This season I have decided to make one big difference in the training/racing schedule: trail running. More to the point, I’m taking on the Double Chubb (25k version) in April. The largest part of this puzzle is I have to go from being a runner (sometimes) to someone that can handle 3 runs a week including a long run.

To accomplish this, I’ve decided to spend December and January with 2-3 runs a week in the 2-5 mile range per run. Most of the runs will be easy paced “base” style runs. I am also doing the Frostbite short series for the first time so those runs will be at a higher pace. In fact the first race, a 3k, was last weekend and I surprised myself with a top 10 finish in my age group and a mile pace of 7:22! Hopefully some of this training can be trail runs. Starting in February I’ll definitely move to 3 runs a week with a long run on weekends and will also include more trail running.

Training for trail running is going to be challenging but rewarding. There are definitely times during the year where I miss trail running and not being able to do it has always made it that much worse. I’m also hopeful that running will help with other thing part of my training for next year: more core, strength, and flexibility training.

Along with the trail run, I have my eye on several long mountain bike races (and, maybe, one very long gravel race…) so being comfortable for hours is going to be key. For this, I’m starting a more regular practice of yoga and some basic strength/core training. Beyond this strength training, it will be fun to learn how to fit in some long training bike hours alongside the running!

My December/January training weeks are looking a bit like this:

Monday:     Yoga
Tuesday:    Run, easy pace
Wednesday:  Strength/Core
Thursday:   Run, easy pace or MTB ride
Friday:     Rest
Saturday:   Run race or MTB ride
Sunday:     Bike ride

What new things are you challenging yourself with next season?