Rest Days

Week 4 of training included zero actually rest days, but I didn't go all out every day. I won't make this a habit, especially as miles ramp up, but my body is handling it well now. My back has been super tight and knotted in part due to sitting (incorrectly) at a desk all day, so I am exploring seeing a chiropractor for help. Running felt strong this week and I've started searching for a fall marathon! The logical side of me knows I should wait until VCM is over but I just can't help myself.

Monday: cardio core attack

Tuesday: 1 hour of spinning taught by Melissa!

Wednesday: 5 miles at lunch with my little running group. Average pace 9:43

Thursday: 4 miles of hill repeats with a friend at lunch. Average page 9:47

Friday: 6 miles on the treadmill in the evening. Average pace 10:17 - started slow and sped up throughout the course of the run.

Saturday: bodypump

Sunday: 11 mile long run! Felt strong, much better than the 9 miles two weeks ago. Average pace 10:07

Week 3

Last week was pretty standard, took an entire rest day because I definitely needed it. Fatigue, irritability, trouble sleeping? Yes to all of the above.

Monday: REST

Tuesday: 3 miles at lunch and PM bodypump class

Wednesday: 5 miles in a snowstorm

Thursday: kickboxing

Friday: taught yoga

Saturday: 5 PM miles

Sunday: 6 (more PM) miles

It was a step back week and I swapped out a 3 mile run for kickboxing. After this week I'm going to get into the 5 running days per week schedule as that works for me in terms of training. I'm starting to love the increased mileage but 11 miles due this week is sort of scary!

Am I really doing this again?

During the second week of marathon training, it hit me. I am running another marathon. I don't quite have the same level of high that I did the first time around, likely because I am well aware of the pain and long hours that are to come. Either way, I am looking forward to running a marathon in my home state and seeing what I can do with the momentum of friends and family along the course. Although, the first time around, Melissa and Julia were pretty much the best fans anyone could ask for. And Adam, except he missed me crossing the finish line. Still not over that one.

Week 2:

Monday: cardio core attack - 50 mins core work and intervals, like jumping jacks, box jumps, and burpees
Tuesday: bodypump
Wednesday: 5 miles
Thursday: 3 miles on the treadmill
Friday: taught yoga
Saturday: 5 miles
Sunday: 9 miles

Benchmark

Not all runs are blog worthy, certainly not a boring three miles I struggled through on the treadmill. I'd like to forget that. 

When I first started running, I had my signature 5 mile loop. It was fairly flat with a small incline at the end. On a good day, it would take me an hour. There were certain spots along the way where I would check my watch to see where I was at. My mind was blown when I got my Garmin and found out it was in fact 4.5 miles. I was running slower than 12 minute miles.

We moved in August so when heading for a run from the gym yesterday, I knew I could do my old loop. I added extra on to make it a true 5 miles and completed it in 46 minutes. 46 minutes! This isn't fast by some standards, but for this runner who consistently logged 12 minute miles for years, it is.