I saw this graphic on Pinterest yesterday and thought it completely summed up where I’m at with my running lately. Last week I wrote about my funning escapades because currently I’m in between goals. I have a half marathon coming … Continue reading
Funning in the snow!
Lately my training routine has consisted of a little something I like to call “funning.” Yup, that’s fun + running = funning.
After almost an entire year of seemingly non-stop training for my first two marathons (Big Sur and Marine Corps), which included a 26-minute PR, I was ready to take a break immediately after crossing the finish line. While some marathoners cross the finish line already scheming their next race, I thought to myself, nah, I’m good… for now.
As I posted a few weeks ago, my focus post-Marine Corps has been on getting faster – #operationgetspeedy. Part of getting faster (for me, at least) is letting myself shy away from a rigid training plan. I need to start to become familiar with my comfort zone and the feeling of jumping right out of it. Going to intervals on a Wednesday just because I feel like it. Running up the side of a mountain in Bethlehem and then doing a long run the next day. Running some miles with my speedy boyfriend. Taking it slow sometimes because I feel like it. While all of this might not seem fun to your average person, I’ve been having a blast.
The only race I have on my schedule in the near future is the Disney World Half Marathon in January. Originally my goal was to shoot for under 2 hours, my previous half PR but following a recent training run where I averaged 8:20/mile or faster, I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.
Type-A Hannah would typically take this, make a structured training plan, and shoot for a new goal of something ridiculous like a 1:45. But I’m tired of all that and I just want to run whatever I want to run. Moreover, I want to just have fun.
So I’m just going to keep running whatever I want to run whenever I want to run it and see what happens at Disney. Disney will be a test and I’ll re-evaluate my half marathon goals for the Spring to see what a reasonable time goal would be. Until then, I’m just going to keep on funning along.
Happy running, all!
People always say running is a great metaphor for life. I like running because it gives you an opportunity to constantly improve on yourself, whether that means setting a new PR, getting stronger, or trying to go for the win. But it takes guts and courage to go for those bigger goals and most of that confidence comes from believing you can do it. The training is the easy part, it’s the leap of faith that can be the hardest obstacle. So go out there and test your limits. Happy running this week!
Yesterday I went on my coldest run of the season. When I stepped outside the temperature was in the 20s but with the 25-30mph winds, it felt more like the single digits. I like running in the cold but yesterday’s 12-miler tested my dedication. I had to stop a few times to catch my breathe because the air I was breathing in was just so incredibly dry. At one point, my boyfriend and I actually stopped at his office on the way back to warm up a bit before we ran the final 2 miles back. He offered to run back, get his car, and come pick me up. I was that cold. But I’m also incredibly stubborn and wanted to get in the full 12 miles, especially since our pace had been really good up until that point. So, instead of giving in to the option that would have been much easier (and warmer) I decided to continue on the run- and it was so worth it. My Garmin had died but he said we got in to the 7:XX/mile pace in the final two miles (super fast for me, easy for him) but I felt great. Once I finally warmed up inside with a hot cup of tea I realized that it really was a great run. Happy running this week!
(Source: Pinterest)
P.S. I know it’s been awhile since I’ve blogged but I promise to start it up again! Anything you’d like me to write about in particular? Let me know in the comments section below or tweet to me at @byHannahMcG
(Source: Pinterest)
Have you ever noticed, after telling someone how your race went- whether it was good or bad- the immediate follow-up question is, “So, when’s your next race/marathon?”
Maybe this is just the result of my environment – Runner’s World – and the fact that many of my close friends are also runners, but can a girl get a little bit of breathing room?
I recently read a post on our site by Coach Jenny Hadfield about the importance of resting during the off-season. Newsflash runners, we should be taking an off-season between training cycles. As I was training for Marine Corps I was beginning to feel extremely run down, tired, and almost resentful of my decision to run the marathon. I ran my first marathon in April, decided immediately after to run Marine Corps (because it seemed like everyone was doing it), and ended up feeling unmotivated and even injured for almost half of my training.
I also forgot to remind myself that I haven’t been running for that long. I’ve done all of this in less than two years and while I’m grateful and have enjoyed (almost) every mile of it, every runner has a breaking point, right?
