Right or Wrong - The Reality Training Plan

Here is what I know about training...

There are lots of right ways to train for a race.   

The right way to train generally doesn't take much more time than to train the wrong way.   Its all about how you use your time.

Overall - cramming is really bad for your running.  It leads to injury.

Training should be balanced.

The other thing I know about training and racing is sometimes my family gets fed up with the whole "training schedule".   Don't get me wrong - they are everlasting supportive!  I couldn't do what I do without their help.  But sometimes, just sometimes, we reach the point where "yet another" training run squeezed in here or there starts to cross the line.   I can feel the patience levels dipping to all time lows.  And that seems to be the exact time when I find another race that I am just dying to do.   So, now and then, I must admit, that I turn to my Reality Training Plan.

It is a training plan that is so bare bones it is on the verge of down right wrong.  But it works well for me to sneak in my runs here or sandwich them there so there is no (or very little) disruption to the family routine.   I have made it so easy that I can carry it in my head and it can be easily plotted on the family calendar (mentally).

Here's my "Reality Training Plan" for a week:

A short run - 2-3 miles - at a damn good pace - usually sandwiched in a 20-25 minute open space because I snuck out of work 10 minutes early so I could run and still be home at an agreed upon time.  Oh yeah - and a little fast driving to make up a few minutes lost changing clothes.

A medium run - 3-5 miles - moderate pace - borrowing 20-30 minutes from work and scheduling this one in one open late afternoon/evening on the family calendar on a night where there are no school, family or community activities that require my presence.

A long run - 5-13 miles (depending on the upcoming race) - a slower pace but I am usually paying for every minute away - alternating "short" long runs and "long" long runs to keep peace and patience of my family on the weekend.   I pull out all the stops on this one and line up a babysitter most of the time.  It's too hard to navigate our weekend calendar without the help of my trusty teenage babysitter.

I also try to squeeze in a short walk over lunch, my stretching while making dinner and general-can't-live-without strengthening exercises for my hips/legs whenever I can.

I am not saying this is the right way to train.  But it does get me to the finish line - which makes me happy.  And there is nothing better than a happy runner.  Just ask my family. :}

Comments

[Andrew is getting fit]

Keeping the family onside is one of the most valuable skills a runner can learn!

[Nat]

It's all about balance isn't it?

[Viv]

I am starting to get the family saying that training is too much. You are right the balance is crucial. Trying to work on it :-)

[Nancy]

Looks pretty familiar to me! :D

[P.O.M.]

I'm with you on a very open-type of plan. If it's too strict, then you can't stick to it unless you drive yourself (and family) bonkers.