Schedule your Runs
Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.
Schedule your Runs
With the New Year upon us, there is no better time than now to start making plans for the races you will run. There are some ways you can plan it so that your body has time to rest and you can continue to work up to those half marathons or marathons. If you plan it just right, you will feel better about your scheduling and maintain a good fitness level throughout the year.
I like to schedule a full marathon in the spring, a half in the fall and some 10k and 5k’s in between. This works for me because our winters are mild and the cool wet weather agrees with me, so it’s easier to train. But in the summer the heat can really restrict my training and with family vacations and BBQ’s and such I find it harder to train consistently.
After you schedule your runs, start with the basics
You should be trying to get a run in at least 4 days a week. This is necessary if you want to maintain a goof fitness level throughout the year. Some people hate running out in the cold weather, but you will get some needed time to rest mentally while out running. Even in the snow, a good run will keep you on track and give you a more relaxed mental state. To keep from staying in on those cold days, start planning a few 5k and 10k races. This will help motivate you to get some running in. You can also join some fun races like the Color Runs and Mud Runs. These are less likely to be missed due to lack of motivation.
When you have races to prepare for, you are most likely going to get outside and do some running. On the days, you just cannot make it out, try jumping on the treadmill to help keep your stamina going. Once you start missing days, it will be harder to get back into a routine.
Schedule your runs in the spring
Spring provides a much easier setting to run in. The weather is getting warmer and flowers are starting to bloom. While many people have lain around all winter, you have kept your running up and are ready for some big races. Plan one big one for later in the spring. This will allow you to be at your best before the summer hits.
Schedule your runs in the Summertime
During the summer, it can get really hot. Try to schedule your runs in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler (don’t forget gear to be seen in). You should keep training quite a bit in the summer to get ready for another fall race. Fall is a very popular time for both full and half marathons so it’s imperative to keep your fitness level up.
Schedule your runs in the fall
Now that fall is upon us, you will be getting close to your race. Eating right and working up your times for that half or full marathon is important to you being successful. Make small goals for each week and try to hit them. If you stick to this, you will be ready to enjoy a great run and possibly your next best PR.
Try this for 2013 and create a great plan, with plenty of challenges and adequate rest. Whether your new to running or an experienced pro, when you schedule your runs will help you to be consistent and to always have a new goal to work for. Finish one run and then start training for the next.
If you don’t have enough time to run because work gets in the way then I can help. Click on one of my links and see how I do it.
Plan, take action, have time to do stuff you want to do.
steveolson@soeasytolearn.com