Archive for February 2012
Wrapping Up, Kites and Bugs
Weekly Plan: Half Training Week 4
Last week I had to make my plan flexible to get the runs in. I switched a rest and easy run day. I ran with the kids in the afternoon and shortened my run because pushing the stroller is a tough workout. I had to guess my speed work again because my shoe pod didn’t work inside at the Y. I also ran a tempo run on Sunday instead of a recovery jog. What??? Yes, I was trying to meet a Nike+ goal (run a 9:30 avg.) mile by Feb. 26th and I HAD to try for it. I ran two miles at a 9:25 pace and I MET my goal! My next pace goal will not be such a huge jump from my average pace. I’ll write about that later in the week.
This week I am hoping that things go a little smoother but I’m not holding my breath! A is still teething and not sleeping through the night. O has been climbing into bed with us in the early morning and so it is hard to get out for a run at 5:30 and not wake everyone up. Hopefully all the sleeping arrangements will go back to normal soon.
Here is my plan for the week:
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 3-3.5 miles easy (10:12-10:42) and Strength
Wednesday: 4 miles pace (9:12-10:00)
Thursday: 3 miles easy (10:12-10:42)
Friday: Strength
Saturday: 7 miles long (10:12-11:12)
Sunday: 2-3 miles recovery (11:12-11:42) or cross
Hardest Step
Source
This afternoon I was helping my two year old son fall asleep and all I wanted to do was snuggle in beside him but I kept thinking of the quote above. I was trying to stay motivated when all my tired body (huge lack a sleep because of a teething daughter) wanted to do was take a NAP. I knew that once I was running I would feel better and I would come home afterwards and have more energy to be with my kids and my husband.
That said, it is WINDY here today and I really think that all my steps were pretty tough today and not just the first one out the door! I’m so glad I went though. Today was my long run day and my plan says to do 6 miles. I did it in just over 1 hour. The last time I did 6 miles was in September and it took me an hour and ten minutes so I’m pretty happy with the improvement.
What amazed me about this run was that I ran it very steady. I really watched my pace throughout the run and tried to keep it right at 10 minutes per mile. The last half mile was up two hills and straight into the strong wind. I really pushed it hard and even though my pace didn’t improve it didn’t go down either. I was either going to keep my pace or break down and walk it…I’m glad I chose to give it my all and RUN.