Hoka 10k 2018

Hoka 10k 2018

Sunday, July 30, 2017

CSWS: Week 10

Can't Stop, Won't Stop
 
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My girl.
 
Week 10?! Time is just flying. This week felt a tad bit funky because we had planned a family weekend trip to Lake Erie. I had to do my long run on Friday to avoid doing stupid amounts of miles in a place of which I'm unfamiliar.

Also, this week, I increased my weekly mileage just a bit from last week and planned to run 58 miles. Because of the tightness I had last week, I was going to give myself the option of taking an extra rest day if it was needed (by just taking out my easy 5 miler).
 
  • 7/24: 4.03 miles, 10:08/mile. My friend, Meg, and I needed some one on one time. It was, as always, great to see her and the miles seemed to fly by.
  • 7/25: 10.01 miles, 8:24/mile. Speed day! Workout: 2 miles up, 3x3200m with 2-4 minute recovery (I did 400m because my mind works in distance...I don't need to be confused at 4:30 in the morning), cool down to 10 miles. To say I was nervous is a slight understatement. Anytime I see that I have to run 7-anything more than one mile, I get scared. Then I was thinking about all of the miles I had run up to this point. I was going on day 6 of running without a rest day ( I would have just over 55 miles in those 6 days when I finished this workout). I used a rest day as motivation to get through it. The workout wasn't as bad as anticipated. I was trying to just get a feel of the pace so that I didn't have to look at my watch the whole time.


  • 7/26: Core Power Yoga Class, 1 hour. Today was a running rest day! I decided to switch my rest day from Saturday to today. Hopefully it does me well. I've been wanting to check out this free yoga class the past couple of weeks, but Jimmy has had rehearsal so I haven't had the opportunity. I REALLY liked it and hope to return!
  • 7/27: 9.3 miles, 9:19/mile. I continued my trend of doing a longer-than-short distance run the day before my long run. Tomorrow is my first 20 miler of the season, so I made my 9 miler today's agenda. I had to wake at the wee hour of 3:50 to meet some ladies for a 4:30 a.m. start. My legs felt so tired! I thought a rest day would have done me some good. Maybe yoga was a little more intense than I thought. I'm not sure why I felt so tired, but I did. Hopefully this doesn't mean my long run will feel the same way.
    We're just happy that it's over and we can get coffee.
  • 7/28: 20 miles, 9:12/mile. My first 20 miler this training season! I met up with Jessie so stupid early...earlier than yesterday!! I broke up our run into a 10.25 mile loop and a 9.75 mile loop. The course was awesome. We ran through places I've been a bazillion times, but it felt so new. My legs felt great the entire time (even with all of the inclines!). I couldn't believe it. My only complaint was that I got really anxious the last mile. Even though I enjoyed the run, I think I was just ready for it to be over with.
    Tour de Gahanna.
  • 7/29: 5 miles, 9:14/mile. We did our annual family trip to Lake Erie (which is why I did my long run yesterday). I set off with no course in mind. I wanted to explore the town a bit. I stumbled across a walkway that crossed the water to the lighthouse, but I couldn't go all the way down because it was flooded! Ugh. I decided not to look at my watch except to check my distance. I felt really good considering I ran mucho miles yesterday.
    The view is gorgeous as long as you don't look at the ugly water.

    Attempting yesterday's yoga challenge in sand.
  • 7/30: 10.01 miles, 8:58/mile. We all have runs that we fail...this was one of mine. I was supposed to run 10 miles with 4 of them between 7:21 and 7:37. I knew it would be tough putting it at the end of my week, but I didn't have much of a choice. I went into it with a positive attitude, but knew during my warm up that I likely would not be able to accomplish the task at hand. I did my 4 mile warm up and started my first fast mile. After feeling fatigued, I decided I would at least try to run marathon race pace. I didn't want to look at my watch because I feared failure. That mile was 7:53. When I saw that split, I decided I might be able to hold that for at least two more miles. My next mile was 7:35. At that point, I had to stop for a moment. The sun was so hot and my legs felt so tired. I had a decision to make, and something was telling me to suck it up and go for it. Almost a quarter mile into the next mile, I decided to slow down. I just couldn't hold the pace I needed. I decided that I would get my 10 miles and be happy rather than try to run more fast miles and hate my run. I never really felt like I was giving up because I at least gave it a sincere effort.
    I failed the workout, but loved the run anyway.
 
