There isn't that much difference between actually following a plan, and just doing my thing, since "my thing" is greatly inspired by plans. Do the differences in structure make a real difference come race day? I don't know. Probably some, as they go through great lengths to balance the whole thing, whereas I do not.

Maybe, but what I've definitely found is that I am much more likely to follow a plan that someone else is giving me and reviewing, than to just follow a plan myself.

I had great aspirations of following pfitzinger marathon plan 18 55 back when I was doing that nonsense.  Bought the book and everything.  But just did not have the discipline to follow the plan every day.

Having a coach (albeit a digital virtual one) who checks my results everyday has resulted in my only missing one workout in 7 weeks, and that was a recovery type run.

YMMV.

I got my spin session done and my legs felt really good.  The workout should have felt a lot harder than it was.  Then I had to shovel 20" of snow off my deck.  It felt like I had to shovel it three times and my bruised ribs were unhappy.

Speaking of which, I have a 10K on my schedule Saturday which I will be skipping.  There is no way the course will be clear and my ribs won't be able to handle a race effort yet.

I ran 8

I biked 10, at a faster clip.  I think my husband makes my cycling slow. LOL.

Maybe, but what I've definitely found is that I am much more likely to follow a plan that someone else is giving me and reviewing, than to just follow a plan myself.

 

I had great aspirations of following pfitzinger marathon plan 18 55 back when I was doing that nonsense.  Bought the book and everything.  But just did not have the discipline to follow the plan every day.

 

Having a coach (albeit a digital virtual one) who checks my results everyday has resulted in my only missing one workout in 7 weeks, and that was a recovery type run.

 

YMMV.

I don't feel (reality might be different) like I lack motivation or am slacking because there isn't someone looking over my shoulder. I'm sure a coach would benefit me, but I do not think it would be by getting me to run more, or more regularily.

Dave, are the shoes new, old?  Shins, achilles, etc.  Unless you are compensating for the achilles, maybe check the shoes.

I crossed my knees and my bad knee cracked.  First thought: I fucking broke it, LOL.  But it feels better after the crack.  The incisions are so tiny, you might think I just fell and scratched my knee and that's it.

Glad recovery is going well.