Q. Now that I’ve run a half, and covered that distance in training runs with other people, or just when the mood strikes me, I know I can do it, which puts me into some sort of lazy disadvantage. I have no “training plan” printed. I keep thinking I’m good because I consistently run because it is part of my life now.

Could I plan on running 3 days (either solo or with a group)–one 3-4 miler, one 5-6 miler, and one 7-9 miler? As the race gets closer I will add in the 10-12 distances more regularly on that long day. I will still have those, plus three group workouts a week where we do strength and intervals. Sometimes I stack a run and an interval workout together so I can have an extra day off. I always take Sundays off, and have found I needed another rest day mid week. My legs and feet get tired and I am tired of running through soreness.

I could care less about time or pace. I just want the t-shirt. Finishing is my prize.

A. Yep, I think you can easily do that if you’re chasing a lofty P.R.  Your plan is about what I do year-round.  I run three to four days a week — a 3-4-mile on Mondays, a 5 to 6-miler on Wedneday nights with a group and a group long run on Saturdays (8 to 12). Sometimes I throw in another 3-miler on Fridays, if I feel like it. Plus, I weight train three days a week. Training this way means I’m ready to do a 1/2 marathon on any given weekend. All you really need (if your goal is simply to finish) is a long run at least twice a month.

Now I am following the 3-run-a-week marathon plan, but I’m not going to be strict about because I have a lot of other things (bay swim, quad events, etc.) and races I want to do. I don’t care if I miss a long run or a speed workout or two. I realize now that it just doesn’t matter all that much.

There’s being committed and there’s being obsessive. It’s a fine line and few runners know it when they’ve crossed it. It usually take a chronic, recurring injury to help them see the light.

I need at least two days off a week — sometimes 3. I don’t feel bad about that. I lead a generally active life. Even my “rest days” would be exhausting for some people and I know you’re the same (with a house and bunch of kiddos to take care of).

Forget those who insist piling on mileage is the “best” way to train. You know what’s best for you and your mind & body.

Want one, cupcake? Info here

Erie Runner’s Club board member, marathoner, and self-proclaimed “cupcake”, Suzy Carstater has an offer for any newbie (or not so newbie) runners who are signed up (or planning to sign up) for the Biggest Loser 1/2 Marathon that is coming to Erie in August.

Suzy posted this message on the ERC Facebook page:

The one thing that has helped me race in distances over a 5K has been a consistent long run training group.If anyone has signed up for the biggest loser 1/2 marathon in August as their first 1/2 marathon a consistent weekly long run is a key to success. Myself and members of team cupcake are willing to work with anyone who is interested in training.

If you plan to run the 1/2 in August or the 1/2 in September it is time to start now. You should be able to walk 30 minutes and start on a couch to 5K program. This will fit into running a 5K for St. Pats as a first 5K, when spring comes you should be able to run/walk a 3 mile distance and should be running 3 times a week. We will be increasing the long run over 3 miles starting about 12 weeks before the August race.

Please come to the membership meeting (second Monday of each month at the Plymouth Tavern in the front meeting room — next one is Monday, January 14) and if you would like to find training partners see if you can meet up with someone at your pace and training for a similar distance.

We will start the Sunday after the membership meeting and will meet at 8 AM at the rotary, find us on facebook at the erie runners club 2013 or ask to join the erie runnners club running groups.

If you are wondering about my coaching qualifications, I do not have any and if you look at my race times, you’ll see that I am not fast but I left the couch at the age 50 and in the past five years have run several 1/2 marathons, the Erie Marathon and the Oil Creek 50K. I am proof that you can run a 1/2 this year, all you need are running friends and some determination.

~ Suzy