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.