The year 2012 and 12 marathons by Jenny1961

I missed my weekend update! Not sure why...too busy snaffling the mince pies no doubt... So as today is my last day at work and with no students here I'm going to take a bit of time out and do a bit of realbuzzing..

Here's what's what then:

Last week's running mileage.: as per usual a mix of 2 runs a day to and from work plus a longer run on Sunday of 10 miles to take me up to just over 43 miles in total for the week. I'm finding that this approach works best for me and fits into my life easily as long as I ensure I have a stock of clothes to change into at work. It boiled down to:

Mon;   Run 3.1 miles home

Tues: 4.7 miles to work, 3.1 miles home

Weds 6.1  miles to work, 3.1 miles home

Thurs 6.1  miles  to work 3.1 miles home

Fri 4.7 miles to work

Sun  10 miles

The 3.1 route is the shortest route home via the recreation ground. Basically I just want to get home after work.  Over the coming weeks I will build up the distance of one longer mid-week run to work. Which will mean leaving home and running for a few miles in completely the opposite direction to work....quite a nice feeling . Shame I have to turn back again...

It also means that I don't have to cycle so frequently. Nothing against cycling of course but I really don't like one of the long roads I have to cycle on in the dark. This morning I noticed another  chunk of road missing.......they have only just repaired all the potholes from last winter's big freeze!  And now another one has appeared. Lethal for cyclists expecially when it fills with water...

Week 1 of marathon schedule: Yes technically it began on Monday. And I'm here to report I've done sod all running. Actually- that's by intent: I like to have 2 or 3 days recovery every fortnight or so when I'm building up my mileage because my body tends to respond best to this approach- i.e quite a few back to back runs during the week and then a few days off to recover. But I'll leave work early tonight and go out for a refreshing run when I get home to start the ball rolling

Which leads me on to which marathon schedule?: in the end I decided against following Hal Higdons plan again as it doesn't suit my lifestyle anymore.  Basically I'm drawing up my own based on a mix of marathon schedules.  I want to continue with the runs to and from work and aim to build up to 55 -60 miles per week. Maybe more?  It will be broadly based on one from the Advanced Marathoning book but some of the longer midweek runs will be split into 2 etc.  Looks workable for me. Just got to add it all to my nice new shiny spreadsheet template .

Can't wait for tomorrow morning when I can look at my bedside clock ( well- my phone clock..) and NOT get up early. Bliss.

 Am looking forward to getting out and stretching my legs though. I also feel all sugared-out  . Everywhere I go there are boxes or tins of inviting stuff. Doesn't help that they are near the photocopier in the office- and also by the kettle. And on the table at home. My daughter and I have already bulldozed through the choccies given to me by my students...

On Christmas Eve my daugher and I are doing the 8.30-4.30pm shift at the Crisis at Christmas centre in Stratford London. And Sunday is Xmas Day so I guess my long run will be on Monday!

Happy Christmas preparations everyone. A busy time for us all I know but let's all get out for at least one good run- come rain, hail, snow, sleet or even sun!!