Thursday, January 04, 2007

Getting Back to a Routine


Last Chance, pre-race

I hit the ground running at work this week. I thought I'd ease back into it, but within a half hour of walking in the door things were hopping. I guess I should have expected it - it is a college and the new quarter started Wednesday. It is actually nice to get back to a normal routine - Riley is back in classes, and Eric and I are back at work.


We are also getting back to our normal running schedule, including getting out the door by 5:15 am for a run. We were both a little laid back during the holidays - running later in the morning, sleeping in when we could. I took Monday and Tuesday off after the marathon, went out for a slow five yesterday, and again this morning, then ran 3.5 at the track tonight. I'm feeling pretty good - I am very tempted to run 10 miles on Saturday with Rick, Jenny and Melissa. However, I think the second run today convinced me I should stick to my original plan of five Saturday and five Sunday. I'm not too sore or tired, but my legs reminded me of last weekend's high mileage. I'm going to err on the side of caution and go easy this week, and start the ramp up again next week.


Thank you for all your birthday wishes. I turned 49 - my last year in this age group. One nice thing about being married to an older man (Eric is 50), is that by the time I get there, it doesn't seem like such a big deal. What does seem like a big deal is that Web will be turning 20 this weekend. I cannot believe that I am the mother of a 20 year old. For heaven's sake - I was 20 myself just a couple of days ago! And then next month Riley will turn 18! Kind of hard to believe. Of course, my Mom and Dad think it's hard to believe that their second child just turned 49...so I guess it's all relative.


Now, on to the next two months. No marathons on the schedule, yet I want to maintain my mileage. I am planning to run one loop of Capital Peak on the 20th of this month for 17 miles . Then I think I'll do two loops of the Lake Youngs ultra in early February for 19.2 miles, and one loop of Hagg Lake a few weeks later for 17 miles. Then maybe I'll try to get together a 20 miler in early March. And that will carry me to the next four marathons. I'll do the same kind of between marathon training I did for the last four: 18 to 22 miles midweek, 15 to 21 on the weekends. That will give me a range of 33 to 43 miles a week. I'll try to do alternating long runs - like a 10 miler one week and a 16 or higher the next, then drop again. What do you think? Are those long runs enough for mileage maintenance?
Running to the finish. Two Maniacs.

18 comments:

Journey to a Centum said...

Ever think about quitting running and working on our yard? Yeah Right!

Backofpack said...

Yard work is the husband's job. I'm the wife.

Thomas said...

Happy belated birthday!

If the mileage worked for you last time round, it will work again this time.

Another 4 marathons? Blimey! You've got the bug real bad, as they say.

Wes said...

I'm 41 and I have a 22 year old :-) So, I got ya beat there! There's a lot to be said for getting the kids out of the house while you are still young, even though we miss them.

JustRun said...

"What do you think? Are those long runs enough for mileage maintenance?"

I should hope so! :-)

Olga said...

I like your plan, and I surely approve you running trails!
Happy birthday, yeah, Michelle! I still think I am 20:)
Yard work IS for husbands. That's what I tell mine, though he, also, tries to convince me to spend part of energy there. Na-ah! I even forget to water plants!

Jessica DeLine said...

I'm sorry I missed wishing you happy birthday! I hope you enjoy your last year in the age group :) Just think how fast you will be in your new age group in one year! :)

matt said...

i always admire how well you have thought on the running plans. i need you to coach me there, michelle :) something tells me that you are going to have a pretty spectacular year on the road and trails...i just feel it in my bones.

Anne said...

It certainly sounds like a good plan to maintain mileage, but I'm no maniac. My youngest turned 18 in October -- it is indeed a weird feeling to know your children are now all officially adults.

Unknown said...

Well, I think it would be better if you maintain by running the 17 miles at Capitol Peak, 28.8 miles at Pigtails, and then the 50k at Hagg Lake. Think of the possibilities, Ok, Hagg Lake might be pushing it.

And NO, I am not bringing carrots to coffee. That's just plain crazy.

Joe said...

Wise move to split the 10 miler in to two chunks, Michelle. You are in plenty good shape and the rest will allow them to rebuild.

Happy Birthday, belatedly!! 49 sounds better and better to me every year!!!

Dori said...

Happy 49th! I hope you have a spectacular year.

Thanks for the pilates advice. I went to a session a couple of years ago, but never went back. I guess I should try it more than once. :-)

Sarah said...

Do you ever get aches and pains? You seem to just keep going and going without a hitch! : )

Yay!..that will be fun to see you at Hagg. I was thinking of driving up for one loop at Capitol Peak too. But I don't think that's going to happen.

Banking Miles said...

Happy birthday. Happy new year. Happy miles to come in your training plan. Happiness all around to you.

Taunya said...

Happy belated birthday! And Happy New Year too!

Neese said...

love that Web is a redhead, we rock :o) -- Happy Birthday and New Year!

Darrell said...

I remember thinking my parents were "old" when they were my age now, 45. Funny, I don't feel old, but my parents are really old now, ha ha!

I like your plan but Rob's might be kind of fun too. His blog is aptly named.

Anonymous said...

happy belated birthday!