Impala, Gazelle or Gnu, which one are YOU?The Safari offers two great programs, each with 3 different schedules….choices, choices, choices! How does one ever select? Beginning with my first Safari Marathon Training experience in 2003, it has been my normal routine to adhere to the high intensity marathon training schedule. My goal was to generate competitive marathon times and with that in mind, followed the most aggressive training regiment. As I enter into my fifth year of marathon training, and an average mileage base of 21 miles a week, I find myself contemplating a more moderate intensity schedule. After being diagnosed with not one, but two chronic maladies whose prognosis threatens my ability to even successfully complete marathon training this summer, the odds of arriving to the starting line tilt slightly more in my favor if I back down to a regiment less taxing to the body; Lower mileage, fewer 20-milers, lower intensity track workouts. Ultimately, my recovery, or lack thereof, will determine which training schedule is most appropriate given the set of circumstances. Sure, it is exhilarating to achieve lofty goals such as to set a PR or qualify for Boston or finish your first marathon. To make it all possible, however, we first need to get our bodies to the starting line trained and injury free. There is nothing more disappointing than training for 12 weeks, and finding yourself sidelined due to injury.
When it comes down to it, there is a whole lot more to consider than goals, pace and ability when determining the best training schedule fit for you. A big factor is your propensity to injury. Are you injury prone? Are you recovering from an injury? If your answer is yes, a lower or more moderate intensity schedule may be a better fit, regardless of ability. Another consideration is your lifestyle and stressors in your life. If you are traveling frequently during the summer months, starting a demanding new job, caring for a new baby (or for some a litter of puppies) or shuttling children to travel baseball games, a lower intensity schedule may prove to be more a more realistic fit for your lifestyle..
Number of years running, marathons/half marathons completed, age (and this can mean “young” or “experienced”) and average weekly mileage base coming into the program can also factor into choosing the training schedule that will work best…… for YOU!
Here are the Safari Training Schedules and their emphasis:
The High Intensity Marathon Gazelles and High Intensity Half Marathon Leopards are higher mileage programs designed for those who wish to be competitive or generate Personal Records in the marathon or half marathon, improve performance through the added benefit of more aggressive speed work, higher mileage and (for the marathon) 3- twenty milers. The Tuesday Track emphasis is on Lactate Threshold & Tempo Runs, VO2 Max Intervals & Decline Training.
The Moderate Intensity Marathon Gnus and Moderate Intensity Half Marathon Cheetahs are moderate mileage programs designed for new or experienced half/full marathoners looking for the additional edge higher mileage can provide without the demands of aggressive speed work. There are 2 – Twenty milers. The Tuesday Track emphasis is on Lactate Threshold &Tempo Runs.
The Low Intensity Marathon Impalas and the Low Intensity Half Marathon Jaguars are lower mileage programs designed for the first time marathoner/half marathoner or for experienced half/full marathoners who enjoy lower mileage training. The goal is to finish the marathon or half marathon at a comfortable pace with a smile. The Tuesday Track emphasis is on Lactate Threshold and Tempo Runs.
Need to simplify your life with a couple of refrigerator sheets? The Safari Saturday Run Schedule is a one page snapshot of all the Saturday morning runs and start locations. The Tuesday Track Workout Schedule lists all the Tuesday Track Workouts at a glance!
Need more? Contact Rob Lillie at slillie@gazellesports.com if you would like to learn more about how the Peak Performance Program can enhance your training experience.
When it comes down to it, there is a whole lot more to consider than goals, pace and ability when determining the best training schedule fit for you. A big factor is your propensity to injury. Are you injury prone? Are you recovering from an injury? If your answer is yes, a lower or more moderate intensity schedule may be a better fit, regardless of ability. Another consideration is your lifestyle and stressors in your life. If you are traveling frequently during the summer months, starting a demanding new job, caring for a new baby (or for some a litter of puppies) or shuttling children to travel baseball games, a lower intensity schedule may prove to be more a more realistic fit for your lifestyle..
Number of years running, marathons/half marathons completed, age (and this can mean “young” or “experienced”) and average weekly mileage base coming into the program can also factor into choosing the training schedule that will work best…… for YOU!
Here are the Safari Training Schedules and their emphasis:
The High Intensity Marathon Gazelles and High Intensity Half Marathon Leopards are higher mileage programs designed for those who wish to be competitive or generate Personal Records in the marathon or half marathon, improve performance through the added benefit of more aggressive speed work, higher mileage and (for the marathon) 3- twenty milers. The Tuesday Track emphasis is on Lactate Threshold & Tempo Runs, VO2 Max Intervals & Decline Training.
The Moderate Intensity Marathon Gnus and Moderate Intensity Half Marathon Cheetahs are moderate mileage programs designed for new or experienced half/full marathoners looking for the additional edge higher mileage can provide without the demands of aggressive speed work. There are 2 – Twenty milers. The Tuesday Track emphasis is on Lactate Threshold &Tempo Runs.
The Low Intensity Marathon Impalas and the Low Intensity Half Marathon Jaguars are lower mileage programs designed for the first time marathoner/half marathoner or for experienced half/full marathoners who enjoy lower mileage training. The goal is to finish the marathon or half marathon at a comfortable pace with a smile. The Tuesday Track emphasis is on Lactate Threshold and Tempo Runs.
Need to simplify your life with a couple of refrigerator sheets? The Safari Saturday Run Schedule is a one page snapshot of all the Saturday morning runs and start locations. The Tuesday Track Workout Schedule lists all the Tuesday Track Workouts at a glance!
Need more? Contact Rob Lillie at slillie@gazellesports.com if you would like to learn more about how the Peak Performance Program can enhance your training experience.
