2005 - December

[Sweder]

I like your simplified schedule Andy.

The 'relationship' comparison rings true. I look back on last year and see the damage I did (principally to my hamstring) hurtling around the track on cold Tuesday nights. This affected Almería, Brighton and Reading halves, a series so full of promise 12 months ago. My catch phrase for 2006 is 'less is more'. This flies in the face of most advice, but my goals have shifted - I'm now mentally preparing for the Two Oceans in 2007, and everything I do from now on is geared towards injury-free endurance.

So I'm down to the bare bones: 2 mid-week runs of around 5 miles a piece with my long runs on Sunday, starting at 11 miles and building to 20. I can see the occasional recovery 'around town' plod on a Monday, and if my old mate SP fancies a mid-week Seaford sojorn (followed by some Guinness investment) I won't duck the challenge.

I guess the upshot is, running schedules are like much else in life - they come in all shapes and sizes for people of , er, all shapes and sizes. Best wishes for 2006, and may the heady, giddy haze of new love linger a little longer.