Continuing To Train to Run a Marathon

Today:
Walked 16 minutes
Run time 1:20

I've evaluated recent goals and training.
Two weeks ago I started a schedule to train for a marathon.
The schedule is based on Joe Henderson's book: "Jog, Run, Race".
The schedule is based on time and the times for each run are increased every week. And of course there is a long run included. By week 5 and 6 I'll be up to running 10miles or 2 hours on the long run. I'm looking forward to it. I only just began running over one hour. So my short term goal is to run the 10 mile runs and my long term goal is to run a marathon in 2012. The original point of my training was to simply train to be in good enough shape to run a marathon, but I'm thinking it actually might be do-able and fun to run one. I've only run one race, a 5K in 2009. I may run another race between now and 2012 and I may not, but there is a 10K coming up at a park nearby that might be fun. Too, it is probably a good idea to incorporate a few races into my marathon training schedule. I may run the Victoria Bryant race in December and next years Hart Dam race.

My training plan is to follow the 3 month marathon training schedule and then set up the mile training schedule which is also 3 months. I'll rotate the two types of training. I'll keep the weekly long run in both schedules and over time I'll lengthen the run. It is going to be interesting to see just how much endurance I can build and just how much distance I can train to run.

After my "long day" run I'll drink a protein shake and take a multiple vitamin. I will not increase caloric intake. I weigh 142 pounds and I would like to get down
to 134 pounds so I need to lose 8 pounds. After the winter months, even though I continued to run during that time, my weight got back up to 154 pounds. So it really feels good to get back down to what is actually my ideal weight. To go down 8more pounds may, or may not be a good idea. If I experience any problems I'll eat more.

I want to make a serious effort to take fewer ibuprofen tablets. I have arthritis and chronic headaches. I only take 400mg a day, but I'm afraid I am steady flirting with serious stomach problems because I do take the tablets every day and I have been taking them for years. I am also going to resist the temptation to drink the occasional glass of wine to counter insomnia and depression and leg fatigue. I've noticed that I experience some mild depression and can't sleep- right as the scale shows I've dropped a couple of pounds. There must be some association with the two, but the only possibility I can think of is dehydration or maybe it stresses my body out. So far my legs have not bothered me. My knee still hurts but I am used to it and I'm encouraged to keep up the running with the bad knee because I read that exercising actually increases the synovial fluid in joints.

This is a new blog and I plan to link up my blogs. I would use the original, but I need to post via my mobile and I can only post to this blog at this account.