So back to that question, “When’s your next race/marathon?” In all honesty, every runner, whether they admit to it or not, has their race schedule planned out at least six months, if not a year or more, ahead of time. I’m no different. But despite many inquiries, I’ve decided to take the spring off from marathoning and focus on the marathon’s sweet little step-cousin, the half-marathon.
At the beginning of my training for Marine Corps I started to get speedy. I’m still so new to running but I’m no novice to the fact that new runners tend to improve quickly- which was what was happening with me. My times were dropping in races and even my easy training runs were getting faster and faster. But then the high mileage of marathon training took its toll and I had to slow down a bit.
But I want that speed back and I want to get even faster, so I figure the half-marathon is a great place to start. With the slightly lower mileage demands, and increased speedwork, I should be warming up those fasttwitch muscles in no time. My plan is to start setting time goals and to stop being afraid of getting out of my pace comfort zone.
The Walt Disney World Half Marathon – January 11
Before I finished Marine Corps I knew I was going to be running Disney through work with our Runner’s World Challenge (we’re sold out now but check it out for next year, it’s awesome). My goal for Disney was to basically use it as a test of my fitness to see where I’m at going into spring and more importantly, break two hours.
Well, that plan was foiled when I actually broke two hours during the second half of MCM, setting a 13.1 PR of 1:59. I’m now going to readjust my plans for Disney to a little more aggressive goal but I’m still mulling it over with my coach. I also am not ready to go into super training mode so I want my training for Disney to be relatively doable but with speedwork and some decent long runs.
The St. Luke’s Half Marathon – April 27
St. Luke’s is going to be my goal spring race. I plan to train aggressively for this during the winter and spring and will set my time goal based on my results at Disney.
The Runner’s World Heartbreak Hill Half Marathon – June 6
Of course I’m going to run our own inaugural RW Heartbreak Hill Half in Newton, Massachusetts! This one will probably be more for fun but will serve as good training for fall race season. The course is challenging but I can’t pass up a chance to run on the fabled Heartbreak Hill
So far, that’s all I’ve got. There might be another half thrown in there but I hope to add in some 10Ks and 5Ks to work on my speed and just get out and run. Then, if everything goes as planned, I’ll be in pretty good fitness for a fall marathon – which one I’ll run is still to be determined!
How far out do you plan your race schedule? Any other races I should consider?
So happy at mile 18.
Marathon Magic
Before I ran my first marathon last April at Big Sur, one of my coworkers told me about something she called “marathon magic.” I was freaking out and anxious about the seemingly impending doom that was running 26.2 miles along Highway 1 and I told her I wasn’t feeling good and my legs felt slow and sore. She told me that come race day, undoubtedly, something called “marathon magic” would kick in and all of the pieces would fall into place.
I ended up finishing Big Sur (with some walking) in 4:33:41, not terrible for my first marathon and the challenging course. Leading up to Marine Corps last weekend I was feeling the same way. My left calf muscle had been irritable for weeks, I was starting to come down with a cold, and my hips (which had been fine all throughout training) were feeling oddly sore. I was nervous about my time goal of breaking 4:15, and even more nervous about my secret goal of breaking 4:10, and my “dream big” goal seemed completely out of reach.
But like clock work, come early Sunday morning, when I lined up with my pace group, the “marathon magic” set in. I finished Marine Corps in 4:07:06, a 26 minute, 35 second PR.
The Race
I got to the starting line early to get settled into my corral and be there in time to watch the Wounded Warrior Project paratroopers jump from the sky with flags attached to land at the start. It was pretty inspiring to watch them floating through the sky as someone sang the national anthem just outside of Arlington National Cemetery. (Pro tip: if you run MCM get to the start early to see all of this!)
I also wanted to get to the start early because MCM has you self-corral based on what you think you’re finishing time would be. I trained for a 4:15 but decided to line up a little closer to the 4:00 group. The start was very congested and when the howitzer went off to signal the start, it ended up being more of a slow crawl than a run. After about two miles and the first set of hills, the pack thinned out a bit.
My plan going into the race was to focus on 5-mile increments. I typically go on 5-mile runs during lunch so in my mind, breaking 26.2 miles down to 5-mile increments helped (I also fuel every 5 miles). Then I figured I’d give it my all in the last 1.2 miles to go with my mantra – Last mile, strong mile, kick it in.
