Winter Training

So far, so good for my first week of winter training. I think I have some what of a schedule figured out. I want to log some good quality training but I want to also take it easy at the same time. The newest issue of Runner's World has some good articles on how to train over the winter.

My main goal for next year is to stay healthy. One way is to properly train in the winter and get a good base established in order to start the spring on a good note. One of the articles stated that you only needed 3 runs in the winter but they needed to be quality. You needed a tempo run, speedwork, and a long run. I think I can manage that. The mileage should be half of what your normal schedule should be. On the non-running days, I am going to lift and ride the bike to give my legs a good base. I'll do an easy ride one day, some tempo/hill work on one day, and a longer ride (if I can stand the boredom) on one day. That should get me in pretty good shape for next year.

My goal/A race next year is REDMAN Half IM in Ok. City in late September. So, throughout the year I will be trying to run some 5K, 10K, and half marathon races to prepare my legs. Hopefully, I will be able to get some longer rides in with a group that is training for a IM late in the year too.

This past week-end, I managed a 5 mile run on Saturday and a 20 mile ride on Sunday. I'd like my long run to build to 10 miles and my bike to build to about 30 miles.