There is something about the weekend that brings out the masses. My morning daily runs tend to be somewhat lonely affairs, save for a few head nods from regulars. However, on the weekend you see people in droves making their way thru the park. I’m not a talker when I run, but I do seem to enjoy the added distraction that more and different people offer on the weekends.
The weather improved to the point of where I didn’t really notice it. I probably overdressed (same gear as yesterday) as the temps were 10* warmer. Better safe than sorry. The run itself was awesome … except for a slower patch midway thru. I did my normal LR loop, but at the conclusion I decided to reverse course to break up the monotony. Switching it up worked as I did feel “refreshed” (as much as you can on the 2nd 6 mile loop). Also, the first loop flew by as I saw a ton of runners at the end of their runs (started late at 10:30 am). I finished up on the trails (again for variety sake) for a total of 15 miles.
Until I am closer to a race, 15 miles will be the upper limit of my LRs. Last night I was reading a piece by a very respected member of the Runner’s World Forums (Jim2). I highly recommend you bookmark and read his blog. His thoughts on “off season” marathon training ring true to me:
No runs longer than 15 miles when not in a specific 14-18 week marathon training program. I’m not a believer in continuing LSD’s longer than 15 miles while not training for a specific marathon. I think total annual mileage is more important. In fact, I think that it’s the most significant element of an optimum marathon improvement program, with a few 20+ mile LSD’s within a specific marathon training program second most important. During the “off season” I think it’s better to accumulate total miles in running more often, including 2-a-days, if necessary, than to continue super-LSDs year round. Runs of longer than 15 miles take a heavy toll on the body. The cumulative effect of doing them year round can be destructive instead of constructive. While I think that this is more important for “older” runners…..that means anyone who has been running seriously for several years….all marathoners who have at it for a few years are getting older every day.
I’ve hit 18 once and 16 a number of times, just to see what it felt like. However, I really don’t see the near term value of beating up my body as an experiment. I did it and know I will do it again. I want to reduce the percentage of total miles that the LR comprises on a weekly basis. For the past 2 months LRs have been ~ 40% of my weekly total. Seems like too much. This week I’m on a pace to reduce it to 30% (yeah, a weekly PR is in the works folks), where I think it should remain. LR’s are critical as race time approaches, but daily runs are where the investment occurs.
Am I nuts? What do you think?