**********
 
Although I ended on a not so great note, I'm happy with my week as a whole. I ran all the miles without all the tight muscles! My tightness has not been an issue since Tuesday or Wednesday. I am absolutely fatigued, but that's no shocker after running those miles. All I kept thinking this week was "This dedication better pay off!" The early mornings got to me this week. It was a struggle, but I don't regret any of it.
One on one time with my boy at the beach.


Sunday, July 23, 2017

CSWS: Week 9

Can't Stop, Won't Stop
 
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I was really excited for this week because I was planning to run my highest weekly mileage in two years. Yay! I just wasn't sure how my body would handle it. I wasn't as concerned about the first two workouts of the week, but the last four days included a lot of mileage [for me]. All I could do was put myself out there and hope for the best.
 
This was, by far, my favorite way to cool off this week.
 
  • 7/17: 4.01 miles, 9:15/mile. I stayed close to home and met up with Sarah K. for this run. It was so incredibly humid outside. I was happy to run short and easy knowing that things would only get longer and sometimes faster the rest of the week.
  • 7/18: 10.01 miles, 8:34/mile; Bis/Tris/Glutes, 40 minutes. Steady State Run. Everyone else needed 8 miles so I did a 2 mile warm up before everyone arrived (9:21/mile). I knew I needed some warm up miles if I was going to keep up with these ladies! I got pregnant and they just kept getting faster (except Jackie...she got pregnant and stayed fast the entire time!!)! LOL. The remaining 8 miles averaged 8:23/mile which is in my pace range for the workout. Run highlights: Opossum sighting of which I missed, Marion screaming when she saw it, Jeanne at the top of the hill acting like a possum, our resident zoologist (Dani) telling us all about opossums, and Jackie saving me from a car driving too damn fast around the traffic circle.
    (s)miles in Dublin. [Jeanne, Jackie, Marion, ME, Dani]
  • 7/19: Yoga, 50 minute class at the Y; Shoulders, 30 minutes. Running rest day for me! I had a late start to my work day so I was able to check out a morning yoga class at the Hilliard Y.
  • 7/20: 10 miles, 8:46/mile. Track day! Fartlek Workout: 5.36 mile warm up, 12 x 1 minute hard/easy (approx. 3 miles), 1.64 cool down. I had a lot on my mind this morning. Running alone in the dark always has me on edge, but it's my reality some days. The positive is that it allows for prayer time. The word "excuses" was stuck in my brain. I was exposed to many situations the hours leading up to this in which people seemed to have excuses. I was trying to work through this and how it was affecting me, etc. I let out my frustrations via a conversation in my head, but the run just wasn't clearing my mind. When I got to the track to start my intervals, it all seemed to go away as I was focusing on each faster minute. As I headed home for my cool down, I still couldn't shake the thoughts from my head. This might be the first time a run couldn't clear my mind!
    The moon kept me company.
  • 7/21: 8 miles, 9:16/mile. This week I promised my pal I would start intentionally putting an easy, not too short run the day before my long run. I haven't been avoiding it on purpose...I've just been scheduling as it fit more conveniently to my personal schedule as well as when I could find partners. That changes NOW! I will do what I have to do to run strategically...even if it means running solo. I met Jessie in Gahanna for some easy miles. We weren't sure how the weather would play out. It rained very little, maybe only a minute, but it was lightning throughout the entire run. It seemed to be far away, but still a little scary. Probably not my smartest decision! The air was super thick, but we survived the run. It will only make us stronger, right?!
  • 7/22: 17 total miles: 8.75 @ 9:15, 8.25 @ 8:19. That storm, though?! Wowza. I planned to run some miles with Katie and Tamara, and we had our eyes stuck on the weather apps. Begrudgingly, we decided to meet at 5:30 a.m. thinking we'd have just enough time to finish before the storm hit. Not so much! We were about 8 miles into our run when it started getting very dark behind us. We stopped to check the radar to make a decision. We were pretty close to Katie and Tamara's homes and not as close to our vehicles. We decided to play it smart and run to Katie's house. Halfway through that mile, it got BAD...wind, lightning, rain. Crazy pants. We hauled ass to Katie's garage, dried off, and Katie drove us to our cars. I wasn't looking forward to finishing on the treadmill, but glad I had that as an option. Also, it would help me keep pace for my race pace miles (trying to look at the positives!). I got on the treadmill, ran 1.25 miles to reach 10, and set it to 7.3 mph (8:13/mi) for the final seven. Things started getting mentally tough during my fourth race pace mile, but that only lasted a mile...thank goodness! I'm just happy everyone came out of this run without a scratch.
    Compression and coffee in a mug...my Saturday regulars.
  • 7/23: 6.10 miles, 9:15/mile; Hatha Yoga Class, 1 hour. I had this new route in my head that incorporated the new trail section in Gahanna, BUT I missed my turn and we didn't get as much of an adventure as I had intended. Of course, it was crazy humid making it tough to warm up. Once we got past the first half of the run, we were cruising right along. I was surprised at how good my legs felt during this run. Sure, the pace was easy, but I've had some easy paced runs feel pretty crappy!
    I love my Sunday morning chaos...most of the time.
 
