Vermont City Marathon Training, January 4

Thursday, January 05, 2012 · Mike Davis

Wednesday January 4, 2012

As I said yesterday, today was a planned treadmill run. I just got lucky that it was colder than any day so far! Would I have run outside today if it weren’t treadmill Wednesday? I would like to think I would and I will probably have many opportunities in the coming months. I was up at 5:15 AM, but my partner was sick, so it was off to Planet Fitness by myself. Many more people there this today than last Wednesday and I wondered if that was due to the annual New Year’s resolutions. We shall see in the future weeks to come. This time I had my ear buds with me, so my run would have some distraction. I also decided to wear my five finger Vibrams as my legs were pretty beat up from my workout the night before.

Treadmill settings:

Time: 70 minutes

Speed: 6.0 (about 10 minute pace)

Incline: 2.0

Things started out great, I was watching/listening to Fox News discuss the Iowa Caucuses from every angle. Since I hadn’t known who won and all the details the first few miles passed quickly as my focus was on the election details. I adjusted the speed to like 6.5 (8:55 pace) and alternated the incline between 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0. 2.0 incline is always a must on a treadmill to make up for the lack of hills and wind. The Vibrams seemed to be doing the trick as I didn’t feel any hang over from the night before. Around mile 4 my legs were tired and I was bored with Fox News, but knowing I was only a couple miles from the finish, I was able to keep going. This run was supposed to be an easy recovery type run, so I slowed my pace down and forced myself to be patient, which is not easy on a treadmill. I decided that I was only running 6 miles, as I have already overdone it this week, so I was grateful for that wise decision. I finished up with a cool down walk and treadmill Wednesday was now in the books!

Drove home, had the same shake I had the night before, did no stretching as I was running late and showered. Total for the week is 22 miles. Need to be careful adding to many miles from the previous week. Today I also totally committed myself as I registered for the Vermont City Marathon! Now it’s on!

I am a bit beat up, but will be back outside tomorrow. I’ll catch you then! 149 days to go.