DeLaWho? DeLaWhat? DeLaWhere?

The experiences of Me, Myself, and I(van), a young Delawarean, currently working in Cincinnati, Ohio



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1.01.2007

 

Tomorrow

Tomorrow, marks the beginning of my training for the flying pig 5-k in Cincy on May 5th. I have been perusing the internets looking for training programs and I have come across a few. Instead of going for a 2 or 3 mile run tomorrow, I will be timing my quarter-mile and mile times, in order to gauge what kind of realistic 5-k pace I would run at this time and what kind of 5-k pace I want to run in 3-plus months. In my travels around the internets, I have found Runners World and Running Times Online to be very helpful resources. I had never been a huge fan of running, like many others, as I had found it to be an under stimulating activity, especially when compared to the physicality and speed of hockey, basketball, football, soccer, and baseball. However, this past summer, I bought a pair of ASICS and started to find running to be both stimulating, therapeutic, and challenging. This past semester, I would run 3 to 4 times a week, usually for 1.5 to 2.5 miles. While it served as a excellent outlet for energy, I did not time myself or "push my limits." So, the training begins. It is my plan to log my progress on this blog, in order to maintain some level of accountability.

So, without further adieu, here is the chosen training program (via Running Times Online)

In the Novice Program, the athlete is ready to think about time. It is set up for the runner who has a little background (i.e., has completed the Beginner Program or has been running at least as much as was recommended in the Beginner Program), but is still fairly new to running. If you are piggybacking these programs, give yourself a down week of gentle running before you begin this program.

This program will take your heart and lungs to the next level. It will also continue to strengthen the muscles and connective tissue as well as the mind. The connective tissue is the slowest to toughen and since we can progress only as fast as our weakest link it is important to be patient. As everything toughens the likelihood of injury decreases greatly. If there is any question as to how fast the progression should go, ask a coach or be conservative.

All workouts are in miles, unless otherwise noted.


MonTues*WedThursFriSat**Sun
Week 13WO1off4off4off
Week 2 3WO2off4off4off
Week 3 3WO3off4off4off
Week 4 4WO4off4off5off
Week 54WO5off4offMile TToff
Week 64WO6off4off5off
Week 73WO7off4off2 mile TToff
Week 84WO8off4off53
Week 94WO9off4off5K race (practice)3
Week 103WO10off4off53
Week 113WO11off4off53
Week 123WO12off3off5K race3

On all days other than the Tuesday workouts and the Saturday time trials and races, run/ walk under 75% of your maximum heart rate. You can be tested for this number or you can continue to use the formula 220-age = max HR. Remember if you do choose to use the formula there is potential for error so pay attention to what you are feeling compared to the numbers. Do they make sense? Ask questions.

At this point in the program, you are probably starting to see and feel some real results, as you gain fitness and confidence. Be careful, though, that you don't push yourself too hard. Listen to your body--if it is telling you something is hurting, don't be afraid to take a day or two off (or more if you need it!).

*Tuesday Speed Workouts:

WO1 & 3 = one mile warm-up / 4 x 400 @ 85-90% with 400 jog recover / one mile cool down.
WO2, 5, 7, 9, & 12 = one mile warm-up / 8 x 200 @ 85-90% with 200 jog recovery / one mile cool down.
WO4 & 6 = one mile warm-up / 6 x 400 @ 85-90% with 400 jog recovery / one mile cool down.
WO8 = one mile warm-up / 4 x 600 @ 85-90% with 400 jog recovery / one mile cool down.
WO10 = one mile warm-up / 3 x 800 @ 85-90% with 400 jog recovery / one mile cool down.
WO11 = one mile warm-up / 2 x mile @ 80-90% with 400 jog recovery / one mile cool down.

**Saturday Workouts/Race:

Mile TT = one mile warm-up / 1 mile Time Trial. Each 400 should be quicker than the one before it. / one mile cool down.
2 Mile TT = one mile warm-up / 2 mile Time Trial. Each 800 should be quicker than the one before it. / one mile cool down.
5k race (practice) = Most people have a very hard time learning to pace themselves. The workouts and the Time Trials have started this process. This race will continue it. Run the first 400 at recovery day training pace, the next 1200 (to the mile mark) at an effort that is approximately 30 seconds a mile faster than training pace. The next mile should be approximately 30 seconds faster than the first mile. You should race the last mile using a progressive build-up from the two mile mark and running your hardest and your fastest at the end of the race. Remember this is a practice race with the goal being to begin to learn to run negative splits (i.e., run the second half of the race faster than the first).
Race day = A solid controlled effort in which you are successful if each mile is a few seconds faster than the one before it. (If course terrain or weather conditions make this an improbable goal, aim for a good steady effort.)

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