our goals

first off, make sure you see the post on this Saturday's run, below...

OK, so goals...

i think several of us have planned to run the Prude Ranch Half Marathon in Fort Davis, Texas, on August 5th. it's the only half marathon around until october or november, it's only $20, and we can carpool/caravan out to it.

at this point, running the mileage we've been running, many of you are on course for the half, which is about nine weeks away. some of you want to keep increasing your long run mileage every week. maybe you can do it and get away with it. but, you would absolutely be setting yourself up for an increased risk of injury, and burnout. you think you can't or won't burnout? trust me, it happens. the vast majority of people simply need recovery, even total breaks, for their physical and mental well-being.

we're taking the macrocycle approach - we build mileage slowly and carefully for two weeks, then take a relatively easy recovery week. it works, it keeps you focused, it helps keep you from getting burned out.

we all know running takes discipline, but having and exercising the discipline to get out and run and push yourself is only half the story - it is just as important to be disciplined about controlling your progress, being smart, and being patient. you have to be disciplined about your recovery days after a long run or a hard quality workout. just because you can push yourself the next day doesn't mean it's a good idea. in fact, it's a fairly bad idea.

you haven't paid for a six, ten, or 24-week program, here, that is trying to get you to and dump you off at a goal. i want you all to gain and maintain your running fitness. i want it to be a sustainable way of life for all of us.

so, if you haven't been running with us on a regular basis, every run is going to have options for you to run shorter, as needed. don't sit out just because we've already hit eight miles. if you've been running the mileage, stick with it, and make sure you're running at least two to three other days in the week. once again, being able to do nothing all week but the long run, or the quality workout and the long run, don't prove much except for a lack of discipline. even if you only get a couple of 30 minute runs in during the week, it makes a difference.

and don't any of you dare think you're not going to be challenged. next week, you'll do some hard speedwork on Wednesday, then run eight again on Saturday, but it's going to include a little jaunt up Mount Bonnell. the week after that will be more speedwork, then ten miles. be afraid (but show up - you'll get through it).

alright, that's all the lecturing for now.