While eating my dinner after 9pm last night, I recalled exactly why I decided to create my 2014 Shamrock Half Marathon training plan in the manner that I did. Just an hour earlier I had finally showered for the first time that day. Only 12+ hours after my morning 7 mile tempo run. Such is life though, & I fully embrace it!
Being a full-time Wife, full-time Mother of 2 y/o twins, & full-time Neonatal Nurse Practitioner does NOT allow for 7 days a week running. Throw in the time I happily devote to coaching, plus sleeping, & it’s simply just not possible at this stage of my life to run that much. The beauty of running though is that it is a hobby that can be enjoyed once a week, twice a week, or even everyday of the week. I personally follow the philosophy that it is more about quality than quantity.
If I had known there were books out there that supported my current view of running, I may have improved upon my training & pace much earlier! I started reading the book “Run Less Run Faster” in the same month that I earned my RRCA Running Coach Certification {September 2013}. It was an eye-opening book to say the least! The concepts they elaborate upon, called The FIRST Program, focuses on the 3 essential runs & completing each of them weekly (that’ll be a future blog post to discuss the 3 quality runs!). I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking to change up your running routine & consider a 3-day run week {I have been offered ZERO endorsements to say this; it’s simply my opinion}. I will add though, that I don’t 100% agree with their training plans, too cookie-cutter for me, which is why I “doctored” my plan to fit me & my life.
“By focusing on efficient, purposeful training, the FIRST program enables runners to meet their goal of running faster without sacrificing job, health, family, & friends.”
I do however know from personal conversations & research, that for some individuals, a 60-80 mileage week is exactly what they need to feel properly trained & race a half marathon. For other people like me, 30 miles a week will suit them just fine! There certainly is no right or wrong answer to the question of, “How much mileage is best”? Isn’t that what makes our sport SO amazing?! I simply support anyone who gets off of the couch & makes a valiant effort to improve their life!
What motivates you to get out there & run? What hinders you from running the miles you wish you had time to enjoy?
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