How should I structure my sessions for a three day sitting meditation retreat?

I’ve been wanting to do an extended vipassana (sitting meditation) retreat for myself for a long time now. There’s a center that offers 10 day courses, but due to work complications, I’ve never managed to find two weekends free.

But life is short, and there is no time like now…. so, carpe diem! I’ve set aside three days during Chinese New Year, and found a quiet room where I can sit undisturbed. Now I need to plan a schedule for myself—how long to sit for each time? I was thinking of starting with 50 minutes a round (which is my current maximum so far), and doing walking meditation in between the sits. I’m expecting to work up from there… see how it goes… it’s going to take some self-discipline!

Any advice from people who have done an extended retreat before? I have done sitting meditation before, and I practice standing meditation / tai chi/ hands on healing fairly regularly, so it’s not new to me. But I’ve never tried an extended retreat before… so I’d would love to hear from those who have done this before…