June 7th Preview

Half-marathoners continue upward in distance this Sunday with seven miles. For marathoners it's our official and traditional start of the next training cycle -- at that same distance.

We'll take the first our our two "field trips" of the summer, this one to the Dorris Ranch path in Springfield. Start time is 7:30.

The route is simple: from the trailhead parking lot (with restrooms and water fountains there),  "0.0" milepost to "3.5" and back. 

No drink service on course because there are no access points by car. This could be a concern because the forecast calls for a starting temperature in the 60s, rising quickly toward the day's high near 90. If worried about running dry, tank up before starting or carry a drink.

A gentle reminder that this new training season carries a new fee. You can pay at the store whenever it's open, or hand it to me.

WEEK 3 LESSON: YOUR WEEK

Question: What should I do during the week, between long runs?

Answer: On weekdays “rest” and “easy” are the key words. The biggest mistake half-marathon trainers make is trying to increase all their running. The longer you go on Sundays, the less you can or should do the other days. My recommended easy run is one lasting 30 to 60 minutes (usually closer to the half-hour than the hour) at a relaxed pace, totaling no more than two hours of running between Sundays. Training by minutes instead of miles encourages you to run easily, because you can’t rush time the way you might do with distance. I also urge you to take a day or two off (easy cross-training is okay those days) after the long run and one rest day before the next one.