I was lucky to see my parents really early on in the race around the mile 2 marker, which gave me the surge I needed in the very beginning. My boyfriend had also gone to the start but since there were so many runners, it was tough to find him in the crowd while focusing on not tripping over the runner in front of me.
Once the field thinned out, I focused on staying steady and consistent. I was trying my hardest to run even splits but between the spectators, the inspiring runners running alongside me, the military presence, and my own personal cheer squad, my paces darted around a bit. I joked after that every time I saw my parents or my boyfriend, I ran my fastest miles – I guess I got a little excited.
My cheer squad :)
Takeaways
The race itself is all still a bit of a blur to me. I’m terrible at really breaking down races, mile by mile for recaps but there were some incredible highlights:
The best part about my second marathon, besides my cheer squad, though was being able to run the entire 26.2 without walking and feeling like it was actually comfortable. It makes me wonder, and dream, about what I could do once I get more experience under my belt with the distance. I think the whole “marathon magic” thing happens for different reasons. At Big Sur, the marathon magic came to me because it was my first marathon. At MCM it came because I knew I had my family there cheering me on.
When my co-worker first told me about “marathon magic” I didn’t believe her. After Big Sur, I was still a little cynical about it but MCM confirmed it for me. Marathon magic is real, and I believe it.
Stats
Ran: 26.62 miles in 4:07:06 at 9:17/mile average
Splits:
(1)10:15 (2) 9:40 (3) 9:38 (4) 9:05 (5) 9:26 (6) 9:00 (7) 9:23 (8) 9:28 (9) 9:11 (10) 9:00
(11) 9:07 (12) 8:56 (13) 9:02 (14) 9:12 (15) 9:08 (16) 9:15 (17) 9:09 (18) 9:18 (19) 9:13
(20) 9:26 (21) 9:05 (22) 9:14 (23) 9:12 (24) 9:12 (25) 9:39 (26) 9:34 (27) 5:28 (for 0.60)
Last weekend I ran my third half marathon at our very own Runner’s World Half & Fesitval in Bethlehem, PA. I had zero plan going into race day other than using the 13.1 miles as a final long run heading into Marine Corps Marathon week.
When I say I had zero plan, what I really mean is my plan was to keep it easy. It’s really hard to do that though in a race. Had I been out on my normal training run, keeping it easy is no problem, enjoyable even. But in a race, with people to pass and pacers to keep behind you, it’s tough. Add a Runner’s World singlet to that and it feels impossible.
Luckily, I was able to hook up with Ashley before the start and we had talked about running together. She also wanted to take it easy since she was on her final race of the Hat Trick (5K, 10K, and half) so we ran the entire thing together.
We stopped a few times to walk and took a pee break. Ashley got some speed work in when she chased after a guy who made fun of us for walking, saying “it might as well be called Walker’s World.” But other than that, I thought the half was really enjoyable.
The course is tough, there’s no doubt about that, but it’s impossible to find an “easy, flat” course in the Lehigh Valley. It’s a valley. There are hills. But hills definitely make you stronger and running up and down them gave me the confidence boost I needed going into MCM.
One thing I took away though is that I really do like the half marathon distance. Like I said before, this was only my third half so I don’t have a ton of experience with them but I really think it could be a good starting point for me to start focusing on speed. It’s a manageable enough amount of miles to be able to come up with a solid race plan- I’m definitely not there yet with the marathon. But with a half, I can focus on my speed without dealing with the breakdown that comes with the territory of training for a marathon.
I’m feeling good going into Marine Corps but I think I need a break after. Running at the RW Half this weekend really made me realize I should try to focus on gaining speed after MCM to PR in the half which will eventually help me get better at marathons so I can one day reach my “dream big” goal.
Did you ever have to re-assess your running plans to focus on a larger goal?
Post-race at the RW Half
My second to last week of training went surprisingly well! It was a very busy week at work leading up to the Runner’s World Half but I was able to fit most of my runs in. It was a taper week though so my legs are really starting to feel antsy and ready to run. Also, shout out to my boyfriend who ran a PR at the Columbus Marathon on Sunday #proudgirlfriend!
Monday – Yoga
Tuesday – 3 miles, easy
I felt really good on this run. It was only 3 miles but I felt like I got some of the speed back into my legs. I know I should take it easy since I’m at the beginning of my taper but I couldn’t help myself!