**********
 
I am SO happy with how this week ended. I know there are people that run WAY more than I do, but getting 55 miles this week was a HUGE milestone for me. It's been a long time since I've done that. Fourty-one miles the last four days including speed work and race pace miles...I'll take it!
 
My only annoyance right now is my left hip tightness. I've been so focused on loosening up my right piriformis (the one that was causing my radiculopathy), that I've neglected my left hip tightness as well as my back tightness. My left glutes have been getting a lot more attention the past three days. The tennis ball has been my best friend. It's feeling much better today so I'm hoping that trend will continue. Again, if it  doesn't subside completely in a couple more days, I will make a date with the massage therapist.
 
This coming week, I will be enjoying my first 20 miler of the training session!!!

Sunday, July 16, 2017

CSWS: Week 8

Can't Stop, Won't Stop
 
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A date with my boy.
Halfway there!!! I've finished week 8 and the second of four training blocks. This block continued to incorporate all of the various types of runs (listed at the end of THIS post), but increased mileage and intervals as well as incorporating race pace miles in two of my long runs. My weekly mileage ranged from 44 to just over 50 miles. Fifty miles is what I peaked at for my first two postpartum marathons this year. I'm excited to venture towards the upper 50's again. I hope my body can handle it!

Black beans!!
At the beginning of this week, I was dealing with a tight calf and piriformis in my right leg...same one I had issues with earlier this year. It felt as tight as it did the month before I ran the Little Rock marathon. I ended up getting a massage a few days before I ran that race. I decided, if the tightness persisted after the weekend, I would probably fork out the cash to get another massage. It really seemed to help the first time around. It never bothers me while running...just during the day when I'm sitting in my car. I was definitely getting referred pain from my sciatic nerve being compressed. Fortunately, the tightness seemed to subside by Friday and never really came back after my long run (which I suspected might irritate it). 
 
