The No-Schedule Plan

Training plans.  Love them or hate them?  I'm actually indifferent toward them.  I like to use them as more of a guide than a plan as I prefer to run a range of miles.  I'm not the stickler-type who has to run around the parking lot until my Garmin reaches an exact number.  I know the necessary components of training -- a strength run (hills or speed), a tempo run, and a long run.  I also now know the importance of recovery runs and stretching/rolling.  So I feel pretty confident using a guide rather than a plan.

Ironically, I consider myself a planner -- rather than a guider.  ;)  One of my favorite parts of running is planning my races for the year.  So, it was a little disheartening to cross out all my races on my 2014 calendar (click here).  But, it was also a little liberating, too.  My Achilles is starting to feel really good and I want to keep it that way.  I feel the smartest thing to do is to take the stress off for a while.  I had to do a little soul-searching about why I run and what I love about it. And, while the little shrine of hardware in my closet is nice, it's not just about medals and placing.  I just love to run.

So, are all races called off?  Not at all.  I'm stepping outside the box, though, and will just go day-by-day.  I'm pumped up for my favorite relays in June -- RTO & DeCelle.  We'll see how things go from there.  Wish me luck on my no-schedule plan!