficiently and incorporate 2 a days into my routine like I did in college.  Since I'm not a morning runner (hate running in the early mornings), I will most likely do some slow and easy runs on some of the mornings so that I can just get some miles in.  And then I will save more of my key workouts for later in the day.  This will all be learning for me and being VERY in-tune and responsive to the messages that my body sends me.  


Strength Training:  I want to incorporate at least one day a week of something like Jillian MIchaels where I can work on my core and do certain exercises to build strength in my legs and arms.  I'd also like to read more about the hill sprints that Hudson (From Run Faster) and so many others incorporate into plans in lieu of leg strength training.  Another thing I've been reflecting on is the idea of incorporating some of the weights/strength training that my coaches had me doing in high school and college. I won't be doing it all...just want to find something that works best for me.  We'll see what happens and what I have time for.  Running will be first priority.  Not so sure what I'll have time for. Staying injury free is the goal!  


Plan:  I am certain that no matter what plan I choose, I will find success and reach my goals.  However, I do want to take time in planning and finding a plan that I prefer.  As of now, my husband is helping me write my plan based off of a modified Jack Daniel's plan.  However, as I read more and more of this Run Faster book, I am liking what I see and it just makes sense to me.  We shall see.  I'm not too worried about it since I have plenty of time!  It is fun to think about though.  


Jillian, Treadmill Running, and Learning! 
I'm just focusing on learning, thinking of myself as a runner and looking back on the things that have worked for me in the past, and enjoying this time of just slow and easy base building...WISELY and Gradually!  Not so wise would be doing a full Jillian Michael's trouble zone workout when I haven't done any strength training for awhile.  I couldn't walk normally for a good four days!  OUCH!  She did a number on me.  


It has been an enjoyable and easy week of running.  Unfortunately, most of my running has been on a treadmill so I've been in "poke my eyes out" mode.  Base running on the treadmill without the distraction of speed work or fartleks of some kind make for the time to just drag on.  


This week in running since Sunday:
10//23/11  10.4 mile trail run.  7:48 average.  Felt Amazing!

10/24/11 Jillian Michaels and 4 mile double jogger run
10/25/11  6 miles @ 8:40 pace (trying to keep my base runs around this pace per my plan).
10/26        7 miles @ 8:40 pace.  1 mile @ 7:15 pace.  last .1 at 6:55 pace.  Finished strong and felt great.  Trying to trust the slower pace for my easy runs.
10/27    4 miles with double jogger.  Feeling sore from Jillian STILL.  Man oh Man, she did a number on me!   32 miles so far since Sunday.  Feeling good!
10/28  10 miles on TM at 8:34 pace.  Last mile at 7:45.
10/29  A slow base run up to 8 miles (probably 5) down in Corvallis, Oregon near Oregon State University.  I'm so excited to run down there...it always brings me back to the days when I met my husband.  


I'm off to get away with my family for a Rugby alumni game and reunion of sorts.  My husband was a rugby player so this is a fun weekend for all of us!  Fortunately, he has given up his need to play every year.  This saves trips to the emergency room and keeps this worrying wife chill!  I'm really not too fond of seeing him split his forehead and other body parts open.  Running is so much safer for him. 


Hope everyone is having a great weekend!  Can't wait to read race reports!  
Amanda