This is how my training for Valencia Marathon has evolved since the beginning of the year (after, say, 35 years of not running at all).
In my mind I see two clear blocks.
The first block goes from the beginning of the year to the end of July (first peak at 81.76 km/week). That was a seven month period where everything went to plan. Including the three weeks of no running due to riding the Bryan Chapman 600 and a cycling training camp in Granada.
The topic of that block was increasing frecuency and volume while running mostly at 6 min/km. Most of the runs done in the treadmill with the objective to get less impact and allow my body to adapt. From march I gradually introduced running outside. From June we started the Kingston Wheelers running club sessions pushing the pace towards 5:30 min/km.
I am happy with my consistency during that period.
The second block starts at the beginning of August. A series of BIG cycling events (1001 Miglia, training camp in California), week long trips (NYC, Barcelona), and an injury (I pushed a bit too much in my second trail run) forced me to follow the mantra of "when you can't do what you must do you must do what you can do".
Consistency disappeared, it was replaced with the constant wonder of what to do next. How much should I run with jet lag? When is ok to get back to running after an injury? When you should increase intensity? Should I drop from the marathon and half marathon I had entered as preparation?
I am very happy with how I managed those decisions. At the end of October I was doubting I was going to be able to even run the marathon. A month later I believe I am at the right balance between excited and scared.
10 days now to Valencia.
Take care
Javier Arias González
