Day One: New Plan

I ran today for the first time in about 2 weeks.

I had planned to take the month of December very easy before building mileage beginning January 1st; however, a nasty case of plantar fasciitis (spell?) caused me to not just cut back on training but to completely stop running. More on that later, I really just want to get this first blog entry done so that I've begun the process of documenting my quest to finish my first marathon.

Twice before I tried to increase my running in preparation of a marathon. Both times I was sidelined by injuries. Hopefully the third time will be one for me. Not happy to have a re-hab at the beginning, but my goal is for a late spring race - probably Memorial Day - so I need to start running regularly now have enough time to be ready.

I've never been a high mileage runner...this past year I've had my best race results in 10 years of running... and never averaged over 20 miles/week. Peak weeks were 25, and I ran continuously from August 2007 thru November 23, 2008 before the plantar pain stopped me. That is one of the longest stretches since I've been a runner. Typically I've been stopped by injury or work/life time commitments about every 6 to 10 months. I've had several layoffs of 3 to 6 months with absolutely no running, so I've had to completely start over a few times. Obviously with this current injury I'm counting on maintaining some fitness while I re-hab. I'm hopeful that cross-training, some light running workouts, stretching, ice, rest, will all get me past this injury and onto my marathon training plan.

Today was an 4 easy miles on trails with my friend Scott. Also met Paul - he ran his first marathon last year and is a big time bicycle guy. Scott's on a personal quest for a "triple hundred" - Good Luck! He finished about 28 miles today - and tomorrow he'll be at it again. Awesome. Iif things go my way that's a number I'd like to hit for a weekly total the first week of February.