What's Next:?! Moving Forward After Re-evaluating My Training Programs & Goals

On second thought, I'm not so sure that running the Advanced 10K Training Program (from CoolRunning.com ) would be such a good idea. This week I did 16 miles, & the pre-training program starts at 31! Gulp! That's more than the recommended 10% weekly mileage increase, eh?! ;-)



So, I think I'm going to race in the Rockville 5K , & not the 10K on 11/2/08. ;-) I'll still train for a 10K distance, but will probably not race it until I've adequately trained for the distance. For me, it's not just about completing the distance; it's about having enough experience under my belt at that distance to run it well.



So, what to do? I could run the Beginner 10K Training Program (also from CoolRunning.com ), which doesn't mean that I'm a beginner runner, but rather that I'm a beginner at 10K training, which would be a very accurate assessment at this point. ;-)



Or, I could run the revamped BTHR program, which I'm sorely tempted to do, primarily because I want a second crack at the program now that it's been revised, but also feel that this program is one of the more gradual programs in keeping with the philosophy & aim of the preceding programs I've done thus far (i.e., BOHR , CT5K/C25K , etc.).



Right now, my primary concern is just gradually building up the miles, so my feet, legs, heart, & lungs, etc., can adjust to the additional mileage & time spent on the ground. Then, I'll worry about things like speed & pace.



So, after taking these factors into consideration, I think I'm going to run the BBOHR/BOHR1.5/BTHR programs next in sequential order (i.e., see left side bar for more details), & then do a 10K training program after that. Maybe by that point I'll be ready for the more advanced version of the program. Who knows?!



I just cannot afford to be hasty. It's not about chickening out; it's about being smart & training properly to stay healthy (& also of course, do everything possible to avoid illness & injury!).