First Long Distance Saturday

So, with running and training, you get to learn about some funny training words like fartlek (a type of running training), but I will speak on that in a later post.

Today was my first long run Saturday. I have started this marathon training a lot earlier than is necessary. I believe most plans give you about 6 months to get ready, I am taking 8 (So anyone can join in the next two months). I want to get in top physical shape for this race. Along the way, I am adding some different types of training during the week. Here is a typical week for me:

Sunday: Walk/Off
Monday: Running am, bike or yoga lunch.
Tuesday: Abs and Bike lunch
Wednesday: Hill or Fartlek training
Thursday: Easy run or walk
Friday: Yoga or stretching
Saturday: Long Distance/Endurance run.

This training will not only really prepare me for the marathon, but get my weight and body fat % to levels I would like them.

So back to this morning. I went for an easy (easy pace) 4 miler. I say easy, because over the last year I had an injury to my knee and pneumonia that took my cardio-conditioning to a low level...needless to say I was not a happy camper with this. So this morning I took it nice and easy, wanting to gauge where my fitness level was currently and what pace to set. I was quite happy with my pace actually. I paced this morning at 11 min 25 sec per mile. Now, trust me, I want to regain the speed and shape I had (and I will), so this pace is not satisfactory, but for the first LD (long distance) run and after the hard year of health issues last year, I will most certainly take it (I thought I was going to pace at about 13 min/mile).

Well, as I have said, anyone who wants to join in please do...