I opted to combine training weeks 9 and 10, because they weren’t anything too spectacular. I had good intentions in the beginning of both weeks, but for one reason or another, workouts were the last thing I had time for.

Week 9

Monday- 0

Tuesday-6 Miles, 6×800 repeats

Wednesday- 0

Thursday- 0

Friday- 0

Saturday- Strongsville Super Saturday 5k

Sunday- 0

Total Miles-9 Miles

I lacked on workouts in week 9, but the ones I did were hard on effort. I had one of my best 800 repeat workouts of the cycle on Tuesday which was definitely uplifting. I had meant to run on Wednesday or Thursday, but things just kept coming up to prevent me from getting out there. Poor scheduling on my part.

Saturday I ran a 5k, recap to come this week, which was again, a solid effort and a hard workout. I’m not sure what happened Sunday, but motivation was no where to be found. I kept putting off my long run until it was too late. I found comfort in the idea that maybe I needed a weekend off of long runs, and to start fresh the following week.

Week 10

Monday- 0

Tuesday- 1 Mile

Wednesday- 4 Miles, 4×800 repeats

Thursday- 0

Friday- 0

Saturday- 0

Sunday- 10 Miles

Total Miles-15 Miles

And then week 10  happened. Our poor cat Pudge decided to eat 6 inches of an earbud cord, which lead to surgery, constant watching, and a very stressful and tiring week. The poor thing had to be kept in a separate room and needed almost constant attention.

Luckily Darren could work from home, and my mom could stop over when neither of us could take off work. Unfortunately, the little guy was having some separation anxiety and would take off his cone while we weren’t home, which means he could pick at his stitches. Cue additional stress.

Needless to say, we’re in the home stretch, and he should be allowed out by Saturday. But with all of going on, my runs were scattered, rushed, and not what I wanted.

Tuesday I did a quick progression mile. I wish I had time for more, but didn’t, so I tried to make it count. Wednesday I snuck down to the treadmill and hammered out a speed workout. Not as long as I wanted, but it was better than nothing.

Thankfully Sunday I was able to get out and do a long run with Mallory. We ran 7.25 miles together and I finished up the rest on my own. It was exactly the run I needed. I felt a little out of shape at times, but it was the perfect way to step away from the past two weeks and remind myself that I’ll have bad days or weeks.

This training cycle has been a weird one. I’ve had my ups and downs, and of course the weather hasn’t helped over the past few months. But comparing myself from previous spring cycles, I know I’m putting in more work, even though I may have moments of struggle.

I’m looking forward to starting a new week and finishing up these last four weeks where I know I should be. And hopefully, warmer weather will follow!