Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Routine

When I had my first look at the training plan hubs was kind enough to create for me, the mid-week medium-long (MWML) runs jumped out as the most intimidating. My first thought was, 'You want me to run HOW far? On WEDNESDAY?'

I should mention that hubs has created multiple training plans for me in the past and I have yet to follow through with one. I've always slacked off, done my own thing and/or stuck with the schedule provided by the clinic/group I train with (less aggressive). This year, I decided that I wanted to take my training to the next level; higher mileage, longer/more tempo runs and yes, MWML runs! Hubs patiently and painstakingly created yet another schedule for me (probably thinking I wonder if she'll actually follow this one...), loosely based on one of the Pfitz plans. I requested some tweaks here and there, incorporated my planned races and added a few others that hubs suggested for pacing and tune-up purposes.

So here we are in week 4 and I've been following the plan to a T (much to hubs' surprise and delight!). My tempo runs (and cruise intervals) have been going great and I've successfully completed four MWML runs of 16K (10mi). Suddenly, they aren't so intimidating anymore. This just feels like routine... 4:30AM wake-ups and all!

This morning I was out the door by 5. The cool, crisp air from yesterday was nowhere to be found, but it didn't feel too bad out there. The first few clicks felt slow and sluggish as I gradually woke up and shook out some lingering fatigue from yesterday's workout. I enjoyed the quiet, peaceful streets, alone with my thoughts on anything and everything... or sometimes nothing at all! Before I knew it, I was back on my door step.

16.0K - 9.94mi - 1:33:31


Next week I increase to 18K and soon enough I'll find myself running half marathon distance on Wednesdays. There's nowhere to go but forward and I know I'll get there, one run at a time.

34 comments:

Unknown said...

I have the same goals for this training spell: MWML runs and just more mileage in general. It's already getting hard but YOU MUST keep inspiring us and I can't wait to keep following your training!

Jocelyn said...

Wow! awesome job girl! I'm glad you are over coming the dreaded long run wedesdays!

Marky Mark said...

You've come so far-well done!

Marky Mark said...

You've come so far-well done!

Unknown said...

Awesome job! I give you kudos for even attempting a spouse-made plan. I'm on the opposite side - I've made so many running and/or weight training plans for my husband that I can't even count them and he has yet to even START one. Sigh.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Johann said...

Great stuff! I'm a firm believer in the MWML run. At the moment I do 15km Wednesday mornings. I can't do much more as I have to get to work. I'll probably increase to 18km at some point.

TMB @ RACING WITH BABES said...

Great job sticking to the plan! I have to agree with you. Adding all this mileage, especially mid-week seemed daunting at first, but now, it's just par for the course.

Emz said...

completely awesome!

Way to go Marlene!

joyRuN said...

Nicely done!

It's gotta feel good to go into work having put in that kinda mileage already.

No Longer Using said...

rock on! you take everything in stride (hah) and attack your training every day!!!! you're all around fabulous :) it pays off!

Mark said...

Great job, Marlene!

Runners Fuel said...

Good job for sticking with it!

Anonymous said...

up at 4:30 and out the door by 5....craziness! u r so hardcore!

Laura said...

wowowowow! I am determined to up my distance on at least one of my runs instead of just the 'time' running I am doing now.

misszippy said...

One of the things that I love about marathon training is that a mid-week 10-miler does begin to feel routine!

Gotta Run..... said...

Cannot count the times that Scott has asked me for help. I sit down and pour myself into creating plans only for ...well..you know.

Now he ask for no help and is NAILING the training assigned by a friend/coach that has offered help to him. Just glad he is so motivated :)

Way to go!! Also, thank you for the additional ideas on fundraising. We have a few new tricks up our selves now :)

Being Robinson said...

i'm starting to push two mid-week long runs, next week it's up to 8 then 9 (twice a week). good to know it gets easier. and you are doing so great, can't wait to see what this next marathon holds!

Heather said...

Such impressiv emiddle of the week runs, way to go!

MCM Mama said...

Wow, way to go! I'm hoping to add a midweek long run (or maybe in my case add a weekend long run LOL) once the kids go back to school in the fall.

Anonymous said...

Go, Hubs! The MWML is a great idea, I think the challenge for most people would be finding the Time to do it, but that's the challenge with any marathon plan :) "This just feels like routine" <- thats the tipping point. The legs are on cruise-control after that, just doing what you ask of them. Love it :)

J said...

I would love to try a MWML run! It really sounds fun! I would prolly have to get up at 4am though cause I would still need to be at work by 7am! Keep up the great work! You are doing awesome!

TNTcoach Ken said...

I hate you! I hope you realize that you're making all of us step up our 'routine' because of you............. Thanks a lot... LOL

Teamarcia said...

Aweasome job Marlene! You are such an inspiration--WTG!

Julie D. said...

wow, that is awesome!! i too, am a little intimidated by my current plan but I just completed my first 90 min. 'hill' run mid-week as 'prescribed'! ;) 10 miles mid-week is something I never thought I'd be up for...but here I am doing it!! We can do our 'aggressive' plans...i know it!! keep it up!
Julie

ajh said...

Wow! You are doing amazing mileage in the mid week! I bet there will be a big pay off in your races!!!

Jill said...

You are totally AWESOME!! So inspiring, you're going to ROCK that next one for sure!!

Raegun said...

That's awesome. Can your hubs create a 5k plan for me? As in....goal = to complete. ;)

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

You are a ROCK STAR!! So impressed with your mid week miles, getting up early, etc. Crazy awesome, you will kick some major Marathon tail in a few months

Anonymous said...

You are doing awesome! I hope I can have high midweek mileage too one day. Sigh.

Anonymous said...

Way to rock those weds runs! That is great that you have been able to follow your plan thus far. I admre your hard work and determination plus waking up early to get it over with then going to work. My hero! Keep on keeping on - your half marathon mornings are really going to motivate me! Wooo hoo!!

RunToTheFinish said...

how very awesome to have your hubs so involved in your training and that you are seeing even more results!

Nicole said...

MWLR's are killer... mad props your way for overcoming the battle... i tried it and failed miserably!

Vava said...

That is so like my experience, what with the early mornings and mid week longish runs. Never thought I'd do either, but in the past month I've been doing them pretty consistently. It still amazes me that I can even move at 5:30am, let alone run! I don' think I will move up to HM distance from the 15km that I am currently doing though. You are hard core.

Continued success to you!