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Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Upping the Ante

Honestly? I knew it was only a matter of time before I jumped onto the bandwagon, drank the kool-aid, (insert your own cheesy cliche here) or whatev. But here I am. All about racking up the mileage in an effort to become a better runner. And what better time than the Summer of Amy 2009?

It started off innocently enough. I mean, I love running. The more running, in my book... the better! This past training period, I ran more than I had ever ran before. I was consistently running 50ish miles every other week and I ended up not only PRing at the marathon... but, more importantly (to me, at least) I felt AWESOME during the last 6 miles of the race or so. Something that I've never really experienced during a marathon. In the past, I've been so OVER the race by about mile 18.

I've been doing a lot of reading about high mileage lately and I think it's the way to go for me right now. I really want to take this summer and continue to build a really strong base of high mileage, not really focusing too much on speed or pace, but just getting the miles in.

Now before you bombard me with comments (and I use the term "bombard" loosely here), let me first say... I understand... high mileage isn't for everyone. Some people get awesome results from just running 3 specific workouts a week. But... I can't only run 3 times a week. I'd seriously go crazy. (You think I'm crazy now? Haha. You ain't seen nothing, friends). And time isn't really an issue for me... let's assess the situation...

Spouse? No
Kids? No
Boyfriend? No
Pets? No
Social Network? No

I mean, look at that people... I gots nothing but time on my hands!!! This is perfect for me.

So, my plan is to slowly inch up my mileage this summer. Starting with incorporating some two-a-days during the week. I am going to start with just one two-a-day a week... Tuesdays. And as I slowly ramp up that mileage, I MIGHT add another one on Thursdays.... but we'll see. Yesterday afternoon was my first official start. I ran 9.7 in the morning and Then 4.5 in the afternoon.

Now, normally... I bitch and moan about running in the afternoons, because for me... running at the end of the day BLOWS. I'm tired, hungry and grumpy after work, I hate all the extra traffic at the end of the day, It's hotter outside, etc. But, I am determined to double up some, so I just kept telling myself to take it slow and easy and it worked! I took it slow and easy. I didn't flash my middle finger to commuters who were trying to run me over. I just chillaxed and it all went by nicely.

Some people would call these added runs "junk miles." Meaning, I'm just trying to inflate my training log... which, essentially... I am. But it's not like 'junk miles" are all bad. I mean, I am burning a few extra calories and getting extra time in on my feet. As long as I do it smart and don't overdo it, I think it will help me in the long run (haha, pun not intended, but relevant nonetheless).

9 comments:

Vandy-Montana said...

This does not bode well for Craig...

J said...

If the mileage works for you then go for it!! I think it is great that you found something that you can do and love! I think you do have a social network you are just being silly!

Spike said...

wow, I've never run a two a day. crap, this is the first time I've run a 5K then actually did more mileage after that. you have my runner's respect (well, you already had it before but whatev)!

RunnerMom said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
RunnerMom said...

Sorry, I had a typo in the other post, so I deleted it.

Good luck with the two-a-days and the extra mileage! You know the symptoms of overtraining to watch for, so just keep listening to your body.

Jill Ann said...

I love 2 a days too!! But, you need to be careful. Repeating the same motion over and over will eventually lead to injury.

Ever think of cross training? What about biking or swimming ..or yoga...or, something else you totally love too? Just an idea.

I've been running since 1994 and I have found that I have horrible hip flexors from all that sort of mileage. Don't be like me. It will eventually catch up with ya.

PS...Jump some rope...lift some weights...you get the picture!! Do those sort of things as 2 a days...too!

Megan L. Killian said...

Great post! I started a plan from Pfitzinger that goes up to 70 miles/week. I'm nervous, but excited! Two-a-days are fun!

Anonymous said...

I think that this is a great idea! Just keep those 2nd runs nice and easy and I think you'll be fine. If you need a companion for the Tuesday afternoons I'd be happy to join you if it's around the Vandy area. It would be a great way for me a double day too.

-- Anonymous guy who enjoys reading your blog and weirdly congratulated you on a PR during a Striders long run a while back but is not a crazy stalker.

Chris said...

You're a stud! I used to do two-a-days years ago. My knees are hanging on by a thread right now, BUT I think if you do it wisely, you'll be okay. Just be careful!

My name's Chris and it's nice to meet you!