Beginner or Intermediate? Training Program Selection

The official Cherry Blossom =PR= Training Program came out on Sunday night and I was so excited to get it!  The email was very detailed and included 9 attachments - an overview of the training, the actual schedule, and information on everything from stretching to running mechanics to core workouts.  The quality of information is great.  And the quantity is great - it took me several days to fully digest it all!

The most important thing for me to determine was which training plan I would follow.  We received Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced programs.  I knew I wasn't in the advanced camp.  Egotistically, I like to think of myself as an intermediate runner, since I have been doing this for a while and have built up a bit of base.  However, the relevant question isn't whether I am an intermediate runner, it is whether I would classify myself as an intermediate "mid-distance" runner.

When the question is re-phrased to include mid-distance, my answer becomes pretty clear.  A beginner is defined in the overview as someone whose goal is to finish the race.  They may not have ever completed 10 miles before (or it's been a while).  Seeing as my last 10-mile race was 19 years ago, I think I fit the beginner category pretty solidly.

So I proceeded to log the training plan on my calendar.  Longer runs on Sundays with the training group, and then two runs during the week of shorter duration.  Logging these on my calendar is key for me to succeed given the demands of my work and home life.  It was important that I identify which days I can fit them in and make the calendaring commitment to myself.  The training plan also includes track workouts on Tuesday evenings with the training group, which are optional for the beginners.  I hope to make some of these, but I'm not going to make them my priority or beat myself up when I miss them.

Today is Wednesday and I did a four mile run at a very easy pace.  My plan called for 2-4.  On Friday I will log another 2-3, and I am looking forward to the long run on Sunday with the group.  Sunday run bonus - the Brooks rep will be at =PR= and we can try out their new Transcend shoe!