May 14, 2008 - As runners we often get hung up with the training schedules...

Yo run gang,

As runners we often get hung up with the training schedules, mileage charts, calorie intake, and all sorts of other numbers as we prepare for a big event. Once off schedule, from injury, family crisis or whatever, we can get discouraged or depressed as we try to get back on schedule. Cramming for the exam is not the answer! The reality is, once off schedule, the schedule becomes obsolete. Trash it and write a new one based on the time you have now. The only important aspect of this new schedule is that you have confidence in it and believe it will work. Use what you know. I did. I just missed 7 days of running the third week out from my marathon, including the last long run. If I taper the next two weeks, Im sure Ill be loosing some fitness. Taking into consideration that now I am healthy and injury free, Ive decided to put in a fairly heavy week of mileage including a midweek long run, just a week out from the race. Ill follow this with a one week taper. Will this work out? Not if I dont believe it! But I do! No more concerns, its my new reality, now I can enjoy my marathon countdown schedule rather than worry. My training is fulfilling and fun again!

Enjoy every healthy day, rain or shine,
Randy Step, an obsessed and happy runner