Weeks 1,2,3 (again!)

Now that Sena has begun her formal 16 week training program, it is time to reset the clock.

The first 9 weeks or so gave her a base to work with, but now she is doing marathon specific training. It took a while to pick the 'right' training program, but after reviewing several options, we both agreed on one that had variety, but helped her build slowly. It has workouts that not only will help her do the distance, but will improve her speed.

Last weekend her long run was 8 miles; today she ran 10 miles in 2 hours. She tried to run with some ladies that show up for the Saturday runs with the club, but none of them showed today, so she ran solo. We saw the 'Spirit of the Marathon' movie last night - a special showing at the movie theatre. It was pretty cool, but reminded me that it as Sena does her longer runs, it will be important for her to have a running partner.

Anyway, she is doing an interval workout, a tempo run and a long run every week. This was a very solid week for her, and I consider it a breakthrough week because her everything was right on target - speed, heart rate, recovery, etc.

I'm so proud!

Weeks 8,9,10

Week 8 Sena managed to do an 8 mile long run even with the holidays approaching. I gave her a Garmin 305 to track her training. We did Ridley park loop and then some. She did really well, but the big hill required a fair bit of walking.

Week 9 was touch and go. Sena did a hill workout on the treadmill on Tuesday, then decided to do it again on Thursday. Her right knee was really sore - she was having trouble walking for a couple of days. Her confidence was low. I was worried that she really did serious damage, but fortunately, after a few days off, she was as good as new. She did not do a long run on week 9, but now has a nice solid base to begin a 16 week marathon program.

This is week 10 - Sena has done 2 days on the treadmill - over 4 miles each time. She can hardly believe how easy it is to run 4 miles now! It's great to see her confidence back. This is the week that she begins a more formal marathon training program, which starts with a 5 mile 'long' run this weekend. I won't be running with her because running at her pace is taking a toll on my knees.