Plan: 3 miles, easy
Actual: 3 miles in 25:05 at 8:21/mile pace
Splits:
(1) 8:50 (2) 8:12 (3) 7:59
Shoes: Saucony Mirage 4
Conditions: 69 degrees, sunny
Wednesday – 6 miles with 4x800m
This was my final Yasso 800 workout and it went really well. I did it after work and although I was kind of tired, my legs felt pretty good.
Plan: 2 mile warmup, 4×800 in 4:15 with 400m recovery, 1 mile cool down
Actual:
2-mile warmup at 9:06/mile pace (Mile 1: 9:12; Mile 2: 8:57)
4×800 with 400 recovery in between each set
(1) 3:54 (7:48/mile pace)
(2) 3:41 (7:23/mile pace)
(3) 3:40 (7:20/mile pace)
(4) 3:30 (7:04/mile pace)
1-mile cool down at 9:08/mile pace
Shoes: Asics Gel Kayano 19
Thursday – REST
Friday – 3 miles RW Half shakeout run
Saturday – REST
Sunday – 13.2 miles at the RW Half
I ran this race with Ashley and we had a great time! We took it very easy and it was a great substitute for a final long run before Marine Corps! Hoping to do an actual recap very soon!
Weekly Mileage Total: 25 miles
Well, here I am, less than a week away from running my second marathon at the Marine Corps Marathon. The taper is starting to get at me a little bit but after a successful showing at yesterday’s Runner’s World Half Marathon I’m feeling ready to run. Since I started having some tweaky overtraining related injuries a few weeks ago I decided to let go of my secret time goal for Marine Corps. I shifted focus and decided I want to just PR and have a good race. I’m going to stick to that but I still want (hope) I might have it in me to go for that secret goal. It’s ambitious and I don’t think it’s completely realistic at this point but if I don’t try, I’ll never know, right? Good luck to everyone else who’s tapering this week!
(Source: Pinterest)
(Source: Pinterest)
Totally slacking on posting my workouts here! (If you want real-time update, be sure to add me on Daily Mile!) But training has been going well and it’s (FINALLY) starting to wind down. I’ve had a few bumps in the road with some IT band and lower leg soreness on my left leg but I was able to readjust my training schedule and work through it. I also had a major bump in the road this past week with some GI issues during my long run, not fun at all. But I’m feeling ready and looking forward to starting my taper this week. I’m also really looking forward to the Runner’s World Half this weekend which I’ll be running as my final training run. Will I see you there?
Week 13 – Sept. 30-Oct. 6
Monday: Yoga
45 minutes of Vinyasa Flow Yoga
Tuesday: 6 miles, easy
My IT Band was acting up again on this run. I really thought about stopping the run short and walking back to the office. I was able to power through but it definitely gave me some pause. I’m going to re-evaluate my training plan and cut back some of the mileage. I think I may have been a little too ambitious with a higher mileage training plan.
Plan: 6 miles, easy
Actual: 6 miles in 57:38 at 9:36/mile pace
Splits:
(1) 9:35 (2) 9:30 (3) 9:48 (4) 9:37 (5) 9:43 (6) 9:24
Shoes: Asics Gel Flux
Conditions: Way too hot!
Wednesday: 8 miles with 5x800m at 4:15
Run one of the day went well. It was so dreadfully hot outside though that it was pretty slow going. I ran with a coworker which was really nice because sometimes it’s hard to find the motivation to do a shorter run.
Plan: 3 miles easy
Actual: 3 miles in 27:00 at 9:00/mile
Shoes: Asics Gel Kayano 19
Conditions: 80 degrees, full sun
This Yasso 800 workout went surprisingly well! I ran it on the treadmill because I have a habit of doing Yasso 800s WAY faster than goal pace so I wanted to see what the pace really felt like. I felt really great the whole time though and my IT band didn’t hurt too bad which was really great.
