I have a plan!

After receiving some good advice from the LDT'ers and doing some more research, I settled on the 13 week winter plan by Hal Higdon. Seem to fit with what I hoped to accomplish and with the experience of others here. I start on Monday.

Finally hit the road this morning after 3 days off. I was a little sore (hammys) so I took an extra day. Also slept wrong one night resulting in serious neck stiffness. Ran an easy 4 miles on a new route heading into the city from the office. The foot pod is great for trying out new runs. It was actually the most enjoyable run I've had in a long time. I ran easier than when I run 2-3 and harder than when running 6+ without the usual "OMG I'm going to die" panic around the 4 mile mark. 38 minutes and felt very strong at the end. Winter is definitely coming. It was 29 F when I started and I finished before any hint of a sunrise. I actually enjoy running in the dark. There's a serenity when running in the dark that helps me relax. Everything is quieter (fewer cars, no construction, etc). I used to prefer running at 11 PM during the summers in high school for the same reasons.

Also did the push up test today after my run. Only managed 13. I might do the push ups prior to the runs going forward. I'll start the program on Monday.

Pushing Up

So, I haven't run since Sunday. I'm being a bit lazy, battling the morning darkness and generally just lounging around right now. I did take the opportunity today, however, to do my push-up test for the 100 Push-ups Challenge. I did 14 of them -- not great but not bad, so that will be my baseline. Friday I'll start the regimen. I'll run tomorrow -- I'm feeling the itch.

Here's info on the Jolly Jaunt that I mentioned in a comment yesterday, if anybody is interested. It takes place Saturday 6 December, 2008 at Boston Common. The distance is 5K and it benefits Special Olympics. It might be a good thing to shoot for, keep us training through the fall. I'm going to sign up. From the look of the picture on their site it's not going to be a PR 5K -- it's pretty crowded.

Finally, I have set a new goal for myself for 2009, but I'm going to try implement/finish it this year. While writing yesterday's post I realized that I've competed in at least one event each month since May of this year: Vermont City Marathon (26.2 miles May), Squirrel Run & Boston Chase Corporate Challenge (5 miles & 3 miles respectively, June), Hometown 4th of July RR ( 5K July), Falmouth RR ( 7 miles, Aug.), Hale Triathlon (Sept.), Cape Cod Marathon Relay (6 miles, Oct.). So, I'll do the Jolly Jaunt in December, and hopefully a Turkey Trot in November. Not bad, and many of these races could easily become events on my calendar so that makes it easier to run and plan.