New Zealand Training Weeks 1-3

I just completed my first 3 weeks of Marathon Training using a modified Doug Kurtis Intermediate Plan. Last year, while training for Tokyo, was the first time I did regular training updates and I really liked it. Taking the time to look back at my log and review my training really helped build my confidence, so I am going to do it again!


Here's a summary of my training plan so far.

Week	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday	Total Run
1	Run 7.16	Run 5.21 Track	Run 5.8	Metabolic 1hr	Step 1 hr, strength	Metabolic 45m XT 30m	Metabolic 45, XT 40m	18.6
2	Run 5.07	Spin 1hr, Strength	Run 5.33 Track	Run 6+6	Swim 45m	Metabolic 45m XT 30m	Metabolic 45, Run 3.2	25.63
3	Run 6 Pace	Spin 1hr, Strength	Run 6	Metabolic 1hr	Run 12	OFF	Metabolic 45, Run 3	27.66

Notes and Thoughts on Training

• I love the track sessions, which is a shock to me! It is so fun to do something different than steady running. The sessions I've done so far have been: 4 x 800 meter with 200 meter rest and a ladder - 400m / 800m / 1200m with 400 meter rest. 
• I am still up in the air about how I feel about the split long runs. More to come on these as I do a few more.....
• My first "real" long run of 12 went great (physically). I was worried about jumping up to running 12 miles at once since the last time I ran more than 9 miles at once was in the spring! It was a brutally cold, windy day and I had a hard time getting my head in the game, but my body felt great the whole time. 
• My new job where I am on my feet makes running on work days a lot harder (if I have to run after work), but makes running on non work days feel so much easier because my legs feel so fresh. I think the after work runs really help prepare me for the heavy leg feeling near the end of a marathon. 

What are you training for right now? How's it going?