Marathonitis

This should be a wikipedia entry: "Marathonitis is a mental disease that affects runners. It is highly contagious and transmitted through contact with other infected runners. In it mild form, it is makes people give up their lives for 18 to 24 weeks at a time while they train to put themselves through 26.2 miles of pain and discomfort. The only treatment know is to allow the patient to run said 26.2 miles, and use behavior modification a few days later by reminding them about the pain and discomfort. If successful, the patient will run fewer miles at a slower pace. If treatment is unsuccessful, Matahonitis can progress to a more serious state. In it's acute form, Marathonitis can make the subject attempt feats of superhuman effort by running multiple marathons in quick succession. . Unfortunately, while treatment may resolve symptoms, there is no cure. The only known prevention is to avoid contact with infected runners"

I am happy to report that right now I have a mild case, and am on the road to recovery. My recovery protocol this week:

Monday: 3 miles GA, stretching, core
Tuesday: 5 miles - 2 mile warm up, 4X400 intervals at 5K pace with 400 rest, 1 mile warm down
Wednesday: 3 miles GA, stretching, core
Thursday: 6.75 miles - 2 mile warm up, 3 X 1600 at MP with 400 rest, 1 mile warm down
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 7 miles GA
Sunday: 30 minute tempo run (about 3 miles)
Total: Around 27.75 miles.

I know I'm in recovery because I can't tell you how nice it is to look at that schedule and *not* see any double digit runs.

I whipped out a very enjoyable 3 miler last night. And since it's Tuesday, I'll be back on the track tonight for an *easy* set of 400's. I'm back to enjoying this running thing again....