It Starts

Training for my 2017 racing season has officially began. Last week was the first week of a 12 week pre-training cycle and everything went very well. The purpose of this training cycle will be to maintain my current running endurance while building up weekly mileage in preparation to train for my first every marathon!

So wait a second, did I just say that I'm completing a training program to be able to start a training program? You read that correctly. The first full week of February I will begin an 18 week marathon training program that begins with a 19 mile week, including an 8 mile long run. Another major reason for the pre-training program is to help avoid the temptation of slacking off during the holidays and as the cold weather moves in.

I haven't solidified my entire race schedule for next year, but I have set a schedule up through the marathon.

Saturday, March 11 - Leprechaun Chase 10K (Des Moines, IA)
Saturday, April 29 - Drake Relays Half Marathon (Des Moines, IA)
Saturday, June 10 - Marathon to Marathon (Storm Lake, IA to Marathon, IA)

After the marathon, my plan is to shift focus to triathlon training and competition. Oh yes, and my wife has challenged me to run the Bix 7 in a tutu, so that will probably end up on the schedule as well.

I chose a the marathon in Storm Lake for several reasons. It is a well established race that isn't too far from home. It is early enough in the year that I will be able be complete most of my long distance training before the summer heat and humidity set in. It is also early enough in the year that I will have plenty of time remaining in the triathlon season.