This is My Plan

I recently signed up for the HAT Run 50K, which is next March. I ran the HAT last year and thought it was a well-run event, and I also enjoyed running on the trails of the Susquehanna State Park. The race did take a lot out of me though. Not having run much on trails, the constant ups and downs and uneven terrain took a toll on my legs; so much so that I had to take off several weeks of running. The bright side of my running layoff is that I learned a little bit about the mechanics of human motion and took a closer look at my own limitations. I’ve incorporated core exercises into my workout routines and am less concerned with running distance. I read an interesting concept on Anton Krupicka’s blog that your legs and lungs don’t have any idea of distance traveled, but they are in tune with of the duration of effort. That makes a lot of sense.


I am not following any prescribed training regime. I’ve found those to be difficult to follow against work and family responsibilities. My general plan is to try to get a long run in about every other week. The bulk of my running is done at a relatively easy pace for twenty minutes to an hour at a time. I also like to do some faster running about once a week, as my schedule (and body) allows. I don’t go to a track, I prefer to keep my route options open at all times, but I’ll randomly change paces throughout the run just for the change of pace.


My training plan is not very technical, nor will it prepare my body to its utmost potential, but it will get me where I am going and suits my goals: have fun, remain injury free, check out the view, and enjoy the ride.