Middle Aged and Living Well

A year ago, I started a regular running plan. My goal was to move my weekly miles from 10 miles a week to over 20 miles. Thanks to some running plans from Runners World, I was able to create a systematic approach to increase my miles and speed. Also my job gave me flexibility to run at lunch. I was an independent researcher with no direct employees and worked on projects that gave me great flexibility in my schedule. Starting last March, my miles went from 10 miles a week to a high of 22 a week. My speed went from 10 minute miles to some runs were as fast as 8:30 a mile. In December, my miles went down due to our travel schedule. January rebounded only slightly as weather was a factor. Now in February and March, my job changed from no direct reports to 8 employees. That increase in responsibility, has removed the flexibility of my schedule as these employees now depend on my presence. Also adding to my lack of flexibility is I am now involved with a major project which will probably require more travel. Not complaining, as this is a great project, but it does impact on my running. So now I have to switch the time and place where I run.

So, starting in April, the mornings will be my time to run. That means getting up earlier and stepping into the cool air to get a few miles in before work. If I can get 10 miles in on three mornings and then some on the weekend, I should be able to get back to 15 miles a week.