Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Less than 10 weeks to the Olympic Marathon Trials: Last week's training

With the trials already so close, it's a challenge to stay patient and methodical in my comeback. With so much uncertainty and a short time frame, I am forced into a different state of mind that I haven't had to endure in the past. Numerous other athletes have been put in the exact same situation, so I certainly don't want to sound like a martyr, but I do want to share the road back to fitness as I have heard some heroic efforts from other athletes that have motivated me.

My running took a step forward this past week, not with a great deal of mileage, but I was able to extend my longest ground run to 83 minutes. I am very close to being in a place where I am confident that the healing process is complete and that my body is ready for some added intensity. This current week may represent on opportunity for my first workout if all goes well over the next couple of days. From there, it's full steam ahead.

This has been a great time to be back in Stillwater. Being around my coach has been a big mental relief as I can turn my brain off and simply do as I'm told rather than overthinking every single run and cross training session. It has also been fun to see the OSU team start to gear up for their ambitious 2016 goals after coming off the cross country season. I truly miss the team atmosphere and collective goals of NCAA cross country and track and field. It's energizing to be around even though I haven't been a part of it for quite some time now.

With the next 9 and a half weeks mapped out, I'm looking forward to getting aggressive with the long runs in the near future. I know I won't be able to safely return to the big volume weeks that have typically defined my marathon blocks, but I think with an emphasis on quality long runs every week, I can get myself where I need to be by February.

Thanks again for reading, and feel free to check out last week's training below.

Week 2 AM PM Strength/Drills Mileage
Monday 70 min Alter-G 60 min elliptical N/A
Tuesday 60 min run 90 min aqua jog 30 min
Wednesday 20 min ground running, 10 mi tempo Alter G @ 4:50 pace, 75% body weight, 20 min ground running off
Thursday 70 minute run 70 minute aqua jog 1 hour
Friday 60 minutes Alter-G + 35 minutes running 60 minutes aqua jogging
Saturday 2 hours aqua jogging off 45 minutes
Sunday 83 minute run + 8 miles Alter-G including 5 miles @ 4:50 w/ 3% incline, 75% body weight
TOTAL N/A

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