10-day Training Schedule

After my 11 mile long run, I'd been feeling run down. I seriously contemplated ceasing half marathon training. I really felt like I wasn't ready. Then I read an eye-opening article debunking the 7-day training schedule.

The Competitor article argued that a more flexible and longer training schedule can help prevent injury, plateau or that rundown feeling. While people are accustomed to starting their week on a Monday and ending on a Sunday, there is no rule that one's training plan has to be weekly. A 10-day or even 14-day training plan can give people the rest they need.

I can attest to this. I could increase my long run mileage weekly without feeling drained until I hit 11 miles. I just didn't have it in me to do another long run this weekend. Yes, I have an upcoming race; but even if I didn't have this race, I don't think I'd have the energy to run 11 or 12 miles.

In addition, a long training schedule gives more room for strength training and yoga. Instead of trying to fit everything in 7 days; you have 10 days to get it all in. And since revamping my calendar, it works perfectly. I'm able to take classes I previously have been unable to attend. I can also make every one of my son's football games. My long runs are now going to be on Wednesday and not Saturday. All of my workouts will occur while my son is in school and hubby is at work. That way, I can devote 100% of my time to them when they come home.

I'm excited about this new schedule. I'll begin it this Monday and am confident it will go well. If not, I can always adjust it to a 14-day training schedule.

Workout Wifey^TM