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‘Tis The Season

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How many of you are about to begin training for a Fall marathon or half marathon?  How many of you already started training?

‘Tis the season!  I love it.  It makes me giddy.  There’s something about just rolling out of bed, throwing on shorts and a tank, and just going that is so wonderful.  No checking weather.com, no worrying that the snot or sweat you just wiped with your glove will freeze and turn your hands numb.

Long, sweaty runs are my favorite.  Long runs are an accomplishment to begin with and with the added heat it feels like an even bigger triumph.

Then there are days when the humidity breaks and you feel like you are flying.  You realize you are making progress and it’s all coming together.

Summer is synonymous with training to me and this summer will be no different.  I was hesitant to make any major decisions after Boston because I needed a mental break.

Physically, I feel great.  I’m happy with where my running is.  Mentally, I would say I’m getting there.  So logically I would decide to sign up for a 50K in August.  Yep, Turkey Swamp 50K here I come (ready or not).

What are you training for right now?

What are your favorite things about summer running?

Now What?

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Some people have asked me what I plan on doing after Boston.  For many years I just ran marathons and chipped away at my time until I BQ’d.  This is the first time in a long time where I don’t really have anything major planned.  And, I must admit, it feels good!

I do have some plans though.  Please, I’m not that spontaneous and fly-by-the-seat-of-my pants.

Immediate
I’m definitely burned out a bit from racing marathons.  I need a break.  So I’m taking what I love about marathon training – high mileage – and sticking to it.  So how is that a break?  I’m decreasing the intensity of those miles.  No more track work for the foreseeable future.  Tempo and progression runs will be done if I feel like it.  But mostly, I’m going to run whatever pace I feel like on that day.  Sounds a little bit like ultra training, huh?

Sooner or Later
Ultras!  50Ks and 50-milers!  Running long is my favorite aspect of running so I think ultra training would be a good fit (because, let’s be honest, speed is not my forte).  I’m not rushing into it yet and haven’t committed to anything race-wise but there just so happens to be a few ultras bookmarked in my favorites!  We’ll see!

Future
BQ’ing again.  I know I have a 3:3X in me and I would love to get another shot at Boston…and race it.

Racing
Other than Broad Street (popular 10-mile race here in Philly) on May 6, I have nothing planned except for 2 HMs in the Fall.

I’m really excited about this new running “chapter” as cheesy as that sounds.  It’s very different from how I spent the past 10 years running but this change is much needed.  Only good can come from it!

What are your running plans right now?  For the future?