On training

I am running the Philadelphia Half Marathon in November, right before Thanksgiving.

I have started my training for this event and due to circumstances...I've already missed a run. My concussion meant I couldn't run the beginning of the week, so I missed 4 on Tuesday. I walked that far instead and did get in a 2.5 (scheduled 2) on Thursday. I have 7 on my schedule today, which, at the moment, I couldn't feel less like doing.

Because I'm not interested in running them right now, I'm not going to run an out and back or full loop. Most people would do that because it would force them to complete the distance. I am contrary in so many ways to the norm when it comes to running and this is one of those times. Instead, I will run shorter loops in the cemetery to complete my 7. I find comfort in knowing home is just a half mile away and also, running the same loop over and over makes it mindless for me. I just have to run...I don't have to think about what's coming up next.

Have I mentioned I don't like change? I don't like change...it manifests itself in so many ways in my life and this is just another example. People tell me all the time, when running is getting to be a chore, change it up, do a different route, etc...for me, I'd rather run the same route every time, knowing exactly where the hills are, what I will see, what to expect. I also tend to listen to the same playlist for months on end...I'll even repeat songs multiple times if I like them and they are fitting my mood.

So running a loop multiple times is a good option today. Don't get me wrong, I don't intend to run anything 23 times...but I will run over to the cemetery, then run my usual 2 miles then work my way back to run my 1 mile loop and then after 4 or 5 times around, work my way home. It'll be perfect.

I take comfort in patterns and routines and this will help today since I am in no mood to run anything right now. But run I will.

I will post my new training schedule once my coach confirms a couple of changes I've made to it. I added a short run to the schedule...he had be running just 3 runs a week ("quality runs") but I felt better training for RTB than I have at any other time and I suspect running 5-6 times a week really helped keep my legs loose. Once he gets back to me, I'll post it here. That'll keep me honest. ;)