I took a turn for the better this week and am starting to get back in my training groove!
Every since the marathon in October, I have been feeling really “blah.” Not really feeling like my legs were coming back and feeling really slow even when trying to hit paces that should come pretty easily. However, this week, I started to feel much better, and my body seems to be getting back into training.
I think several things contributed to this:
- Seeing others train hard at the Dome (our 400 meter indoor track).
- Coaching the Raven Run Club and Intro to Run groups. (They have no idea how much they motivate me.)
- My coach encouraging me to pick a goal race even if I’m not actually going to run that goal race.
Hopefully my motivation stays strong going into the spring because I know I need to start laying a good foundation for the summer races!
Here’s a look back at my workouts from this past week: January 15 – 21, 2018
Monday
8 miles | easy run | 8:24 average pace
Craig had the day off from work, so I was able to run in the daylight! It is amazing how much warmer it feels to run during the daylight–even if the temperature is the same when it is dark in the early morning. I felt pretty good on this run, and it wasn’t that cold, which also helped!
Tuesday
5 miles | easy | 8:35 average pace
I felt pretty good on this run, but my right hamstring is still bothering me from my 18 miler on 1/1/18. (oops!)
Wednesday
10 miles | interval workout: 4 x 1000 meters + 30 minutes of weights
It had been a few weeks since I had done a faster workout, so I was unsure how this would go, but I think I’m pretty happy with how this went. I felt strong and consistent on each of the intervals. I actually ran to the track, did the workout inside, and then ran back home getting 10 miles in for the morning.
Splits: 3:45, 3:43, 3:40, 3:40 (5:56 – 6:00 pace)
Thursday
Off
Friday
7 miles | easy run | 8:40 average pace + 60 minute Pilates + 30 minutes of weights
I ran these miles in the afternoon with a friend while we each pushed our stroller. Once again it was nice to get out during the daylight. I didn’t feel awesome, but I wasn’t struggling on this run either.
Saturday
15 miles | long run | 7:54 average pace
Yes! Nailed this long run. I didn’t know how this would go since running a 8:30/9:00 pace feels difficult most days this week. I did a 5 mile warm-up and then picked up the pace during the last 10 miles. I was surprised my legs still felt good, and I could keep pushing even when I was getting towards the end of the run.
Sunday
5 miles | easy run | 8:53 average pace
Super easy run before church. I wasn’t particularly excited about heading out in the cold, dark morning, but I know every run is important!
Total: 50 miles
Other highlights from the week. . . .
Craig had last Monday off from work, so we got to hang out together as a family, which doesn’t happen too often as he works all week, and I work on the weekends. I slept in, went for a run, and then we went to Smashburger for lunch. (I love the bacon avocado burger!) Afterwards we headed to the mall to do some shopping, watched Fuller House, and did some meal prep. That night I watched The Bachelor with a friend.
This is one of my favorite winter outfits right now. I love how easy this sweater is, and I wear these jeans all the time! Oh, and these boots–I own them in two colors and wear them several times a week.
I made the Superhero Muffins from the Run Fast Eat Slow cookbook on Friday and they were gone by Sunday. They were a big hit, and Cullen has already asked me to make more.
If you want to see a little tutorial on the Beautycounter Mattifying Powder, go check out my Facebook group. I did a short video showing different ways I use the powder and a couple tricks for getting your makeup to stay.
Questions
What is your favorite muffin recipe?
What was the highlight of your weekend?
