The last two weeks have been extremely busy in my little world. During week four of training I went on a four-day trip to Charleston, South Carolina with my mom and my sister. It was the perfect getaway and exactly what I needed to just relax and see them for a few days. Also, if you’ve never been to Charleston, you MUST visit. It is a gorgeously quaint city, full of history and fantastic shopping. We stayed at the French Quarter Inn and I would stay there again in a heartbeat!
Needless to say, my little trip derailed my training for a few days. I only missed two runs and thankfully it was a cutback week in mileage anyway so I don’t think I lost any fitness. I would have loved to run in Charleston but I just didn’t have the time and since we were only there for four days, I wanted to spend as much time as possible with my mom and sister.
When I got back, I got back into training mode but something just kept feeling “off.” I wasn’t feeling great on any of my runs really and my stomach was not cooperating. I need to reassess and maybe change my goals for my upcoming half marathons to be a little more realistic.
However, I did get a little boost of confidence after running the West End St. Patrick’s Day 5K yesterday in Allentown, PA, by setting an 11-second PR (24:48) without even trying. I went into the race wanting to just run it for fun. My only goal was the keep my pace below my half marathon pace, which I did, easily. It was a fun little race that Adam and I ran together. I was super proud of him too for setting a 1:30-minute PR and coming in first place for his age group and fifth overall!
Anyway, that’s been my life lately and here’s my training from the last few weeks:
Week Four
Monday, March 10 – Yoga
I wasn’t feeling sore today but just tired. Typically I do IronStrength on Mondays but today my body was telling me to go to yoga instead. It felt great.
Tuesday, March 11 – 7 miles, easy
I had to break up my run today for a few reasons. I was scheduled to run 7 miles (a bit too much for a lunch run) and I wanted to run with the running store after work, but they usually only do 5 miles. Also, it was insanely beautiful outside so I wanted to get out during the day. A bunch of my co-workers at Runner’s World have been working on the Run Emmaus project, in which they run every single street in Emmaus, PA- the town of our HQ. Today they were doing the final mile of the run so I decided to join in. I got my two miles done, got to take part in the project, and will be able to run after work too!
Plan: 2 miles, easy
Actual: 2 miles in 16:58 at 8:29/mile
Shoes: Saucony Mirage 3
Conditions: 57 degrees, sunny
I ran after work with the Run Inn (our local running store). It was so nice to run in the evening when it’s light out. The pace was a little faster than “easy” for me but it felt ok.
Plan: 5 miles, easy (9:18/mile)
Actual: 5 miles in 43:22 at 8:31/mile
Splits:
(1) 8:12 (2) 8:32 (3) 8:44 (4) 8:36 (5) 8:37
Shoes: Saucony Mirage 3
Conditions: 59 degrees, sunny
Wednesday, March 12 – 3.7 miles, easy
I felt really terrible on this run. My stomach was not happy, my nose was incredibly runny, just bad.
Plan: 6 miles, easy
Actual: 3.7 miles
Thursday, March 13 – 60 minutes, Vinyasa Yoga; 7 miles with 4 miles at HMP
I had to break this up into two runs unfortunately (I know not ideal but oh well) because it’s tough for me to do 7 miles at lunch. I did 5 miles with 4 miles at HMP during lunch and finished with 2 miles after work. I did all of the running on the treadmill because it was unbearably cold and windy outside.
Plan: 7 miles with 4 miles at HMP
Actual: (two runs) 5 miles with 4 miles @ 8:23/mile; 2 miles at 8:49/mile
Friday, March 14 – 6 miles, easy
I went out for an easy lunch run today with two coworkers. It was nice to just chat and keep the pace relatively easy, although we ended up going a bit faster than I had originally planned. I felt good though!
Plan: 6 miles, easy (9:18/mile)
Actual: 6 miles in 52:08 at 8:41/mile
Shoes: Saucony Mirage
Conditions: 30 degrees, overcast but sunny at the end
Saturday, March 15 – Travel to South Carolina [REST]
Sunday, March 16 –
I was supposed to run 6.2 miles according to my training plan but I was on vacation with my mom and sister (who I NEVER get to see) so I skipped! YOLO.
Week 5
Monday, March 17 – Still vacationing…
Tuesday, March 18 – Yoga
I flew back from South Carolina on Tuesday and got home later than expected. I was completely drained from the traveling and didn’t want to head out for a late 6-mile run. Instead I opted to do the Runner’s World Power Yoga session and I felt really great after.
Wednesday, March 19 – 5 miles, easy
I didn’t take a watch with me on my lunch run which was good because on easy runs, I really need to learn to disregard my pace and run by feel. I felt pretty good on this run but my legs were noticeably fatigued from all the walking I did with my mom and sister when we went to South Carolina for four days.
Plan: 5 miles, easy
Actual: 5.37 miles
Shoes: Saucony Mirage 3
Conditions: Overcast, drizzly, 36 degrees.
Thursday, March 20 – 6.2 miles, easy
Did a double- 3 miles at lunch, 3.2 miles after work at the Run Inn
Friday, March 21 – 6.3 miles recovery spin + Strength
Saturday, March 22 – 7 miles, LSD
I felt ok on my “long” run this week but the wind during the run was unbearable. Definitely my least favorite weather condition.
Plan: 7 miles, easy (9:12/mile)
Actual: 7 miles in 1:03:00 at 9:00/mile
Sunday, March 23 – 1 mile warmup, West End St.. Patrick’s Day 5K
I was not trying to race this 5K by any means. My goal was to run under my HMP (8:23/mile) but I felt pretty good. I actually ended up setting an 11-second PR. Nothing crazy but I’ll take it!
Weekly Mileage Total: 29 miles
See all training recaps here.