WEEK 8: TURKEY TROT 2019

TRAINING CONTINUES.  Monday is the first day of Week 8 of the 10-week+ plan that ends the weekend before Thanksgiving.  There’s a partial 11th week, but is a buffer to help those who need to spend a few days traveling or have a difficult time wrapping up preholiday plans.  It can be considered a little taper in which you run or walk to stay active before the race.
 
This Monday you may be recovering from Halloween celebrations that began before the weekend. If you raided a child’s “trick-or-treat” bag, dipped into the supply you gave on October 31, or indulged at a party, enjoy the memory of good times. Try to get back to a normal eating pattern that includes nutritious meals and snacks.
 
RUNNERS: Those who partied the weekend and who plan to perform the optional track day schedule on MONDAY will have an opportunity to test how a change in diet can affect the way you feel and run!  The track day work on November 4 may be a bit rough.
 
The longest runs of the entire plan are scheduled during this week and week 9, your PEAK training effort. After week 9 you will be decreasing mileage prior to the Thanksgiving Day race.  When I am struggling through intervals or hills, the second to last effort always happens to be my best. I know I only have one more after it, so I give it all my concentration, and power through it.
 
Try to power through week 8, knowing week 9 will involve your biggest effort.  Enjoy looking back during week 10 at the progress you’ve made.
 
WALKERS: You will still be increasing your mileage to the end of the 10 weeks, per the Hal Higdon 10K plan. If you are not intending to cover a 10k distance in your TURKEY TROT event, consider these last weeks as time to build endurance.  You’ll be able to finish a 5k or 8K stronger and possibly a bit faster.
 
RUN & MOVE HAPPY!

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