Training Tuesday: Spring Marathon Cycle Begins

Friday I'll sign up for my fourth Circular Logic Marathon. I'm looking forward to another winter of running and fighting the sloth that tends to creep in once the temperature dips. In our new home, we have a wonderfully well-stocked home gym with entertainment and ventilation. Also, with our new rower, my cross training is a piece of cake (I wish it was real cake and not just an expression).

Poley needs another medal

This go around, I'll use the training plan that last led me to my PR in Vermont. The FIRST Marathon training plan relies on three tough runs per week. That's it. No junk miles or recovery runs. The plan suggests two additional days of cross training. I found this worked for me before, especially as I used the crosstraining days to build up my triathlon fitness. I'll be using the off days for rowing, biking and strength training at home.

I don't want to say I'm going to train for a PR. The more time goes on, the more I wonder if my "fast" days are behind me. If they are, I'm OK with it. I run for me and my health, not necessarily to best myself each time. That's the joy of running. You get out of it what you want. I know regardless of how I train, I'll be faster this year than last (unless someone else needs 1.5 liters of bone marrow a month before). But it won't be nearly as eventful as the last race.

At this point, I feel like this race is just part of me. It's something I do every year and will continue to do as long as my body is able. We've got it down to a science, too, in terms of housing, set up and logistics. If I was able to complete a marathon after a bone marrow donation, I'm confident I can keep doing this for years to come.

Anyone else want to join? You can't beat a marathon for $46, and here are my other reasons why this race rocks. See you in April maybe?