This Book Kinda Sorta Maybe Made Me Run Faster

First of all, I'm off for the week and planned very little for the first part of break, so I'm almost the "the b-word" (not a bitch... rhymes with pored; I'm afraid to say it because when we were kids my mom would always give us chores when we did) so my blog has gotten a little extra attention. Next, if you hate running and have no interest in reading about it you may want to skip this one.

After a disappointing Rock and Roll Las Vegas run in December I purchased and wrote about a book called Run Less Run Faster, which outlines a strict training schedule of three running days and two cross-training sessions. The author provided plans as far as running- one speed workout, a tempo run, and a long run, while the other two days were supposed to be biking, swimming, etc...

I am happy to report that a week and a half ago at the Surf City Half (13.1 miles) I PRed by over eight minutes (about 37 seconds off each mile, which I'm still shocked about) and beat my crappy Vegas time by over ten minutes. I will absolutely give this book part of the credit. First of all, I started running with an actual purpose, instead of to just rack up the miles. I did at least one speed workout (intervals) and one long run a week (7-13 miles), and a few shorter tempo-ish runs in between. I made a significant effort to push myself, which hadn't happened in the weeks leading up to R&R Vegas.

I failed on the cross-training aspect, though. I did maybe one day a week, and that was on the elliptical, which the author advises against (it uses many of the same muscles as running, preventing muscles from getting adequate rest). I just could not get comfortable with running three days a week- it made me feel like a slacker. And running keeps me sane; I do become the b-word if I'm not doing in enough.

All in all, this book had some excellent ideas and I really think it contributed to my progress. I did get new shoes (it is possible to love inanimate objects, by the way- my awesome new Asics are like walking on clouds), saw my doctor about new allergy and asthma medicines, and adjusted my pre-race caffeine regimen, though, so I can't give this book all the credit. I'll never be a Kara Goucher, or even qualify for Boston, but I think there's still room to improve, so I'll keep using this plan. Whether you're a new runner or a seasoned veteran looking for new training suggestions, I highly recommend this text.