This week it was finally time. The preparation for my second half marathon has begun. I ran my first one in 2019. After that, it was unfortunately cancelled for two years. But this year I'm hopeful that it won't be cancelled again. So I was really looking forward to this time now. I know how much it will demand of me (physically and mentally), but I also know how nice it feels when you have done it.
Beforehand, I thought that I had a good foundation with 5 days of training (strength and cardio) and 3-4 running sessions per week. But this week I was taught better...
The scheme of my training plan is actually quite simple. Once a week, a long relaxed run in heart rate zone 1, two shorter runs in zone 2 and an interval training in which I scratch zone 3 in the intervals. The whole thing worked well for me three years ago and let me reach my goal. In addition, there are two sessions of strength training in the gym and at least one yoga class.
The first week already showed me that it's not easy. I love long runs (therefore the half marathon) and would love to run at least 15km every day. So it was all the more difficult for me to suddenly run short but fast. I did the two runs (25 minutes each) in zone 2 on the treadmill. So I was forced to maintain my speed. And that was good! Outside, I probably would have stopped sooner or slowed down. I think these two runs were the most exhausting this week. I did the interval training outside and kept an eye on the mileage display on my fitness watch to know when the misery was over. In addition, it motivated me by telling me that my heart rate was too low. Thank you! But the more exhausting it is, the nicer it is when you finish and can slap yourself on the back and be proud.
But I also notice that it's a different strain on my body than my training so far because I have extreme muscle soreness. The worst pain is in my shins. It came from the interval training, because I was not used to this short but strong strain. But that will of course get better in the coming weeks.
In any case, I'm looking forward to the coming time and of course to the half marathon!