It's been a good year of preparation. I still have four years until I can send in my packet, so I'm pacing my progress. No need to break myself prematurely.
I've cut down on distance with my running, but have been doing more interval training. Historically I have done longer distance stuff with half marathon and marathon training being my focus. However, after some re-education, I only run 5 to 6 miles a few days a week, with other cardio on the alternate days, and one total rest day. Running is normally two days of 400 or 800 sprint/run cycling for the distance, and then one good pacing run on the beach, or in the snow, pending what the weather is. One week a month I don't run, just to keep the stress lower on my legs. The pool is good. Not too worried about running, did a 50 miler earlier this year "just because", and it went fine.
My mindset has changed with weightlifting. Been trying to unify my body weight and lifting routines for better effect, and I am happy with the results. My rucking is going good, with 40-60 lb. in the ruck, and carrying a 4 foot 4x4 in my arms. Distances range from 4-16 miles.
Lots of reading, lots of listening. The Bulletproof Mind. Predictably Irrational. Every day I make sure to do something to develop and stretch my mind. Lots of political science journals. Regional Studies, eastern europe and iran in particular.
And still so much to learn...
