Back in the Saddle Again

This week I started my training for a fall marathon.  It will be my second and I'm hoping to make a much better showing than my first.  I have used self-motified versions of Hal Higgdon's training before for both the half and full marathons, but this time I decided to switch it up.

Me after the Nike Womens' Marathon, San Francisco (Oct. 2009)*

* Note the super HOT knee brace I was sporting for the race!

The daily email I get from Runner's World yesterday included a link to training programs for beginners, intermediate level and advanced marathon runners.  I am VERY much in the beginner's arena still so I'm going with that.

My only complaint so far is that the "rest" days include an instruction to really rest.  They say that "active rest" is not really resting.  My issue with that is doesn't cross-training help marathon runners.  Coming off a (somewhat mild) injury during my last marathon training and race, I need all the help I can get to avoid my knee problem flaring up.

So, as far as "rest" days go, I'm pretty much going to let it be my call whether they are "active" or not.  Sorry RW.  I'll let you know how it goes.  :)