Hey Guys, T-2 weeks until the official start of the base period of my marathon plan. I'm pre-base building which is good since my program is going to kick my ass just in the base period. Overall, my 10k training was just OK. The schedule was rough on me but that's because I ran it harder than the schedule suggested. Meaning, I refused to take days off I should have. For the marathon I am sticking to the schedule and the advice of my coach. That said, next week is a recovery week. I'll get behind the PB but who cares, I'll feel much better!

Hey! I'm following 18/55 by Pfitz. However, when humanly possible, I will discuss options to modify the program by the guidance of my coach. He is wise when it comes to recovery periods and stuff. I'm not that good at modifying programs as I tend to OD and then crash. You are right, so easy to push just a little more and a little more. Though, I ran my best race being rested physically. I'm aiming for CIM. I want a BQing time. If it doesn't work out at CIM I'll try the Pac Shoreline marathon in Feb. If that doesn't work out, I'm going to go trail running. Road races are fun but there's much more variety I want to experience in case I get hung up on not BQing. Anyhow... yes SMART running and recovery is the name this time. I am already totally comfortable with running slower miles. It used to bother me a lot but now I could care less. On days where my body wants to go faster, I enjoy those! I saw your PR's...VERY nice... wowzas

Good luck and good running to you, Muse! I just started hell week on the same Pfitz plan you are on. I'm a lot newer to running than you - so I plan to chop some of the short recovery runs to reduce mileage when needed.

Hell begins 11 weeks out and lasts until week 15.

Runner's World did an article last fall during that time period, they called those the "Monster Weeks", and gave tips on how to survive it. I'll bet you do fine, as long as you keep your easy days truly easy to let your body recover. I'm not saying it will be easy to do, just possible. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it, right?

Things are plodding along here. It's gonna be pretty easy for me until week 3 or week 4 who knows though. all in time!

Yes yes, my last training cycle was tough! I was just looking at it. No wonder I PR'd. I could barely hack the schedule. I am enjoying a schedule I CAN do versus one that I struggle to do. What a difference!! thanks for the support. I enjoy your log btw... very very nice and poetic

Hey Hot Mama! Guess what? the abs are totally coming along. I finally figured out the secret to leanness and I am so super psyched. The best part is that it involves me feeling more energy and stronger than ever! Training is going well. I have a lot of 4 day a weekers in the beginning, which normally would stress out my OCD brain but you have to realize I have an extra bone growing on one of my metatarsals and it was recommended that I get surgery to remove the bone to relieve the pain. Since I was told that about 3 weeks before marathon training and I didn't do anything to take care of it, I will have to wait until after Boston (if it happens). The long and short of it is that I am forced to take a smarter relaxed approach to my schedule which means I fully adhere to it. Last year I did more recovery running than I should have and less longer running. This year I'm doing stuff to the book and my XTing is swiming. I feel amazing after a pool workout!!! thanks for asking about me!! I need to visit you.

Callie, I'm running on an injury. I knew I would be going into marathon training. The bummer for me is that I am totally aerobically fit and ready for a 3:39:Xx. I believe in that! However, my right foot HATES me. So we'll see how I can handle a long long run. If that's the case girl, we'll do Pac Shoreline together OK? I'll need support so badly and so will you. Deal? Are you still doing HR training? I get hyperfocused on my HR's when I am marathon training. Something about all of those miles putting stress on my heart makes me very willing to closely monitor my HR. I won't go anywhere without my HRM now! I used to not use it a few days a week in base training but now I am hooked on it.