**********
 
  • 7/10: REST. I'm pretty sure I did nothing at all. My legs definitely needed a break.
  • 7/11: 6 miles, 9:55/mile; Chest/Back/Glutes, 40 minutes. Today's workout included hill repeats. I met some ladies at the Hoover Dam for 10 x 30 second hill sprints. Warm up, recoveries, and cool down were slow. I definitely worked hard on my sprints, though. Doing the hills probably didn't help out my tightness issue, but the workout needed to be done!
    Morning view.
  • 7/12: 6.01 miles, 8:39/mile. Today called for an easy run. I met up with Jackie and Marion in Dublin!
    Stoplight selfie! [Marion, ME, Jackie]
  • 7/13: 10 miles, 8:40/mile. Workout: 4 mile warm up, 6 miles progressing 8:15 (MP) to 7:45(HP). I couldn't find a partner for this workout!! Ugh. I was a little nervous about getting up early and running solo. Historically, I find an excuse not to run anytime I'm put in this situation. I prefer not to run alone in the dark. Because of my reservations, I decided to run two 5 mile loops so that I was decently close to home at all times. Let's talk about the weather...it decided to get really hot and humid this week. Today was no joke! Garmin tells me it was 79 degrees when I was running. I didn't check the humidity before my run, but it was 92% when I finished. Geez. I could feel it! My warm up was incredibly sluggish (look at those splits! LOL).
    I didn't know how I was going to hit these paces. I kept telling my self I could shorten the number of fast miles...but then I felt as if I would have been cheating myself out of a workout. I decided to would target MP for 2 miles, 8:00 to 8:05 for two miles, then work my way towards 7:45 for the last two (actual splits above). The entire workout was a struggle. I felt like I was fighting for every second. So frustrating. I wasn't nervous at all about hitting these paces when I saw the workout. I was more concerned about being alone. When I started running, I knew it would be a tough day. I'm just happy I survived without getting struck by lightning (the weather was eerie).
  • 7/14: Yoga, 40 minutes. I did a workout from Yoga Journal magazine. I was hoping to find a private room at the Y, but they were having classes. I had to do it in public! Ugh. I'm sure I looked like a weirdo.
  • 7/15: 18.03 miles, 9:13/mile. I was really looking forward to my long run this week. It's been a while since I've hit that number! Also, I didn't have to add any race pace miles so there was nothing to be afraid of. I met up with several of my regulars in New Albany for a little exploring. It was a gorgeous morning! So much cooler than the crazy ass weather we had at the end of the week.
    My favorite part about Saturday.
  • 7/16: 5.29 miles, 9:29/mile; Hatha Yoga Class, 1 hour. I met Sarah K about 3 minutes from my house for an easy run. I needed this run! My pelvis was a little stiff/sore from my long run, and this was just what I needed to help loosen it up.
    It was a skirt kind of day.
 
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This coming week should definitely hand me some challenges. I'll increase my mileage to 55 including only one running rest day. Postpartum, I ran just 4 days a week except for my 50 mile weeks (ran 5 days during those weeks). It's been two years since I've done this so I'm a little nervous. I'll certainly continue to listen to my body, but I'm hoping my body brings me success!



Sunday, July 9, 2017

CSWS: Week 7

Can't Stop, Won't Stop
 
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This week, I needed to figure out how to arrange my training with a random 5k on Tuesday. I didn't want to replace my steady state or fartlek workout because they are important to my training. Amanda helped me decide to just put it in place of one of my easy runs. Since this week is a 50 mile week for me, I turned race day into a 10 mile day to pack on the extra miles.
James earned a "guys night" since he pooped in the toilet and didn't have any accidents. Part of guys night was going with daddy to get a hair cut. Love my handsome boy!!

This week was also a struggle of the mind. Negative thoughts started creeping in about my ability to BQ. Am I going to be ready for this by September 10th?! UGH...I still don't know. You bet your ass I'm going to try, but there's still that part of me that doubts my ability to make it happen. In the midst of my mental struggle, I decided to look for a half marathon to run in the next few weeks (this was some advice received from Amanda). The thought was that it would give me an idea of my abilities and help me figure out areas of weakness.

At first, the thought was nauseating. I really didn't want to run a half marathon. When I started stressing about my ability to BQ, I was on board for a half. I actually found a half that I was interested in running. I kept the registration page opened on my computer and kept looking at it over and over trying to make a decision. After a few days of thinking about it, I realized the race is the same day as Ruthie's birthday party! BOO!!! Now I'm back to just trusting my training and hoping for the best. If I don't get it, there are still hundreds of other marathons!
This little sweetie is now 11 months old!

