Spring Marathon

For those of us who reside in the northern climates, the cold, snowy, wind-driven days of January and February are often the most unpleasant of times. The days are short, we are light-deprived and Vitamin-D starved. Our workout times are slower, as roads may be snow covered or ice glazed. Wind-chills slice our faces, and bone-numbing slush invades our shoes.

It is the perfect time to train for a marathon!

The seeds for your spring marathon are planted on January's frozen tundra.

This is the time to grind out the miles. Granted, times may be slow, but the capillary-building, lung-enhancing long-distance runs of this month will pay dividends on Heartbreak Hill, and make, "The Wall" seem like paper mache.

Football is winding down, and chances are your team has been eliminated by now, so make Sunday your day for a long run. Also, unlike the summer, with barbecues, yard work, and family outings, there really is very little to do in the winter. If you're an experienced runner, spend at least an hour on the road. Eventually, build up to 2 hours.. A minimum of 3-20 milers is necessary if you intend to meet your marathon goal.

During the week, simply put in the miles. Always try to do one 'faster' workout, such as a tempo run, in the middle of the week. Last week I was able to do  mile intervals on the track, but today's 3-inch snowfall and the approach of bitterly cold temperatures have deferred future track sessions.

If you plan to run a marathon in March, you should be training now. Count back 11 weeks from your race. (the week prior to the race is your week to taper) Your training should commence at that time. For April and May marathons, you still have time before you begin long-distance training.

Make the most of these dreary, dreadful months. Along about mile 22, think about the day when the wind chill factor dipped below zero. Laugh about time the when the car spattered you with gray slush. Be happy that you are climbing a steep, dry hill, rather than a snow-covered one.

Spend your time in purgatory now, and you will enjoy the heavenly rewards of a successful marathon. www. runningshortsbook.com