After much deliberation, I’ve decided to go with Hal Higdon’s Advanced Program—with a few modifications...
First modification: I find it a little obnoxious to run three 20-milers during my training (sorry, Hal). I live in San Francisco and it’s impossible to fully avoid hills for 20 miles, there just isn’t enough city for that. Three hilly 20-milers just seems like a death wish to me. So, no thanks.
Second modification: speed work will be done on Wednesdays at the track. Followed by recovering at the pub across the street.
Third modification: I will finally (somehow) stop being a wimp about these hills and do some hill repeats on a regular basis—and not on an accidental basis, as is currently the case. As my running buddy Josh wisely pointed out, “charging up a hill is a great, relatively low-impact way to improve your VO2 max. It also strengthens your quads and can help prevent overuse knee injuries that crop up with high mileage.” Well put, amigo.
This week, my physical therapist filmed me running on the treadmill both barefoot and with running shoes on. Turns out my form is pretty decent, but I tend to roll my hip out (if that makes any sense) when my foot strikes the ground. Apparently this is happening due to my weak and lazy gluteus medius (butt). Apparently strengthening and tightening my lazy butt will make me a better runner and fix my knees. Alright then.
So I am stuck doing these strengthening exercises at least twice a week. They’re not painful like the evil foam roller, but they take FOR.EVER. to go through. But... whatever works, right?
This weekend I will be running the San Francisco Half-Marathon, despite being completely untrained and unprepared. But so what? I won’t be setting any records here. I just want to get through it, and hey, maybe even relax and have a good time! What a novel concept!
I’ll post some pictures after the event. Good luck to everyone doing the half, and if you’re actually doing the full—my condolences. Just kidding. :) See you on the course!
No comments:
Post a Comment