**********
 
  • 7/3: 6 miles, 9:34/mile. I met with some ladies in Westerville for an easy stroll through I'm not sure where because I was lost the entire time. Sarah D has a way of throwing me off in a place I thought I knew like the back of my hand! I was hoping this run would have felt amazing and easy since I had a race the next day...Umm...it did not. It was awful. I will gladly welcome the same company, but I would love to forget the way I felt! All I kept thinking the rest of the day was the fact that the 5k was going to suck if my legs didn't feel better.
    We love America! [Elizabeth, Tracey, Katie, ME, Sarah D.]
  • 7/4: 2.13 mile warm up, 9:45/mile; 3.06 mile race, 7:11/mile; extra 4.86 miles, 9:04/mile. My goal was to get 10 miles for the day.
    Post-race smiles with Sarah K.
    After the race, we had family time at the Gahanna parade followed by Taco Tuesday at Local Cantina. No better way to celebrate the America than with tacos and margs. Not running related, but my heart freaking melted seeing James at the parade. He had a blast. He did such a good job sharing candy with the other kids. I think his favorite part was the marching band...be still my heart!
    He's so excited to see the marching band coming down the street!
  • 7/5: Bis/Tris/Abs, 45 minutes. No running for me today. I was so sore from that race! I couldn't believe it!!
  • 7/6: 9.16 miles, 9:09/mile. It was track day again! This week, my fartlek intervals were increased to 3 minutes (with 2 minute recovery). In my quest to respect the appropriate training paces, I was targeting 7-7:05/mile pace rather than dipping into the 6's like I did the other weeks. Since I am distance-minded, I used a calculator to determine that I needed to run 683 meters (to be exact). I hit my target distance range each interval and tried not to pay too much attention to my watch. Thank goodness I was joined by some of my New Albany running group friends so that I could stay motivated. As you can see in my splits, I wasn't super motivated during my warm up and cool down!

  • 7/7: Shoulder workout, 45 minutes. I got to workout with my boo. I was in a bad mood, but the workout made me feel better.
  • 7/8: 17.01 miles, 8:45/mile. This week's long run called for 5 race pace miles. I ran 9 easy, 5 faster, and 3 more easy (faster splits: 7:48, 7:56, 8:11, 8:05, 8:05). My target race pace range is 8:12-8:15 so my first two were way too fast. I got into a good groove the third mile and was almost perfect. I tried to feel the same groove on the last two rather than look at my watch, but they were just a tad fast. I felt so much better during this run than I did during my 15 miler last weekend. LR factoids: My first run EVER with Lindsey...we heard a tree snap and fall into the river (sounded like fireworks and/or guns) SCARY...the first time I've had to poop during a long run in YEARS, and, thankfully, there was a toilet!!
    We had to stop for a photo with The Shoe. [Tamara, Marion, Lindsey, ME, Dani]
  • 7/9: 8.4 miles, 8:23/mile. I met up with some friends in Dublin for my last run of the week. Although I felt great yesterday, my legs were so tired this morning. I had to do my steady state run which is faster than my easy pace, but not quite as fast as race pace. Fortunately, it was a nice cool morning, but the humidity was still up there. My legs were tired the entire time! If it hadn't been for the company and the Spanish lesson, I would have given up on trying to stay in my pace range. I'm looking forward to my rest day tomorrow!
    Post-run multi-tasking...coffee, kiddos, stretching!
 
**********
 
I had a pretty solid week of training. My legs are tired after this weekend...as they should be! I hit my first 50+ mile week since I was training for Carmel. Next week, I cut back just slightly on total weekly mileage to end Block 2 of my training program....that means 9 more weeks until race day!

Tuesday, July 4, 2017

New Albany Independence Day 5k


I hate 5Ks. This is not a new complaint. I'm honestly not sure why I do them sometimes...especially in the blazing summer. That seems to be the only time I do them...WHY?! I suppose what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I have this inner desire to be good at these shorter distances. It just hasn't happened yet. If I could just freaking BQ in a marathon, I can forget about that goal and move on to improving my 5k, 10k, and half.
 
Rant over.
 
**********
 
I was asking my new running friend, Sarah K, if she was running on the 4th. In a matter of minutes, she registered to run it with me! Ha! I'm usually the one being peer pressured, so it was nice to dish it out.
 
