Getting with the Program

When I first started running after Easter, I used the Couch to 5K training program. It helped me get started, but things always kind of fell apart around week 5 or 6, so I never finished it. This Wednesday the social runners encouraged me to get back on a training plan, and they recommended Hal Higdon. I’m certainly not conditioned enough to start even the novice level half-marathon program, so I looked at his 5k plans. I think I’m somewhere between the Novice and Intermediate.

In an effort to stick to something before my next race, and to do a plan that meets me where I am right now, I’ve created my own plan. I definitely would appreciate feedback on it, so please critique all you want! Here are my current issues and goals:

• I am not running a complete mile yet, but I’m getting close so that’s definitely a goal within the next week or two.
• My overall goal is to drop my pace from 14 minutes to 12 minutes, and I think I should be focusing on running 1-2 miles before I start adding distance.
• I can run 5 miles, but since I end up walking a lot of it, I don’t see how adding length at this stage is improving my running. (This is where your feedback is important. If I’m doing this wrong, please tell me!) 
• I’m already doing Yoga 4 times a week for 90-minutes each session; so I know that part of my program is realistic. I consider Yoga a very doable activity on a Rest/Recovery day because it’s a great way for me to work out all the tightness I build up by running.
• I’ll be swapping one of my yoga days for an elliptical day to build endurance with minimal impact.
• Running as often as I have myself scheduled is what I think will be challenging. Currently, I’m running twice a week for about 3 miles each run, but my shins are definitely feeling the pain. I figure if I still run the same amount, just split up a bit differently, I may see some changes.
• I don’t run more right now because I get shin splints. They are a major bitch. If I start getting shin splints again, I’m going to take time off heavy impact activities (such as pounding my feet and legs against pavement several times a week).
• Here’s what I’ve put together for myself. Let me know what you think.

Though my plan doesn’t technically start until this coming Sunday, I’m going to yoga class tonight, and I’ll run 2 miles tomorrow just to get a good jump on things. I track my running with runtastic, so if you want to check out my stats to give even more specific feedback based on my performance, feel free!