Nov 1, 2006

So what is next?

Good question TNT Coach Ken. Good question in deed.

So what IS next for RunnerGirl? A whole lot of halfs!!!!

I am signed up for the 2007 PF Chang's RNR AZ Half. This is where my goal is to break 2:40. I have found a great training program from Hal Higdon which incorporates speed work so I think I can muster the 2:40.

I want to revisit the Flying Pig half in May as well. It was a good half for me, and I will count it for KY this year. After that is the CRIM 10 miler, where I hope to break the 2-hour mark. I did this in two half marathons so far, so I think I can do it in the CRIM. Bradley hills and all.

After the CRIM will be the Boston Half, the Chicago Half, the Freep again (of course!!!), and a Florida race. That will get my state count to 9 of 25. Yippee!

I am also scheduling DWD 2007 as a team effort. I am looking forward to that for sure!

Alright - so that is what is on my tentative schedule. Halfs (a lot of them) and a few good local races that are sponsored by some great people. Maybe Run through Hell will be on my list as well. It is always right around my birthday, and is also around Harrison's birthday (the man who organizes it) so I think that that would be a wonderful gift to myself.

As far as training goes, I did a little research yesterday. I found out that the plan I chose, albeit a good one, was a novice level plan. I picked this because at the time I was getting back into running after taking a good eight months off. Looking back it did get me across the finish line, but in all reality it was a little too lacking for my needs. I was never challenged, but I believed in my training plan, stuck to it, and succeeded. Hey like I said, I had a wonderful 7 miles. Next race I want to have a wonderful 13.1!

I chose the Hal Higdon's intermediate approach. The timing is good (12 weeks), mileage is good (varies week to week and includes a 12 miler in week 11), taper is good (only 6 miles and one 30 minute tempo run in week 12), and includes speedwork (fartlek, 400's, and hills). All in all this hits all my wants.

If anyone knows of other good training schedules or approaches, please feel free to let me know. My requirements are simple:
  • Must have speedwork
  • Must have atelast one long run between 12 and 15 miles
  • Must have a good taper week
  • And must have varying mileage to keep me interested!

See. not so bad!

Keep on running!

Runner Girl

3 comments:

MNFirefly said...

That's an awesome plan...of course being in AZ come January. We definitely need to get a Friday pre-race get-together set up. :D

TNTcoach Ken said...

Okay RunnerGirl...maybe that runner's high last longer than I thought... Remember to schedule a little life into that. Good luck and I can't wait to read how things progress.

Jenniferlyn said...

LOL... I know that it sounds polar opposite from my previous months of feelings, but I did do 4 half marathons or great last May. I have it in me... but you are right about the scheduling of a sopcial life. My poor boyfriend will have to look at pictures of me to know who I am !!!!

Oh and 2007 is my last year for my MBA - so I will be wrapping up that too.

Oh the things we do - but I will remember what you oce told me - Just remember which balls are important.

;)