Monday, April 28, 2008
Speed Work
I wasn't sure what speed work would do to me, so I decided to just do 2 minutes fast and 2 minutes recovery. It was hard, but it felt good to go fast. I did an extra long warm up and a couple of easy miles before I got into it and I'm sure that helped. I did 5 repeats and then cooled down. It was about 4 miles. And no knee or calf pain! I did strength training for my upper body and abs, stretched, and drank 1/2 recovery drink and hit the shower! I wonder if I could start doing plyometrics again yet or just wait until I'm recovered from the next one!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
Jen, Far be it for me to tell you how to train, but be good to yourself. You've come off a long difficult marathon and you also sustained some injuries. I believe your next marathon is in two or three weeks. I would suggest -unsolicited no less- you do some long slow runs at a nice 10 - 11 m/m pace. Take some walk breaks and enjoy yourself. Stretch and cross train (yoga, swim, walk...). I can't help but feel the speed training is not wise at this stage. Speed training this soon after a marathon and this close to another marathon is risky business. Slow it down, don't beat yourself up, no one has ever been injured from running too slow! Cheers on you. M
Michael,
You're probably right. It's just so hard to not go when I feel good. I really do feel like I'm recovered from the marathon. I know I'm probably not completely. I was just following a program that was based on doing marathons back to back. It suggested a 2 week taper before the first marathon and then a reverse taper after followed by another 2 week taper before the 2nd one. And since the first one had speed up until the marathon, I thought it would be o.k. So do you have any suggestions as to how many miles a day I should do during the week? I really appreciate your comments up. I'm such a novice and have this habit of learning the hard way. So I appreciate your experience!
Hi Jen, I have never attempted what you are doing (2 marathons back-to-back) so my advice is to be taken with a grain of salt. You have proven that you can do the marathon so psychologically you should be feeling pretty confident (not too confident because you want to maintain that healthy fear of the 26.2). You're also strong enough so physically you should be feeling pretty confident. It's the injury you should consider. You say you feel good now, but fast forward to mile 18 or 22.. how will it feel then? Most, if not all injuries happen during speed training. If you have an existing injury (or recent injury) I can't help but think you're at a high risk for re-injuring yourself. Approach speed training with caution! I think focussing on endurance and inner strength is more important than speed training at this point, but what do I know? Have you considered getting a gps? A reconditioned Garmin 201/ 205/ 301 or 305 wouldn't set you back too much. Once you use a gps you'll wonder how you ever ran without one. Take it easy... focus on form, endurance, and core strength. I can't over-emphasize cross training... walking, swimming, cycling, yoga... Cheers to you... good luck. M
Good advice! The more I think about it, the more I know you're right. I just like following a program and now that I don't have a plan, I feel like I'm at a loss and don't know what to do. I don't want to re-injure myself and possibly cost the marathon or even worse, have another disappointment. I'm going to try swimming this week though I'm a terrible at it and some long slow runs. I think you're right and I'm grateful for the advice! You may have just saved me from injury and being sidelined! So thanks! Oh and a gps is in the plans. Just don't know when or which one to get. The Garmins look big to me. I have a Polar heart rate monitor now and like it a lot. Do you just get used to the size or does it bug you? Thanks again!
I'm a man. I like big shiny watches ;>). Actually, yes you do get used to the size. The reason it's so big is because it's packed with goodies. But you're right, it is big. M
Post a Comment