Brooklyn Half – One Week Away

Its been quite a while since I wrote an update. As usual, life sometimes gets in the way of running. The good news is despite the issues I’ve started to hit a stride in training the last 3 weeks.

As you can see in the above, I managed to increase my weekly milegage by about 4 miles a week and incorporate a long run into my training. This is clearly far off from the old days where I could log a 30, 40, 50, or even a 60 mile week without a problem but its progress.

I’m carefully managing two injuries as I try to increase my training. My left foot has/had a case of plantar fasciitis that started to flare up about four weeks ago but then calmed down with rest. Likewise, I hurt my neck using my laptop in January and it occasionally feels like its about to flare up.

Right now, I have two rules when it comes to training/resting:

  • Two days On, One day off: At this point I feel like to prevent the injury flare ups I need a constant rest plan. Two days in a row feels like where I’m comfortable. I think when my runs start reaching 6-7 miles in those two days I’ll think about stretching to a third day.
  • Sundays Off: Getting a long run in requires a bit of time away from the family and probably becomes something that sacrifices rest as I increase mileage. As such, I want one weekend day off for now. And that day is Sunday.

When I think about Sunday versus Saturday rest, right now Saturday is better for running as I’m generally fresher on Saturday. Sometimes taking care of kids can wipe you out.

So… am I ready for Brooklyn?

I have no doubts on my ability to crush it in the Brooklyn half. I felt much stronger after my 10 mile run this weekend then last weekend and even had a bit of bounce in my step during the run. I’m going to aim for a 1:55 time or so.