Idaho and My 10-Miler Training Plan

We're back from Idaho! I don't know who has been doing such a great job at keeping this state a secret, but it may possibly be one of the prettiest states I've ever visited. The last time I was in Idaho was when I was 12, so everything seemed new to me on this trip. Now that we have family visiting, I can't wait to return soon!

In other news, after posting about the '30 by 30 Challenge' a number of you commented or e-mailed me asking about my training plan for some of the upcoming races I'll be running. By no means am I an expert on the subject, this is just what I've been going by lately. For our first half marathon in July, I followed the ever-popular Hal Higdon training method, using his Half Marathon Novice schedule found here. For someone like me, who has been injury-prone in the past when running long distances, this was the perfect training plan. It only has you running three days a week, enough to build cardiovascular endurance while keeping over-use injuries at bay.

I loved the Hal Higdon training plan, so I was a bit skeptical when my mom suggested we follow Runner's World's "Run Your Best 10-Miler Ever" plan for our race in October.  Best ever? I just want to finish the dang thing! Since I have been running quite a bit and have a pretty decent base built up, this plan seemed attainable. However, for anyone who hasn't been running much, I would highly recommend the Hal Higdon beginner's plan.

That said, here's what I've been doing:
Mondays: Cross train/30 minute treadmill speed workout
Wednesdays: Tennis with Joey
Fridays: Cross Train
Saturdays: Active rest days

Week 1
Tuesday: 3 miles
Thursday: 3 miles
Sunday: 5 miles

Week 2
Tuesday: 4 miles
Thursday: 4 miles
Sunday: 6 miles

Week 3
Tuesday: 4 miles
Thursday: 4 miles
Sunday: 7 miles

Week 4
Tuesday: 4 miles
Thursday: 5 miles
Sunday: 8 miles

Week 5
Tuesday: 5 miles
Thursday: 5 miles
Sunday: 10k race

Week 6
Tuesday: 5 miles
Thursday: 5 miles
Sunday: 8 miles

Week 7
Tuesday: 4 miles
Thursday: 4 miles
Sunday: 10 miles

Week 8
Tuesday: 6 miles
Thursday: 5 miles
Sunday: 8 miles

Week 9
Tuesday: 5 miles
Thursday: 6 miles
Sunday: 6 miles

Week 10
Tuesday: 5 miles
Thursday: 4 miles
Sunday: Minneapolis 10-Mile Race