For the first time in a long time, I ran 5 times this past week and actually broke 20 miles for the week. Even more importantly, I ran all of the miles with no pain! I can't remember the last time I actually summarized a training week, but here you go. Tues: After 4 days of no running, I headed out and my run felt good. I wanted to do 3 miles and ended up doing 5 miles at an easy pace. Weds: 3 easy miles. Nothing exciting about it. Thurs: 4.5 easy miles. Again, just a nice solid run that felt good. Fri: 7 miles with 5 at "tempo". My parents are visiting, so I knew this was going to be a hard run. My dad's comfortable pace is at least a full minute per mile faster than mine. We did the first 5 at slightly below a 10 … [Read more...]
Another marathon?
Before the Marine Corps Marathon last October, I swore I'd never run another one. Training took a huge toll on our family and on my mind(surprisingly, my body held up quite well). I felt like I spent every moment of my free time running. I leaned heavily on my parents to watch the kids when I went to visit and Beer Geek took two days off work so that I could do my 20 mile runs without taking over the whole weekend. I spent a ton of money on babysitters so that I could get the longer midweek run in without conflicting with soccer or our normal evening routine.As I crossed the finish line, I said to myself "I never have to do this again." A few days later, I promised Beer Geek I wouldn't run another one until Shoo was in school. I also … [Read more...]
Knew that was coming
Running has been going really well lately. I've been been pretty speedy, but fast has felt easier. It's felt really good to get out there.So, of course, it was time for a not so pleasant run. This morning was perfect running weather. About 55 degrees and sunny. I hit the road around 7:30am (which may have been part of the problem since I don't usually get up early to run). The plan was a 6 or so mile tempo run with the fast part at about an 8:40 pace. I did a mile warmup at a 9:21 pace and it felt like I was running at a much faster pace. Not a good sign.I managed to push myself and finished the next four miles in 8:42, 8:33, 8:29, and 8:25. Then I did a cool down mile around 9:30. On paper, that looks like a great run. In … [Read more...]
It’s all about the tempo
Today's topic over at the Runners' Lounge is speed. I'm not speedy, comparatively speaking, but I've been working hard at increasing my speed this winter and have been pretty successful. Last year when I was training for the marathon, I didn't do any speedwork at all and found that I'd slowed down quite a bit, even at shorter distances.My goal this spring was to get my speed back at least to where it was and to increase the distance I could stay at that speed. I'm happy to say I've accomplished that goal! I recently ran a half marathon at an average pace of 9:07, which is about where my speed was pre-marathon. Now I have a goal of finishing a half in under 9 minute miles (and I'll be happy with 8:59 LOL).To reach my goal, I … [Read more...]
