July 24th Preview

Here we go again, just a week after the last half-marathon training cycle ended. Now the program will target the new Florence Half (on September 25^th).

Our first run is about five miles, with an 8 o’clock start from the Eugene Running Company. The route: Oakway and Coburg Roads to Ferry Street bridge and across. Turn right onto bike path, to Valley River footbridge and across. Turn right, back to Ferry Street and store. GPS distance is 4.87 miles.

Bring a drink for delivery at Skinner Butte playground, about 1.5 miles, and finish. Weather forecast: sunny with starting temperature about 60.

Marathon training for an October race will continue, with a seven-mile run scheduled this Sunday. Previews and results for that distance now appear separately, at joesmarathonteam.blogspot.com

WEEK 1 LESSON: YOUR PROGRAM

Question: What is the rationale behind this training program?

Answer: This half-marathon program is, fittingly, almost precisely half the one that our marathon teams follow successfully. You train as the marathoners do early in their program – except that 13.1 miles is your end point, and 11 miles is your longest training run. You also train under conditions that mimic those of the race. Our group runs are nearly flat. If you want hill training, add some to your midweek runs. Our Sunday runs are on hard surfaces, because that’s where the race is run. You can seek out softer ground during the week. You run no faster in Sunday training than you will go in the race. Practice for speed elsewhere.