byLarry EderTraining is supposed to get harder. But, you will also get fitter, which makes it all relative. Your easy jogging pace gets faster, your racing gets faster and your develop confidence in your training, team and your racing.
Madga Lewy-Boulet, photo by PhotoRun.net
Magda Lewy-Boulet is one of my favorite runners. Born in Poland, became an American citizen on 9/11/01, Madga ran cross country, track and road raced to elite levels. After making the 2012 Olympic team, Magda made the move to ultra world and is setting that world on fire. Remember, it all begins with one step.
But, this is more than about cross country. It is about how cross country changes your life. I met with athletes that I coached 35 years ago. Each had taken something different away from the experience. For me, that is quite comforting.
You are a cross country runner. You are part of a centuries old tradition and a global sport, older than soccer, rubgy or football. Own it. Give it your best, challenge your limits! Okay, preaching over for today, here is your workout!
Friday, September 16, 2016: Warm up; 5-mile run; 3×150 yds relaxed strideouts on grass, jogging back to the start after each, no rest in be- tween; cool down.
Week 3, Training gets Harder
Make sure you’re doing your runs on a variety of surfaces–dirt, grassy fields, sand, road, track. It’s good for the feet and helps you use your feet in a healthy variety of ways. You’ll be a little sore this week as your body adjusts. Drink your liquids, sleep, eat well, and hang out with your friends.
Monday, September 5, 2016: Warm up; 5 miles easy running; 2×150 yds relaxed strideouts on grass, jogging back to the start after each, no rest in between; cool down.
Tuesday, September 6, 2016: 1-mile warm-up; 20-min tempo run; 1-mile cool-down. To determine your tempo run pace, add a half-minute to your present mile pace for a 5K. For example: If you currently run 19 min for a 5K, that’s 6:10 pace. Add 30 seconds to get your tempo run pace of 6:40 per mile. Recalculate your pace as your fit- ness improves, about once a month.
Wednesday, September 7, 2016: Warm up; 5 miles easy running; 2×150 yds relaxed strideouts on grass, jogging back to the start after each, no rest in between; cool-down.
Thursday, September 8, 2016: 1-mile warmup; 3 hill repeats (run 200 yds uphill, turn, jog downhill to start; repeat twice more, no rests); 1-mile easy cool-down.
Friday, September 9, 2016: Warm up; 5 miles easy running; 2×150 yds relaxed strideouts on grass, jogging back to the start after each, no rest between; cool down.
Saturday, September 10, 2016: Race day. Warm up, listen to your coach, race, cool down. Sunday: Easy 7-mile run on grass or dirt with friends.
Sunday, September 11, 2016: Easy 7-mile run on grass or dirt with friends.
Week 4: Training Gets Rolling
This week, runners run daily for main sessions. Advanced athletes should add a 20-25-minute session (3 miles) of easy running on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Do these runs at the opposite time of day that you do your hard workout.
Monday, September 12, 2016: Warm up; 5-mile run; 3×150 yds relaxed stride- outs on grass, jogging back to the start after each, no rest between; cool down.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016: 1-mile warmup; 20-min tempo run, 1-mile cool- down. To determine your tempo run pace, add a half- minute to your present mile pace for a 5K. For example: If you currently run 19 min for a 5K, that’s 6:10 pace. Add 30 seconds to get your tempo run pace of 6:40 per mile. Recalculate your pace as your fitness improves, about once a month.
Wednesday, September 14, 2016: Warm up; 5-mile run; 3×150 yds relaxed stride- outs on grass, jogging back to the start after each, no rest in between; cool down.
Thursday, September 15, 2016: 1-mile warmup; 4 hill repeats (run 200 yds uphill, turn, jog downhill to start; repeat 3 times, no rests); 1-mile cool-down.
Friday, September 16, 2016: Warm up; 5-mile run; 3×150 yds relaxed strideouts on grass, jogging back to the start after each, no rest in be- tween; cool down.
Saturday, September 17, 2016: Race day. Warm up, listen to your coach, race, cool down
Sunday, September 18, 2016: Easy 8-mile run on grass or dirt with friends.
