All of my workouts and schedule are created specifically for me by DWRunning.
Is it time to go run Boston yet? Seriously, I love running and I do love training but a part of me is more than ready for this race to be here already. I’m ready to give it all and soak up every single minute. The training is almost done, just got to hold on and dig deep for these last three weeks.
There are bad weeks, and good weeks, and I am happy to say that this past week has been full of good things. I have felt more like myself for the most part, and that has been really uplifting. I sometimes can find myself getting frustrated from losing a little fitness, but then I remember how quickly I know I can get it back with hard work. Taking this season to enjoy running and enjoy the marathon process is so worth it.
I’ve got some exciting new news to finish out this Boston training, but I am still putting the finishing touches on it so stay tuned! I’m really excited about what this will help do for my last few weeks and my training going forward.
Let’s take a look at the actual running, shall we?
Monday – 5 miles
I started the week off on the treadmill. It wasn’t bad weather, I just needed a change and since I have to run the same course every day outside during the week I opted to head to the treadmill Monday morning.
The run consisted of 3 miles easy and 2 miles moderate. The moderate miles ended up being around an 8:00-8:10 pace. I really enjoy runs like this because it helps to break it up and I get to challenge myself a little bit without going crazy.
Tuesday – 6 miles
My miles were up a little bit on the easy days this week because my long run was going to be cut down. I went back outside this morning and even though it was muggy and humid it was a nice run. I was able to keep my heart rate down and just enjoy the run. I finished it off with 5 x 100 meter strides before heading home.
I really have to focus on taking it easy, which may seem counterproductive but I naturally want to push the pace if I don’t. Easy days for me are so important to making sure that I am able to hit my workouts.
Wednesday – 8 miles
Wednesday was my workout day this week. It happened to be my least favorite workout – mile repeats. I tried not to focus on that and just get excited to get my legs moving again. I think this was the first day that I actually felt more awake. Daylight savings time really did a number on me the first couple days of the week.
The workout was: 3.2 mile warm up (including strides and a small amount of tempo), 4 x 1 mile with 2 minute jog between, and a small cool down. The goal for the mile repeats were 7:40, 7:30, 7:20, and 7:10.
My final splits ended up being 7:29, 7:24, 7:18, and 7:08. Even though these weren’t the fastest mile repeats I had ever done, it felt nice to push myself again. This felt like a workout I would have done many times in the past, and I felt like my old self again. The miles flew by.
Thursday – 6 miles
Thursday was 6 miles to finish up the work week. I always feel so accomplished when my Thursday run is over because I know I am done with my 4:00 AM wake ups. As you can see from the picture, I didn’t match at all but that is the beauty about running before the sun comes up.
There wasn’t anything really special about that run. I averaged an 8:58 pace and tried to add in a bit more hills than normal.
Friday – Off
Saturday – 14 miles
I looked at the weather Friday and could tell it was going to be iffy for Saturday’s run. They were calling for rain an 15-20 mph winds. If it had been a normal long run, I may have considered going outside. However, my coach had me running a 12 mile progressive tempo and I knew rain and wind were not going to be good for that.
I started getting myself mentally prepared for being inside on the treadmill. I even had a quick chat with my coach and he gave me the best advice for this run: “Stay present tomorrow – run the mile you’re in, nothing more.”
Saturday morning my husband and I got up and headed to the gym. I did a 2 mile warm up around the indoor track (40 laps) and then 4 x 100 meter strides before getting on the treadmill.
I started the run at an 8:13 pace and then every 2 miles I took the pace down and ended at a 7:41. I did the last half mile at a 7:35. I worked really hard the entire time on only focusing on one mile at a time. This can be even more difficult when you are forced to look at your mileage on the screen throughout the entire run, but it was a good mental and physical test for me.
I finished out the 12 miles and felt tired but not beat down. The past couple long runs I have felt pretty destroyed after them. The mileage was down this week but the intensity was up! It was a nice change of pace.
Sunday – 5 miles
I am keeping my fingers crossed I can get back out on the trail for my 5 easy miles today!
It’s hard to believe that in just 2 weeks I will begin my taper and in 4 weeks I will be lining up at the start! There are so many emotions going through my head, but I know I am ready to give it all I’ve got; whatever that may be!
How did your running go this week?
When is your next race?