The (Training) Plan

The coffee machine just purred...I think it's calling me. I need another cup anyways.

At this time of the year, I'm usually contemplating a trip down South to recharge my batteries by the water. I'm tired. I can feel it. It's been a long and busy winter with a ton of travel. But something is holding me back...I'm not so sure anymore - I can't stop thinking about this running thing, weird I know.

The official Death Race countdown has begun...D-Day is only 4 months away (yikes!). I suppose it's time I put some thoughts on paper, or as some of you may refer to it: a training plan.

Sigh...

Maybe it's because I followed a VERY structure training plan for the better part of my life that the thought of following a 'plan' once again has me cringing. It's not because of the workload, it's more about the discipline required to follow it. I started following some higher level of training structure at the age of 14, and kept the pedal to the metal until I was 29...With 1 month off a year (more or less), the mental strain adds up and eventually, you simply can't do it anymore. Then again, I suppose you could argue that I've had 8 years off since my 'retirement' and potentially ready for more...?

So maybe it's time I tried it again...Besides, 4 month of following a plan...sure, I can do that. Why not.

Sigh...

The upside to this past lifestyle choice of mine is that I have gained 'some' knowledge of general training habits, or more so, about my own training habits (good and/or bad), and what I need to do to - not only get to the finish of DR, but to challenge for the win. Oh, yeah...did I mention I wasn't doing this for S&G's? I suppose that this alone is reason for the need to follow a training plan. I'm sure I can train, get fit, and do well. But to train, get very fit, and win...well that's an entire different beast.

OK...4 months to go...(gulp!)

One more coffee and then it's time to go for a run, and think about this training plan.


The last strip of skiing left at the Canmore Nordic Centre - It's kind of funny skiing around the CNC these days...Aside from the yellowing man-made snow, it's brown everywhere else! But if you're eager enough to get up in the early AM, then skiing is actually very good and fast.


Now this on the other hand, is great skiing! Mt Shark had great skiing last weekend during the annual Sharkfest. Not bad for end of March criss-cross skiing!


What's on tap? I registered for the Diez Vista 50km in Port Moody, BC. Call it the excitement of coming back from France, call it fear of not having done an ultra yet (or ever!), but I need to do this one, more for mental reasons than anything else - Not sure how 10 days of prep will show up on the results board, but hey - I'm sure it will be a great workout regardless...