Hi there my running friend this is Coach Claire Bartholic, the Planted Runner, and this is the

Run to the Top Podcast, one of the first and only running podcast dedicated to making

you a better runner with each and every episode. We are created and produced by the

expert team of running coaches at runnersconnect.net where you can find the

best running

coaching plans to fit every runner and every budget.

The New Year is the time

the new year is the time where many people take stock of their lives.

We're ready for a fresh start and we dream and we plan all the things that we're going to do differently this year.

For real this time, Runners are no exception. Maybe you've got a

resolution to run more or stretch more or to finally commit to strength training

twice a week. Those are all fantastic goals of course, but have you ever taken the time to plan an entire year of running?

On today's run to the top, I'm going to go over how and why to plan a year of running right now. You'll

learn what happens when you don't make a strategic plan for your goals, how and

when to mix up your distances and your training

and what a well-planned yearly calendar looks like

for marathoners, half marathoners, and 5K or 10K racers.

And later on in the show, I'll reveal the secret code word and details for our

December contest. Most runners put a goal race on their schedule and count backwards. You've got 12 to 16 weeks of a marathon block or 6 to 12 weeks to get specific for the 5K. Then maybe you'll throw in some down weeks for recovery and then put something else on the schedule.

That kind of planning can work just fine, but a haphazard plan can also lead to haphazard results.

That's because each training block built upon the last one

and because if you're always doing the same things, you're always going to get the same results, or worse.

...