Backslidden

This really should not be called a “Bible.” There is plenty of Law (aka Old Testament) but there is no fall back Grace or Mediator (New Testament) to count on when you mess it all up.

Since early January, I have tried to follow Joe Friel's base mileage chart, but I clearly am not able to get the number of hours in per week that he and other experts recommend for someone who is trying to be remotely competitive. Last week, for instance—6.5 hours—pitiful. That number does not even make Friel’s chart for rest week hours. The longest week I have done since I started is 15 hours. I had to scrap, cut work, ignore life for every one of those hours.

I am sure it can be done with a busy schedule like mine, but it would take someone with better discipline and a more refined temperment than I have. So I guess I will just go back to my heathen backslidden ways. Whenever miles, whatever format, whatever works for that week kind of thing. Actually, I lie, I plan to continue following what he says about how to incorporate rest, weights, intensity, intervals and peaking, it's just that I need to work with a lower hours count than he recommends.

It sure would be nice to actually have talent (youth wouldn't hurt either) so that I could get away with burning the book. But I am an athlete who has to work for every inch I get. I know people (Beneline and Greco immediately come to mind) who can log low miles but still post impressive results on race day. They both have high standards for themselves and know how much better they can do with higher mileage, but nevertheless, they have their minds and bodies trained to compete well regardless. I really ought to find out what they read!