The last few weeks I have talked about working more hours and juggling training with two jobs. This week was different, I only had to work one of my jobs- but had more social engagements in one week than I have in a loonnnggg time. It made fitting things in a little tricky, but was much more manageable mentally because I was making room for fun events. Mileage wise it ended up being on par with the last few weeks (last 6 weeks have all been between 45-47 miles), but was a bit lower on the strength/fitness end. I’d say that the mental break and extra “life” outside training more than made up for that though. I think I’ve finally turned a corner a bit with my fitness, and look forward to building more in the coming weeks. I also think I’m ready to start looking forward to making my fall goals a bit more concrete.
Monday: The only night of the week we were actually at home- got out late evening for a 4ish mile recovery run while Brian walked Pepper. Finished with 10 minutes of yoga before bed.
Tuesday: Afternoon treadmill workout, 60 minutes total. 2 miles warm-up followed by 4 x 1 mile at 6:35-45 with 90 seconds recovery, cool down. 10 minutes of yoga afterwards. This was a decent workout for some turnover in prep for half marathon on the weekend. Evening plans was a dinner date with 2 great friends who came in from out of town.
Wednesday: Scheduled rest day, I almost threw in a short recovery jog but I didn’t end up making it happen- and that was totally fine. Spent the evening with Brian’s family for a rehearsal dinner.
Thursday: Started the day with 6ish mile morning run, nothing crazy. After work, enjoyed a birthday celebration dinner with Brian and his family.
Friday: Half day of work, followed by Chiropractor appointment. Snuck in a 6ish mile run again before getting dressed up for a wedding and dancing all night.
Saturday: Slept in (thank goodness!), and got in 5ish miles for a shakeout in the afternoon followed by 6 x strides
Sunday: Birthday & Oak Tree Half Marathon (1:29:05) {16+ mile day with warm-up and cool-down}. This was a great morning, and was VERY happy with the race. This course is challenging as there are 2 major climbs (with the second being placed between 10-12), and about 8 of the miles are on gravel dirt road. I have run it twice before, so I was prepared but also knew that it would be a good test to see where my fitness is after rebuilding this summer. I expected to be around 1:31, but the miles clicked off a bit faster and when 3rd place was in reach the last few miles it pulled me along on the chase (ran a 6:15 last mile, and 5:35 pace to the finish to take over 3rd). I felt really good, and was happy that I mentally hung in there better than I have all summer. The race was made even better by having Brian there cheering, and a few other good friends racing as well. Can’t complain about friends/running to start your Birthday!
Weekly Total Miles: 47.1 miles
Cross training: None
Strength/Fitness totals: 20 minutes (2 sessions)
Beers Drank: Dos Equis, Shock Top Lemon Shandy
