What would happen to me if I committed to at least 1 mile per day for the remaining 331 days of the year?
Well, at the very least, I will have run 331 miles.
Rain, snow, sleet or shine – cold or heat – injury, pain, wellness, flu, or whatever – I’ll lace up my shoes and hit the streets, track, or trails.
That is my commitment, beginning today, February 4th, 2014 – at least 1 mile per day.
Now, The Real Plan
It’s bigger than that though. I will be running at least 3 miles per day 3x per week, with one day for extra training such as speed work, hills, climbs, trails, or whatever.
As I get into better shape, I will increase that to 4 miles 2x per week, one special training day, and then one long run of 6+ miles.
In between each of those days, I will go out for a 1 mile run… therefore, at least 1 mile per day.
It will look something like this:
- Monday – 3 miles
- Tuesday – 1 mile
- Wednesday – 3 miles
- Thursday – special training day
- Friday – 1 mile
- Saturday – 3 miles/long run
- Sunday – 1 mile
Overall, I will begin by doing 13-15 miles per week, and will build up to 20-25 miles per week and beyond.
If by chance something bad comes along, broken leg, flu, or whatever, I will at least still go out and do my 1 mile. Seriously.
The Goal
The simplest goal is just to get myself back into running shape, cardio workouts, lose weight, get all my vital numbers working together and in good ranges, and darn it… just to look good 🙂
I do love the long races. I’ve done 3 half marathons. I want to do another, and then a full marathon, but right now I am going to focus on 5K and 10K races.
Beginning in March, as finances allow, I will enroll in one race per month. I will begin with a couple of 5K races and build up to a 10K race.
My first time goals:
5K race – sub 28 minutes
10K race – sub 60 minutes
Those are good goals, but not aggressive. My real goal is to go sub 24 minutes on the 5K race. But, it begins by reaching your first goal.
I’m Off
Time is ticking and the day is getting along. It’s not the most pleasant day to begin day 1. It’s 39 degrees and it’s been raining. The air is cold and damp. So, I guess I’ll keep my shirt on.
Ha Ha
But, nothing like testing my resolve to get started. So, without further delay… it’s time I got my running pants on, a warm shirt, some gloves, a hat, lace up my shoes (I’m not one of those bare foot runners) and then it’s off I go.