Embracing consistency, sticking to a schedule

It feels great to stick to a schedule with runs every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I’ve missed running and having a training plan.

At first my legs were feeling super heavy and unmotivated but they are now waking up and getting with the program. Some days I feel like I have never run before in my life.

It helps that winter seems to have been cancelled. Little snow as fallen over the last few weeks, which I am loving. Perfect timing because I am able to get more consistent with my running without worried about getting frost bite.

For the last month, I have clocked at least 50 kilometres. I am off to a good start with building my base. While I am feeling really good, I am mindful not to increase my volume too quickly. It’s only December and I don’t to feel burnt out come spring.

Mostly I have been running at Nose Hill – my favourite spot in Northwest Calgary. But I have started branching out again and revisiting the places like Confederation Park and Bowmount where I used to run when I first moved to Calgary.

Mixing in some road running

Pathway running can get tiresome especially when you are used to running on the trails in the mountains. But I am determined to get in some boring, pathway runs this winter. It’s going to help with my leg turnover and improve my pace or at least help develop a more consistent pace.

Right now the pathways are hit and miss depending on where they are related to the sun. Last weekend I ran around the Rotary Greenway paths – sections were completely covered in ice while others were dirt dry. I always slow down or walk whenever I hit an icy section – still paranoid about re-hurting my ankle.

So far, so good. I am excited about this back-to-basics approach to running before I amp up for my 2024 races.

Do you run more roads or pathways in the winter? Do you take a time out before the next training block? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.