Having regained self confidence after a few 30K+ runs between November 2020 and May 2021, including a solo full marathon, the plan now is to focus on increasing the pace . Of course need to be careful and do this slowly and steadily without going overboard. A 53 mins 10K on 16th July , fastest in over 18 months, gave me the confidence to plan for targeting a sub 4:10 full marathon pace in the next few months. This will be an interim step to get back to a sub 3:55 FM.
As of now no physical marathon events are scheduled this year in India(in person racing has resumed in the US with Marine Corps marathon, Chicago marathon and Boston marathon scheduled in the fall). The course of the pandemic and vaccination drive over the next few months will probably determine if physical FMs will happen in India in 2021. Regardless, I am planning to get ready for one towards the end of the year say November . The immediate goal is for a sub 2 hr half marathon in August(possibly in the independence day virtual run on 15th). Post that I plan to work on a 10 weeks sub 4:10 marathon training plan.
To help build pace, tempo and fartlek/interval runs are necessary in addition to long runs. Though I have resumed tempo runs in July, am wary of fartlek/intervals as they significantly increase the chances of injury. Will relook at this post the half marathon in August. Another consideration post the HM is whether to switch to a 9 or 10 days training cycle which may give more time for recovery from workouts thereby reducing chance of injury.
With focused and diligent training and supported by fabulous Bangalore weather I hope to be in a much better shape at year end than I was at the beginning!!
