Two weeks ago yesterday, I ran the Twin Cities Marathon; yesterday I ran 13 miles as prep for the December 16 Holiday Half here in Portland. I guess some folks, say, for example, Dimity, might call that a quick turnaround. Our conversation when I told her went something like this. Dimity: “There’s no way I would want to jump back on a training plan so quickly.” Me: “It wasn’t so fast…I took a whole week off of running.” Ah, perspective.
But daylight is burning: I have pals counting on me for this half-marathon. Molly, Kristin, and I are running it together, to pull us all to a finish under two hours. Molly, as loyal readers may recall, is the mother runner I helped run sub-2:00 in spring 2011; she hasn’t raced 13.1 miles in less than two hours since then. Kristin, a new (and incredibly witty!) friend, has a half-marathon PR of 2:00:43. Oh, so close! Come December, we’ll blitz along and dash away all to a 1:57-ish finish. (You heard it here first.)
Molly and I are following the Half-Marathon: Own It plan from Train Like a Mother: How to Get Across Any Finish Line – and Not Lose Your Family, Job, or Sanity, which is 13 weeks long. After some initial errors in my calendar calculations (counting backward isn’t my strong suite), I realized I should jump into Week 5. After a week of no running–not a single step–I was itching to hit the road. The plan called for 3 to 5 easy miles, so Molly and I split the difference and decided we’d run 4 miles. It was pretty much what I would have run on my own volition, not because the plan called for it; the run like a “soft launch” onto the plan. I didn’t feel confined or restricted. The next day the plan prescribed 6 miles with the middle 4 at race pace. The week off had put a lot of spring in my step: Once again, it put the fun in run. (A “frun”??)
I don’t have any closing message to this post. Just wanted to get you gals up to speed on where I’m at. I’m really excited to run the race with Molly and Kristin, as well as do several training runs with them. (Kristin, alas, lives too far away for weekday runs with us, but we’ve got a few long runs on our docket.) My legs and mind feel fresh; it doesn’t feel like I’m jumping the gun by getting on another training plan. To quote Danielle Whippel, a mother runner we finally got to meet last month: Giddy-up!
After a race, how long do you usually need–physically, mentally, emotionally, or family-wise–to recoup before you start training for another race?
Ran Chicago, ran 3 miles once in 2 weeks and ran the Monster half yesterday. Not my best time but not my worst. Now I continue to train for a half in November. So…to answer the question…I am always in training for something. Sometimes my training is better than others!
This is timely for me! I ran a half almost exactly a month ago – and an almost 5 minute PR (1:43). Just in the last week or so, I’ve started itching for my next goal. I took a few days off, and started running easy again, then added in some workouts, but I’m not aiming towards anything specific at the moment. I need something to look forward to!
It seems like I need less and less time the longer I run.
I ran a full the same day as you, and went for a 6-miler
yesterday, something I would have never dreamed of
even last year.
Started training for the Manchester Road Race Thanksgiving
Day, it’s 4.75 miles, I’m modifying the 10k Own It Plan.
Giddy Up!
Giddy up, indeed, Sarah!!!
A week has served me well so far for my recovery for the 3 half races this fall. After the 8/26 and 9/22, I jumped in at week 5 and at week 7, respectively of the TLAM Own it. I did take off a full week from structured running following each race. 4 more weeks until the Philly half… Giddy up!!!
I ran the NYC marathon the last two years and ran about 5 days later. A short 3-4 miler each time. I wait until I want to run to go for that first run.
This year I’m completely burned out so I’m going to wait again until I feel that itch. I plan to spend November and December running only when I feel like it. Can’t wait to run for fun again!
I need at least a week or two after the Zooma Great Lakes. It takes so much mentally and physically out of me. This year I am going to start training like I am going to run my first 5 k. No pressure.
I haven’t trained for anything since my half in May, and I feel great about that! I’m just enjoying running (and swimming, my new pleasure) without the pressure of following a plan.
I usually take a week off before running again but before training again depends on my bank account. I really only race twice a year; it’s just too expensive.
Having just finished the Detroit half-marathon yesterday, I was intrigued. Life/injuries/illness just got in the way of training (life = sick kids, working 18-20 hours days for three months, kids starting school, hubby finishing MBA program, P/T three nights a week and a therapist who says he doesn’t want me runnning on P/T nights, etc. etc. etc.) too much, so though I’m not particularly impressed with my time, I’m proud of it. That said, I’m “giving” (hah!) myself a week off from running. I’ll cross train this week, and I *still* have three nights of P/T this week. Hopefully the last week of it.
Aftre a big race, I like a week. I can’t stand to take much more than that, mentally. I get “itchy” and need to get out there…
Right now is not the time to ask me. I am two weeks out from my first marathon, and have run two halfs this fall. I am a bundle of nerves, my left knee is killing me, and I have had a nightmare about falling down on the Verazzano bridge and being trampled. Frankly, I am feeling really sick of running. How horrible is that? So, after the Marathon, I can’t imagine doing anything for a while. But perspective is everything. I might feel differently then (or at least I hope i do!)
Just the other day a friend asked me when would I not be on a training plan! I only took 3 days off after ZOOMA Cape Cod because I have the Chilly Half in a couple of weeks. I’ve never run halfs this close so I’m sure after this next race there will be at least a week of no running…my mind and body will thank me I’m sure!
I’m in the middle of a 5-week break between marathons. That was not a wise move for me. Physically, I’m fine, although a little slower. But I think I needed a longer break mentally. I’ve been skipping runs and it feels like a chore when I do go.
We are going straight from your 10K Finish It plan into week 5 of your 5K Own It plan. Hopin’ for a big fat 5K PR! :)
I’ve been struggling with what/how I should recover from recent marathon. In the past I’ve always taken several weeks off,but this time around I felt the need to start back up quicker. I took one whole week off running, but did a little spin ride four days after race and felt good. Then the second week after I ran twice and although I mentally needed the run I didn’t feel 100% back. So now week 3 and plan is to run three times this week-we’ll see how it feels.
Great photo…you are rocking some serious amazing legs Sarah!
1st – I wish you all tons of fun on your run & I know you ALL will nail it before the 2hr mark with a fun group you have lined up.
2nd – thanks for the post. Perfect timing. I did my 1st marathon on Oct. 13th. had a blast & just told my hubby last night…ready for it. I’m signing up for another marathon on Nov. 24th of this month. I’m sitting here with your book in my lap counting back the training plan right now. Tomorrow I will head out for my 1st 16 mile long run. Will be my longest run since I finished last month. Why am I’m doing this again. One could say I’m nuts. Ok, maybe I am. hahahahah. Really it’s a 26.2 trail marathon on the trail I always run. It’s my 2nd home. How could I not go for it. After that I will stick to a few small races as date time with my hubby. As always thanks again for all the super posts. Even though I’m behind, they always seem to hit me at just the right time.
Go get them ladies on your 1/2.