post-marathon recovery plan
Reflection Training

My Post-Marathon Recovery Plan: Winging It

It’s been said that marathon recovery is just as important as training. Why don’t I follow a post-marathon recovery plan like I do a training plan? The last thing I want to do after a four-month training block is follow another plan!

I recently recapped my disappointing sixth marathon, the Virginia Beach Shamrock Marathon, and failed second attempt at breaking three hours. As much as I’m determined to find my next marathon and begin a new training plan, I’ve been greatly enjoying a more carefree post-marathon recovery plan: no plan.

Virginia Beach marathon Shamrock Marathon
Racing Training

Virginia Beach Marathon Recap: Sub-Three Will Have to Wait

Last Sunday I ran the Virginia Beach Marathon, my sixth marathon and second attempt at breaking three hours. I’m in the best shape of my life thanks to completing the best training block of my running career. However, I finished just under 3:05—barely a PR, but I wanted more. I wanted the race clock to read 2:59:59 or below when I crossed the finish line. I didn’t train for a slight PR—I trained for a big 6-minute PR using the Pfitzinger 12 week/55-70 mile plan.

Pfitzinger marathon training plan
Reflection Training

Pfitzinger Marathon Training Plan at the Halfway Point

I’m halfway through the 12 week/55-70 mile Pfitzinger marathon training plan I’m using to run my first sub-3-hour marathon at the 2024 Virginia Beach Shamrock Marathon on March 17—St. Paddy’s Day. How does it compare to the Pfitzinger 18 week/55-70 mile plan from Advanced Marathoning?

I found out last fall that an 18-week training block is tough. It feels overly long (Duh, it’s 18 weeks) and it can be easy to lose motivation at times throughout the grueling 4+ months. But shaving six weeks off the plan is much more manageable, even if each of the 12 weeks demands more.

running weather.
Satire Training

Hot Running Weather in the Winter: It’s Totally Natural

Last week, there was a four-day stretch of unseasonably warm running weather throughout the east coast of the U.S. We’re talking high 60s and mid-70s °F in southern Virginia in January, when it’s typically in the 30’s and 40’s. This came as such a pleasant surprise amid challenging winter marathon training.

The following is the inner monologue rattling around The Size 15 Runner’s head during one of the uncommonly warm runs.

running on a track
Opinion Training

Why Running On A Track Actually Isn’t Horrible

For the longest time I avoided running on a track. Blame it on my PTSD from the annual gym class “mile run” in grade school. Yes, believe it or not, I used to hate running. Now, I’m practically insufferable writing about anything and everything running-related. I guess that’s what they call growth?

Why would I want to run in a giant circle repeatedly on display, in the spotlight for anyone and their grandmother to watch? Yes, I’m aware no one desires to see me run, but it’s just the fact that someone could. Possibly it’ll be some day in a dystopian future when…

Virginia Beach marathon
Racing Training

Virginia Beach Marathon: Breaking Three Hours, Attempt 2

How do I bounce back from a disappointing Marine Corps Marathon in which I failed to reach my sub-3-hour marathon goal? By getting back out on the roads and training even harder this winter. My sixth 26.2-mile trek and second attempt at breaking three hours will be the Virginia Beach Marathon (Shamrock) on March 17.

If I want to trim six minutes off my PR (3:05:51), I’ll need to tap into the “luck of the Irish” as I race on St. Paddy’s Day. Oh, and some training might help, too.