In a matter of 3 days, our “Predict My Marathon Time” winner, Mary, will begin her Shamrock ½ Marathon training! During the recovery time since Mary’s last major race {the Harbor Lights Half Marathon}, she has averaged approximately 18 miles per week. With the exception of a few shorter races thrown in, she has mainly run for fun over the last month. On Thanksgiving Day however, that race wasn’t so fun…. thanks to her feeling “ill”. I cannot exclude prior night festivities as the cause of her “sickness” during the annual Turkey Trot 10K. Haha!! Good times. She did however throw out an impressive performance at the Tacky Sweater 5K in mid-December; in which she not only PR’d, but also earned a 2nd place age group finish!! Go Mary!
With the holidays in full swing, she has enjoyed time with family & friends, especially while rockin’ some amazing & fashionable “crazy-cat-lady” pants (see below & you’re welcome in advance for the good chuckle!).
So, what will the next 4 weeks hold for our lovely winner?! Well, first off, she will increase by 2 miles per week for total mileage, from 18 miles in the initial week, to 24 miles for the last week. Every week, she will enjoy a tempo run, as well as a long run; with other various runs thrown in. Her long runs will begin at 7 miles, and by the final week, she will be rockin’ out 10 miles. Additionally, every other week one of her various runs will be speedwork/intervals. Mary’s personalized running plan also incorporates her triathlon training—something VERY important to this wonderful athlete.
Many plans that are available on the web do not offer the flexibility that a running coach’s plan can allow. No two runners lives’ are alike, & likewise, no two running plans should match exactly. One thing that has been taken into consideration when planning Mary’s training is that at a particular total mileage, she is more prone to injury {i.e. more than 40 miles per week}. Likewise, she is more likely to get hurt if she runs 5+ days per week. Luckily, her plan can safely & successfully get her to the start AND finish line, on 3-4 days of running per week. Another thing I have taken into consideration when planning the next 4 weeks of her life, her love for biking & swimming—something else a cookie-cutter internet plan would not offer. Have I convinced you yet of the many benefits of a running coach!?
So, with that said, please join with me in wishing Mary a fond GOOD LUCK, as she begins her 12-week journey to the Shamrock ½ Marathon!!
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