Working or Playing?

Today’s training schedule called for cross-training, so I rode my bike for one cold, wet hour. I want a bumper sticker for my bike that says, I’d rather be kayaking.

Just follow these 43 easy steps!

Image: zirconicusso / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

1. Before you begin. Find a training schedule, courtesy of Hal Higdon. (Thanks, David B., for the link.)
2. Think about how long it will take to work through the training schedule. Allow a couple of extra weeks to sort out the dodgy hamstring.
3. Identify a target date for the race, then look for a half marathon in a beautiful place that you’ve always wanted to visit. Don’t register for it just yet. Are you sure you can do this?
4. Start the training schedule on a cold, windy day, and don’t stretch or warm up enough. Be joined by a friend who runs a little too fast for you, then try to keep up with him. Quit running after a couple of miles when that hamstring seizes up.
5. Decide it might be prudent to spend the two spare weeks walking, stretching, and rehabbing that troublesome muscle.
6. Take advantage of the extra two weeks to read the training schedule more carefully. Learn some new stretches.
7. Start the training schedule again, determined to do it right.
8. Week 1, Day 1. Head in the general direction of the park …[MORE]