I can honestly say that I am really enjoying this postpartum 5k training. It’s a great break from marathon training and honestly after Boston I was done with marathon training for a bit. I have a goal for a December marathon but we will wait and see how things play out. Right now I am enjoying working on getting back some speed and keeping my mileage down.
Monday – 6.75 miles
Wes being off work + a mother-in-law to watch the baby meant it was time for a track date! I had an interval workout that could easily be done around the track, so when Wes suggested it I jumped at the idea.
12 minute warm up, 2 x (3 x 3 minutes) with 2 minutes between intervals and 4 minutes between sets, and 12 minute cool down.
My interval splits were: 6:40, 6:40, 6:49, 6:40, 6:58, and 7:08. The goal was 6:45 pace so obviously it wasn’t perfect. It had just finished raining as we started and once the sun came out it was brutal on the track.
Tuesday – 4.40 miles
Our final day at the beach ended on the perfect note with 40 easy minutes. I focused on keeping my heart rate < 150 bpm and just enjoyed the scenery.
After a workout, long run, and another workout my body was definietly ready for some easy miles.
Wednesday – 5.33 miles
The goal originally was for a workout, but after being so off schedule and getting a late start Easton was not having the running stroller. I attempted my workout but after stopping 3 times in the first mile I knew it wasn’t worth it and I was missing the benefit of the workout.
I got Easton calmed down eventually and ran while he slept for an easy 5 miles. It was the best decision for that day and I knew I’d have another chance at it Thursday.
Thursday – 7.84 miles
Take 2 on my workout day started off shaky. Easton wasn’t having the running stroller again but I tried to stay calm and just relax. We ended up having to walk for more than 30 minutes to get him calmed down before I could start, so not ideal but I still wanted to give it a go.
12 minute warm up, 40 minutes steady, and 12 x 15 second strides with 45 second recovery.
My mile splits for the 40 minutes steady were: 7:51, 7:47, 7:41, 7:47, and 7:45). It was hot and humid and I had to work for those miles but I was really happy with the effort. I thought many times about cutting out the strides but I eventually talked myself into it and left that workout feeling tired but accomplished!
Friday – Off
Saturday – 8.06 miles
I got really excited Friday night when Wes mentioned we should go back to the track again Saturday. He was on call for OB so had to go round in the morning, but thankfully the track is right next door!
We got there around 9:00 AM and got to work! There is nothing better than a family track workout to start off Saturday!
12 minute warm up, 4 x 7 minutes with 3 minute recovery, and a 12 minute cool down. This one was TOUGH. It was 92 degrees outside and with the humidity felt like 102. It had to have been 10 degrees hotter on the track and the 3rd and 4th interval I was loosing some steam. My interval paces were: 7:04, 7:12, 7:22, and 7:22. They weren’t perfect but I was happy with the effort on a very hot day!
Sunday – 9.01 miles
Lately I’ve found that Sunday seems to be the hardest run. After the workout on Saturday and knowing I have another workout Monday my body is a little sluggish. It wasn’t the easiest of runs but I do enjoy that it is an easy run and I can take it as slow as my body needs.
I will admit I went 24 seconds over the scheduled 80 minutes just so I could hit 9 miles. I usually have been good at stopping when I hit the time, but I was so close I just couldn’t do it Sunday.
It was hot, I was tired, and I had to stop to walk over the bumpy bridges and to help my husband with something but overall my little man and I had a good run!
Week 5 is in the books and I can hardly believe I only have 3 weeks left! Enjoying this process but also looking forward to what is to come!