Training to Train

2011 is well underway, and my plans for the year are still somewhat up in the air. I'd say that the 2012 Olympic Trials Marathon is in the back of my mind...but actually it's in the forefront of my mind. When I think about what I want to do this year, it all comes down to being ready to run well in January of 2012 in Houston.

Currently, my training remains at a moderate level in both mileage and intensity. Coming off a nice break in December, I have built back up to 80-100 miles per week, supplemented with a few hours per week of cross country skiing. I have been on the indoor track for short workouts a few times, and have done a few shorter tempo runs as well. I'm nowhere near racing fitness, but I'm in a position now where I feel like a few weeks of more pointed training would get me there.

I'll hopefully get a racing plan together for at least the first half of the year in the next few weeks. In the more immediate future, I'm skiing my first Birkie in two weeks. I'll be doing the 54k classic race. My approach to skiing is more recreational than competitive, so I'm looking forward to a few hours out in the woods on a nice trail.

Thanks to all who have wished Hudson well or offered their help. He's at home now, being spoiled by his vegetarian parents with various meat products. He has been taking me on walks around the block. He's moving pretty slow, but he's not in pain and seems to be regaining some enjoyment of life, which is really all we could have asked for.