Tune-Up Race Dilemma

As a part of the Pfitzinger’s training plan that I am using for my marathon training, there are three “tune-up” races one is supposed to run.  It is suggested that their length be roughly 8k (5mi) to 15k (9.3mi) and they fall on the second, fourth, and sixth weekends out from the goal race.  Here in central Iowa, there is a vibrant road-racing scene and I was very excited to pick out the races that will test my progress.  For me, the first tune-up race will be next weekend (March 3rd). ...........

Track Season Starts

I have spent the last 15 weeks free of any regular after school obligations.  It has been great!  I often got my running workouts done and was home by 4:30 pm, which allowed time to adequately refuel, wind down, stretch, ice, and rehab.  Following that, I still had a few hours each night to spend quality time with my wife and kids.  I have even managed to run every day since November 18th, a streak now closing in on 100 days.  I knew the day was coming, though, when this would change. ...........

Red Flannel Run Race Report

This week made for some interesting training.  I had signed up to run a 3-mile race in downtown Des Moines on Saturday.  So, I front-loaded my training week with all of my hard runs back-to-back-to-back-(to back?).  At times, the runs got tough because my body was fighting hard to refuel and I found myself running not recovered.  The payoff was enjoying simple 6-milers on Thursday and Friday. ..........

PRs on training run!

I have eluded before that the Pfitzinger training program I am following is pretty challenging.  It is by far the most miles and highest intensity training I have ever followed.  The workouts that scare me the most are the fast tempo runs and they have been getting longer.  Initially, it started with a 4-miler at a goal pace of 5:30-5:45 per mile.  Even that seemed challenging.  Just before beginning it, I had to remind myself that I could race 3 miles at 5:10 pace so I should just suck it up and start running.  It worked and I covered them at 5:35 pace. ............