Long distance running

I've decided to train for another half-marathon and other things to come. Marathoning for Mortals is easily one of the best books I have read in regards to training. I walk/run a half marathon almost two years ago and it was an interesting experience. I just hope on and did it on race day with little training. It was hard. I was not prepared. My body way not happy about it. But on the mental level, I was quite happy I finished it.

I find that when I have some sort of goal, I am more motivated to do the things required to achieve it. I think because I wanted to lose weight, having a goal to run long distance is a good way to achieve it. But according to all the things I have read, it takes a lot of discipline. If I'm not careful with my intake, I might end up heavier.

In the past month or so, I changed my eating habits. I have been eating a lot more vegetables and cut out a large part of my carbohydrate intake. I eat a good size breakfast and eat mostly greens and little starch at dinner. Lunch is usually anchored with a salad. Those are good fuel for working out.

I have set a goal of running a half-marathon on October 4th. I might have to modify it to a run/walk, or conversely set a time goal. I have a rough training/cross-training schedule. I will do each thing as I feel able. As an example, my quadriceps have not been happy with me since my 5k on Sunday morning. I skipped a couple of workouts that will aggravate it. It might be a lazy excuse, but I really feel I need the rest. Resting is mandatory, overworking is counter-productive.

Monday: Yoga (AM), 5k+ (PM)
Tuesday: Spin (AM), free weights or 5k+ (PM)
Wednesday: Yoga (AM), 5k+ (PM)
Thursday: Spin (AM), free weights or 5k+ (PM)
Friday: 5k+ (AM)
Saturday: 10k+ (AM)
Sunday: Rest!

This workout schedule is designed to build up my endurance. It is horrible right now. I can barely last 4 miles. Considering I want to run 13.1 miles, I need to not burn myself out at such a slow pace. Stronger muscles, less weight, and lower heart rate is what I am shooting for. Eventually I will add some distance to my workouts and demand a faster time. At that point I will be able to adopt training strategies from the book for the desired distance.