It’s time for a training recap! I’m five weeks into my 16 week One City Marathon training plan and feeling great. I was a little bit nervous kicking things off because the mileage of this plan is higher than I’ve ever faced before early on. Even with the extra miles each week, I feel fresher, stronger and more ready to run than this same time last year. Here are the lessons I learned between crossing 2016’s finish line and starting to work towards 2017 that are making all the difference.
Run easy. I have a hard, hard time taking it easy. I can run faster, so why aren’t I? Running hard or medium hard all the time really hurt my training last year. There’s a definite struggle on my recovery runs to keep the pace as gentle as it should be but I’m learning to like it. Joining multiple weekly group runs and slowing down to chat has helped me immensely.
Eat more. After reviewing last year’s early training recap with a focus on what I was eating, I realized I was probably not eating enough. Based on the higher intensity of most workouts at that time, my caloric intake was lower than it should have been. I definitely paid in soreness and exhaustion. This cycle I’m doing a much better job of getting the types and numbers of calories I need.
More salad. A big part of those extra calories is more veggies. I talked about cleaner eating earlier this year and it’s paying off. Crappy food isn’t even mildly appealing anymore (mostly). There’s always cake or pizza for a treat. And beer, of course!
Lift less. Last year’s training recap feature some pretty heavy weights a little too often. Since I still love my time in the gym and won’t give it up, I’ve compromised with myself. I’m lifting based on last year’s numbers and not going for any power or Olympic lifting PRs. Lots of variety is keeping me challenged, and sore, so I know it’s helping me out without hindering my ability to perform on quality running workouts.
My legs feel great and my recovery is faster than ever before. I’m feeling very positive about how the rest of this training cycle will go.
Meredith
How often do you do a training recap? Do you find it helpful?