...until I can really kick into a real training schedule. Drumline wrecks my winter, and I'm taking the lessons from that to build into a consistent plan/lifestyle so next season (November through April) I don't lose as much ground and can be clear about my time constraints and needs. Getting 2 hours of sleep on weekends is no longer acceptable, especially if I want to do a 3 hour plus run--I think I've learned something. Background I want to run a bit the day after, even if its .25 a mile. I plan to start swimming on Tuesday and do 3 days a week into perpetuity as a cross training, building into 1 mile 3 times a week. I also want to get my cycle back out and get back on the strength training horse since my broken finger is as healed as it gets. The plan is to workout 2x a day, with one rest day a week. I also plan to get to and maintain 40mpw for a while and use that as base for my fall Marathon. It is important to note that after the fall, I'm taking a year off from racing and focusing on base, going from 40mpw to 60ish (maxing out at a 3hr long run during drumline season and going longer only when I can get enough sleep). The plan is to start doing consistent 6 days a week running from a 4-5 dpw pattern by next April. Hopefully that sets me up to be a legitimate runner/marathoner. Questions 1. I can swim almost immediately after the marathon, yes?? Little to no impact means I can't aggravate any injuries lurking from the effort? 2. How soon until I can add some cycling? I may do only 15-20 mpw, but I want to do some work commutes soon now the weather is nice. 3. How soon can I add some strength training, focusing on core and arms, nothing for the legs. 4. How fast do you think I can build back/up to 40mpw? MTA: Spelling. I suck at it. Especially when sneaking around posting at work.

I can't argue with what SR said.

I want to run a bit the day after, even if its .25 a mile.

I don't see what you gain from that. When I ran my first marathon my quads were sore for 4 - 5 days. I was walking down stairs backwards. I went for a run with only one day off and I wish I hadn't. It was less than a half hour but it really sucked. My form was terrible. I'm glad none of the neighbors saw me because it must have looked pretty damn funny. If I had to do it over, and I will September, I'd do some walking for at least 3 - 4 days before I even try running. If you just stick to walking and / or you cross training you'd be better off in my opinion, especially if you're sore, which I think you will be.

Run. Get the blood flowing. It helps speed recovery. Go look through the Pfitz links on recovery in the links thread. Somewhere he provides the science behind it.

Just to be clear I was really talking about running the first day or two. I did it with only a day off and I regret it. I was too sore. So thinking about this a little more I really think it depends on how sore you are. If you are sore to the point where you're walking down stairs backward then I still say it doesn't make sense to run. Wait until most of the soreness goes away. And I agree. Definitely do something to get the blood flowing even if you are real sore. Walking, stationary bike, whatever. It just doesn't have to be running. Also the marathon I ran was Steamtown, and my quads were pretty much trashed for a couple of days from running down those hills.

Dude, Steamtown? I run it every year. I live right on the course. Those hills are my training ground. I just run really slow the day after. Although last year, not so good for me (under-trained). I know that if I don't run within the first two days, the soreness does not even think about going away. But if I do something small, I start feeling better by day two. I think srlopez did the 52 in one year thing. I kinda remember reading about it at another running site. He ran every weekend for a long time. I am guessing he has tried both approaches.

What Ennay said. Walking the same day is the ticket. I've done the same thing after long runs and it ALWAYS helps.

I think srlopez did the 52 in one year thing. I kinda remember reading about it at another running site. He ran every weekend for a long time. I am guessing he has tried both approaches.

No. I ran 65 in one year. (2007) Only 41 last year. (2008)

Ok srlopez. Where is the quadzilla? Someday I will join the Maniacs so this is kinda need to know stuff.