Welcome back Sue!! Right. This plan. At first glance it might look overwhelming. But it’s not.

Basically it’s been created to give us maximum flexibility as I know, especially with your dissertation due we might need to move things around. So rather than me spend too long being precise with which sessions to put where, I’ve stuck to the trusty routine of Tuesday efforts, Thursday bimble, Saturday parkrun, Sunday long run.

Now I know I said 3 runs per week, and we can stick to that if you wanted, but at the moment the 4 runs (3.48 average per week across the plan) allows you to get far more easy miles in, build up that aerobic base and hopefully just enjoy your running again. So not having that pressure at first to hit targets or work super hard. Once a week, yes, but too many hard Sunday long runs, I don’t think we need them right now, especially with the primary goal being the Ultra.

Speaking of which I’ve just done a plan for Lindsey and given a few others are running the same Ultra, I’ve scheduled in the same long runs. That way you can head out on the trails as a group.

So whilst 210 and 240 mins might seem daunting, it’s unlikely you’ll cover huge ground on those runs if doing them on the trails. Slow it right down, time on feet, that’s what is the most important thing. The idea being in the 4 hour run you’ll cover at least 20 miles.

Speaking of long runs, if the opportunity to run The Amble comes up, I would highly recommend it. I loved that day and will probably do it again this year, such a good day out.

If you’re happy with your strength work, I can leave it off the dashboard. Or if you find the accountability helps I can keep putting it in, whichever you prefer.

As I say this plan is so flexible. Missing sessions isn’t a problem. If you missed a Tuesday we can put in a quick parkrun. If you missed a swim we can do 60 mins the next time. It’s why Training Load is such a good way to work.

But I like it. It’s simple, it’s a good routine and hopefully you’ll find it both enjoyable and not too demanding.