I been running without a training “plan.” That is SO not the old (pre-injured) me. I usually keep motivated by having a target race and keeping to a set plan. But, I have been trying to ease back into running slowly. Until now, I’ve been trying to adhere to an every-other-day pattern.
I have also avoided any tempo or speedy runs since resuming my runs again. Friday, however, I felt a little brave. I tested my speedy legs (or foot rather) for the first time, keeping the pace well controlled by running on the treadmill again. I warmed up for a mile at a comfortable pace. After warming up, I managed to complete three 1/2 mile repeats, with a 1/4 mile recoveries in between each interval. It is a long ways off from my pre-injury distance and pace, but it is a step up none the less.
After sharing a big Saturday morning breakfast, the rest of the family rushed out to finish up their Christmas shopping. Having finished up my shopping earlier this week, I was left with nothing to do. Well, nothing to do except go for a run.
I suited up in my running clothes, pulled up my hair into a ponytail and headed out the door. Cindy and I met at the local park and soon we were heading down the path. We ran and chatted about all sorts of things. At the completion of our 6 mile run, we were feeling better than before we started out.
After Christmas, I plan to step it up even more. I will increase my weekly mileage to the mid-twenties and maintain that as a baseline for a few weeks. Then I will feel comfortable enough to choose a few races for 2007, and launch into training once again.