Marathon Training - 3 weeks in

This week marks three weeks into my marathon training/pre-training program. Over the last three weeks, in order, I have run 18 miles, 22.5 miles, and this week I expect to come in between 23.5 and 26 total miles.

On Saturday I am going to do my first speed workout. I expect to run 3 to 5 one mile repeats at or near race pace. I will warm up for a mile or so and then get started with my repeats. If I can pull it off, I would like to run the repeats at right about 7 minute miles and then walk a quarter mile over about four to five minutes. I will then try to repeat that process and I really don't know what to expect. Ultimately, to meet my goals, I will need to work up to 10 or so repeats at a little under 7 minutes.

Right now though, I have to keep that out of my mind while working out because I cannot get my head around it. What I do know is, my training program will prepare me to meet my goals if I stick with it. This last year I made a 21 minute improvement on my personal best marathon time. When I started my training last year, I couldn't get my arms around that idea. I wanted to run under 3:30 and aimed at running under 3:25. This year, I'm only looking to make a ten to twelve minute improvement. Don't get me wrong, I'm aware that's a big move. However, I've done it before by putting a plan in place and hanging in there and making it happen. All I have to do now is repeat that process. Sounds so easy.