Monday, January 21, 2013

A new beginning.....again!

So the 18-week training cycle leading up to my next marathon begins tomorrow.........and once again, those early doubts start creeping in once again.  As I've been dealing with some nasty little PF issues in my right heel, I'm a little concerned when I look ahead to the increase in both the frequency and distance of training runs.  I'm not really sure what's brought it on.......although I'm pretty sure the weight I've put on since my last marathon (back in October) is a contributing factor.  The weight will come off gradually as I start to train, but any type of pain is always somewhat problematic.  Thankfully, the Hanson plan starts off with a few easy weeks before really ramping things up, so I'm going to do everything I can to stretch out my right foot every day.

I've been doing almost all of my runs lately on the dreadmill, and while it's terribly boring, I'd rather run indoors than not at all.  When I'm not on a training plan, I can freely admit to be not as motivated as I am when on a plan, so I find myself not so inclined to run outside during the winter.  Our winter here in New England has been pretty mild so far, but my hypothyroidism leaves me extra sensitive to cold, particularly in my hands.  Given the choice, I tend to choose the indoor route.  Some would say that makes me a "wimp"....ok, call me what you want....I hate it when runners denigrate other runners.  While our "community" can be tremendously supportive (particularly those who read and write blogs!), there are plenty of those out there who like to look down on others who aren't as fast/skinny/tough as they are.  I'm a big man who only started running in my late 40's after deciding to fight my way out of a lifetime of obesity.  I'll never be as skinny or as fast as others, but I've run 3 marathons (including the 2012 Boston Marathon), so I'll take anyone on who claims I'm lacking in toughness simply because I choose to occasionally run indoors on a day when others would run outdoors.  "Judge not, lest ye be judged"......

I'm hoping to PR in May, so I've got a long, hard road ahead of me.  This training program is more qualitative than quantitative in nature, and that's going to be a big change from the way I've trained previously.  Adding in speedwork......OMG, I'm going to be doing SPEEDWORK?   Of course, you'll be able to time my repeats with a sundial, but you'd better believe I'll be doing them!

All that said, NOW I'll have every reason I need to blog regularly.....as the schedule kicks in, I know I'll be having LOTS to share.  I've been saying for a long time that I've been needing to start blogging again, so FINALLY, I think I can put that all to rest. 

The schedule begins tomorrow........the end point is on May 26th in Burlington, Vermont.

Wish me luck........and I'll see you all down the road!

15 comments:

  1. Another marathon? Awesome Bill! Looking forward to cheering you on :)

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    1. thanks, Michelle! Good luck at the OFTM next month, and maybe we'll see each other in New Bedford in March? :>)

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  2. You will learn to love speed work. It will help you so very much.
    Do lots of "wall stretches" for your plantar fascittis.
    Let the blogging begin! :-)

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    1. Thanks, Lisa.....I sure hope I'll learn to love it.....right now, it just looks a little scary, but then again, there was a time with running a 5K was merely a dream! Blog on!

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  3. Good luck with training! I've heard the Burlington Marathon course is beautiful!

    I'm thinking of adding speedwork to my training plan, even though I'm already a couple weeks in. Before I started training I focused my search on training programs that didn't include speedwork because it's much more intimidating to me than running long runs.

    Can't wait to hear more about your training!

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  4. Another marathon for Bill! I better get with it! You are going to love speedwork Bill! I know you will get that PR!

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  5. Have a great training cycle! Roll that foot on the golf ball (hard) to help with the PF.

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  6. Good luck with this training round, sounds different what with speed work, which scares the pants off me, to that planter stuff sorting itself out. I'm looking forwards to your reports and mapping speed work progress .... it may be something I need to consider for next time (if there is indeed a next time)

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  7. I'll be excited to see how the Hanson's method treats ya! I am also finding the winter months lacking motivation to run. I have a feeling once March rolls around i will be doing some major catch-up!

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  8. Yay for training and another marathon! I actually am in awe of those of you who can make yourself run on a treadmill...seems like great dedication to me! I've eeked out a few miles here and there when I had to, but the temptation to just press stop is too great for me...in fact, when I run, I am much better off running half the distance away from my house instead of doing shorter loops...that guarantees I will get my complete mileage in because I have to get home! I look forward to following your training and wish you the best in this upcoming cycle!

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  9. Good luck! Looking forward to following your training journey to the next PR!

    And please, post details on the speed work, tempos, intervals, etc...I have no idea how to do any of that. Thanks!

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  10. Good luck Bill!! Be careful with that PF!! I soooo feel you =( Stretch and rest when you can!

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  11. You will rock it my friend! Just posted, added you to my Leibster award nomination!!

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  12. The Diesel back in action!! You'll do great come May!

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  13. Good luck in you training. Here's hoping you are healing quickly. Burlington in May will be a beautiful venue for a marathon!

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