I usually only have one goal for my 5Ks. For this race, it was to beat my last 5k (22:14 BUT on a slightly short course...7:21/mile per Garmin). I'm still trying to work towards my PR from the summer of 2015 (21:38). I did my typical 2 mile warm up and joined the New Albany MRTT ladies for a group picture.

New Albany Moms Run This Town Crew.
Nerves were very present from the time I woke up. I absolutely do not understand why I would ever get that nervous about a 5k. So stupid. My stomach was in knots, I couldn't make myself eat, and all I could think about was every reason I should fail today. UGH!! I couldn't even carry on a decent conversation with Sarah because I was a hot mess. I saw a couple of people I knew in the crowd, but it just didn't distract me enough from the [hopefully] fast death I was about to put myself through.
Post-race with Sarah K.
 
It was FINALLY time to start, and we lined ourselves up towards the front of the pack. There was no organization at the start line, but I looked at results from previous years to get an idea of how close I should be to the front. The next thing I knew, they said "One minute until we start!" OMG.
 
My goal was to stay as close to a 7 minute mile as I could for the first mile. The two races I did the month before were 7:11 and 7:07...I really needed those few seconds to get my time down. I tried not to look at my watch too much and just get into some kind of groove. I looked at my pace in the first half mile to make sure I wasn't going too fast. Mile 1 clocked in at [6:54]! Ok...good start.
 
I was starting to feel the heat about this time. I just told myself to keep moving my legs no matter how my body was telling me it felt. Halfway through the second mile, the faster girls caught up and passed me...at least three or four of them. I'm not competitive enough to let this bother me...sometimes I wish I was! I hated this mile because we had to run over this wooden bridge. The change felt weird under my feet, and I just didn't like it! I had to re-find my groove after that. Mile 2 clocked in at [7:20].
 
I was o.k. with that split. Historically, in 5Ks, my first mile is the fastest, the second is usually my slowest, then I get a bit of a kick at the end. This race was slightly different than my typical 5K. The heat was starting to get to me. I carried a hand-held water bottle so I was trying to focus on hydrating myself. I looked at my current pace and it read "7:50." Just as I thought I might give up, I saw one of the leading ladies walking. As I passed her, I tried to encourage her to keep going. She told me she had just battled breast cancer. I told her to keep going and finish with me! The fact that she was out there put a fire in me. I couldn't let myself finish with a mile that slow. I tried my best to forget about my surroundings and finish the best that I could in that moment. I managed to run mile 3 in [7:25]. Meh. I then rounded a corner to take the straight-away to the finish. I dry heaved for a minute or so after finishing. At least I had proof that I tried!
Apparently, I can run 5:23 for at least 0.06 miles. Bahaha!! 

My official finish time:

22:01.

I know Garmins aren't perfect but I like to go by my overall average for my small races to help me see my improvement. My Memorial Day 5k averaged 7:22. The Chloe 5k a week later averaged 7:21. I improved by 10 seconds per mile!

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I'm inching closer and closer to my old running self. There are so many areas in which I need to improve...pretty much all of them need to improve! LOL. I'm not unhappy with my progress, I'm just impatient. Right now, running a good marathon is my main focus. After I qualify for Boston, I can focus more on the shorter races. I just want to do it all, and that's just not possible.
 
 


Sunday, July 2, 2017

CSWS: Week 6

Can't Stop, Won't Stop
 
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Took Roop on her first wagon ride!
 
I was really nervous about my training week. I had two speed workouts that seemed as if they'd be too difficult to achieve. Initially, I was supposed to run long on Friday which meant I'd likely be extra tired from my workouts the two days before. I'm glad that changed! I ended up surviving the week and inching closer to a 50+ mile week.
 