Plan: 5 miles with 5x800m Yasso 800s at 4:15 (8:30/mile)
Actual:
1-mile warmup at 9:22/mile pace
5×800 in 4:13 (8:27/mile pace)
.5-mile cool down
Shoes: Asics Gel Kayano 19
Conditions: Indoors
Thursday: 50 minutes of Strength Training
Strength Workout for Runners:
Abs-
3 x 1:00 planks
3 x 0:30 side planks
3 x 0:45 supine planks
3 x 0:45 bicycles
3 x 0:45 bridge
Arms- 3 x 10 of all
Rotational Should Press (10lbs)
Alternating Dumbbell Rows (15lbs)
Tricep Pulls (15lbs)
21s (8lbs)
3 x 15 standing side leg lifts
3 x 10 calf raises
Friday: 5 miles, easy
5 miles in 45:44 at 9:08/mile pace
Saturday: 5 mile shakeout
Sunday: 20 miles, long slow distance
This was my last 20-miler of Marine Corps training and it was honestly my best training run in a long time. I felt really good during the whole run and when I got to mile 10 I decided I would try to pick it up. I ended up running a negative split with a fast finish. This was absolutely the confidence-boosting run I needed.
Plan: 20 miles, long slow distance (10:30-11:00 according to plan)
Actual: 20 miles in 3:14:34 at 9:43/mile pace
Splits:
(1) 10:25 (2) 9:42 (3) 9:49 (4) 10:00 (5) 9:50 (6) 9:56 (7) 9:58 (8) 9:57 (9) 9:42 (10) 9:33 (11) 9:41 (12) 9:43 (13) 9:44 (14) 9:43 (15) 9:53 (16) 9:33 (17) 9:33 (18) 9:24 (19) 9:33 (20) 8:49
Shoes: Asics Gel Kayano 19
Conditions: 68 degrees, 94 percent humidity, overcast
Week 14 – Oct. 7-Oct. 13
Monday: 25 minutes of yoga
I tried out Rebecca Pacheco’s Essential Yoga for Runners video on our website.
Tuesday: 7.2 miles
Run One: This run went well during lunch. I had to split up my mileage today because I could do it all in one run during lunch.
Plan: 5.1 miles in 47:44
Splits:
(1) 9:45 (2) 9:23 (3) 9:42 (4) 9:16 (5) 8:58
Run Two: I did this run on the treadmill after work and made sure to stretch a bunch and foam roll after.
Plan: 2 miles in 17:30
Wednesday: 7.15 miles
I ran this early in the morning and it was quite chilly! I felt good though and just took it easy.
Plan: 7 miles, easy
Actual: 7.15 miles in 1:06:11
Splits:
(1) 9:51 (2) 9:19 (3) 9:12 (4) 9:24 (5) 9:27 (6) 9:02 (7) 8:47
Shoes: Asics Gel Kayano 19
Conditions: 48 degrees overcast
Thursday: 6.26 miles
I felt absolutely phenomenal on this run! This was honestly the best run I’ve had in a long time and I was really excited once I finished. My left leg only hurt a little and even in the pouring rain it was my fastest pace in a few weeks which was great. I also ran with a group of ladies at work who I don’t usually get the chance to run with so that was really nice.
Plan: 5 miles, easy
Actual: 6.26 in 54:20 at 8:40/mile pace
Splits:
(1) 9:06 (2) 8:29 (3) 8:38 (4) 8:25 (5) 8:32 (6) 8:53 (7) 2:17 for .26
Shoes: Asics Gel Kayano 19
Conditions: 52 degrees, raining
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 4 mile shakeout
I was supposed to run a local 5K but found out they didn’t have race day registration so I ended up running around the park instead.
Plan: 3.1 miles + 1-mile cool down
Actual: 4.1 miles in 36:33 at 8:54/mile
Splits:
(1) 9:21 (2) 8:57 (3) 8:43 (4) 8:53
Sunday: 10.5 miles
This run started off so well and ended pretty terribly. It was the first time I ran with my super speedy BF and he promised to run my pace (which he did) and I actually felt really great, until about mile 7 when I started having major GI issues. It was bad. I was able to make it back to the house but had to cut 6 miles off my run (was planning to do 16) because I was really not feeling well. I think the problem was a new drink I tried before the run but who knows?
I’m not that upset about not getting in the 16. My training plan for Big Sur had me running 13 two weeks out from the marathon, and 10 one week out (this one had me doing 16 two weeks out and 10 one week out) but I’m running the RW Half next weekend so it should all equal out.
Fit Girl. Happy Girl. 