I made a comment mid-week that I "feel like a marathoner again." After my first two runs of the week being 10 and 9 miles, it never occurred to me that this was abnormal. I mean, it's totally normal, right?! Even though I ran the two marathons earlier this year, my body didn't feel like a marathoner. I'm finally starting to feel like I'm getting a little speed back. I just need to prove it by having a good race!
  • 6/26: 10 miles, 8.:14/mile. This was labeled as a track day on my program, but doing more than one 1600 on a track is rubbish.Workout: 3 mile warm up, 4x1600m with 800m recovery, 1 mile cool down (interval goal, progress from 7:45 to 7:25). I met up with Kimberly and Karen at the wee time of 4:30 a.m. ICK. I failed in the pacing department and went a little fast. It all went downhill on the third interval. My first two splits were 7:35 & 7:27...in my range, but on the faster end. The third interval was 7:18. Apparently I got a little excited. I had a decision to make...slow down and make my last interval in my intended range OR go for 7:17 so I could have progressive/negative splits. Naturally, I chose to go for the negative split. I figured it wouldn't be a big deal. The beginning of the last interval was on an incline, and I was nervous that I wouldn't get my goal. Because of that, I suppose I ran a little too fast thinking I needed to make up for it. The last interval was 7:03. Sure, I was happy with my workout, but I should probably be a little more disciplined.
    Sarah Marie Design Studio has so many awesome shirts that I'm too cheap to buy!
  • 6/27: REST. I actually would have loved an easy run today, but I had to place my rest day here due to other commitments.
    Snuggles with my main lady. She got tubes in her ears this week. Poor booger.
  • 6/28: 9 miles, 8:31/mile. Tempo Run. My program defines my tempo run pace as 7:37 to 7:21. Today, I ran a 3 mile warm up, 3 miles at tempo pace, and a 3 mile cool down. My faster splits were 7:30, 7:25, and 7:19. I was fortunate to run during the day (it was gorgeous out!!), but I didn't have the advantage of sleeping in either! Ruthie had to be at the surgery center at 6:30 a.m. to get tubes in her ears so I was up at 5:30. Although I was sleepy, I was super happy with my workout. The first two faster miles felt great, but the last half mile of the final one got a little sweaty. Although it was a more mild day, the sun was blazing. I'm hoping I at least got a tan out of the deal!
    Sun, sun, and more sun!
  • 6/29: 6.31 miles, 8:23/mile; Chest/Back workout, 30 minutes. I've been trying to connect with long lost running friends. I couldn't pass up an opportunity with Jackie and Marion. They were running long, but let me tag on for a short run. I was glad for some heat exposure. I don't want to turn into a sissy.
    Not too bad for 88+ degrees! Lots of water was imbibed.

  • 6/30: 7.69 miles, 9:11/mile. I've officially let false precipitation predictions control my running life. If you remember last week, it showed 80% chance of storms for my long run and then did nothing. I was initially planning my long run for today, but had basically no sleep due to a cranky baby. I was trying to figure out how to arrange my remaining runs based on the fact that it was supposed to storm Saturday morning. At the last minute, Amanda helped convince me to knock out my 7 miler today and do my long run on Sunday just in case. When I realized I was 7.69 miles away from running 180  miles this month, I opted for the extra 0.69! It was a nice solo run from my house through Creekside.
    Another Creekside run.

    Pre-run monthly total...180, baby!
  • 7/1: Abs/Glutes, 15 minutes. I wanted to make time for a little more but crap happens! I won't even make an excuse.
  • 7/2: 15.01 miles, 9:16/mile; Hatha Yoga Class, 1 hour. I made it happen, but I'd rather forget the last three miles! Fortunately, I had Katie and Meg to keep me company for 9-ish miles...those were some good miles! It started feeling so hot after that. The sun was blazing! I tried running on sidewalks to get as much shade as I could. Then I ran out of water! UGH. I will officially end my complaints. Got it in...glad it's over.

Workin' on those guns. Bahaha!!!
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As I evaluate my week, I'm feeling convicted about going too speedy on my speed days. I was telling my coach friend, Amanda, that I feel a little lost regarding how fast I really am at the moment. I mean, my training paces have been based on my goal marathon pace of 8:12/mile. I just don't know if I have the ability to do that yet. The only other thing I've raced since the Carmel Marathon is a couple of 5k's...and I mostly sucked at those. I know I should schedule a half marathon before Erie, but I just don't want to run a serious summer half. This time of year is busy enough, and I don't want to complicate it with another race. Next week, I'm going to try my best to stick closer to my intended paces.