Category: Running

Flying Pig Half Training: Week Six

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The more I think about this week, I’ve realized it was a necessary evil. It started off strong with my Monday night 3 miler. Each week I’ve seen my pace quicken on these runs, and I can tell it shows in my racing. But that was the only good run I had all week. Wednesday afternoon I started to feel like I was dragging. I was completely exhausted and struggled to make it to the gym. My pace was around 9:15, clearly something was off. By Thursday morning a plague was going around our home and both Darren and I were getting sick. I had no energy and unfortunately had to skip Yoga-lates. I even passed up on the Medina Country Road Runners meeting I’d been hoping to attend. I was in a fog, had a temperature, and my nose was running a whole lot more than I was. But now that this sickness is on its way out, I can focus on running again. I was mentally and physically worn down, and it caught up to me. Running wasn’t wearing me down, but outside influences weren’t letting me enjoy my runs.

Now I’m ready to get back in the gym, I’m ready to spend an hour sweating out everything and leaving with an refreshed mind. I’m craving a long outdoor run and hill repeats. I needed to get sick, so that I could start fresh on everything. I have 5 weeks left until Flying Pig. Not only will these weeks be important to the race, but they’ll set the tone on my summer workouts.

Monday: 3 Miles

Tuesday: Off

Wednesday: 2 Miles

Thursday: Sick

Friday: Sick

Saturday: Sick

Sunday: Sick

Total Miles: 5 Miles

This next week brings a fresh start in training, and also a new month to rack up those miles. I’ve got a 5k this weekend that I’m really excited for. We’ll see if another PR is in these legs.

How was your week? Are you glad April is finally here?

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Sole to Soul 5k Recap

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This race couldn’t have come at a better time. I was fresh off the let down of a bad 5k and I needed some kind of redemption race. I also had one of the busiest and craziest weeks in a while, and I couldn’t wait to leave it all behind me and zone out for three quick miles. The 5k was in my hometown so I knew it would be flat, and hopefully fast. I spent the previous night at my parent’s house so I wouldn’t have to drive 45 minutes in the morning. A 5 minute drive on the morning of race day seemed much more enjoyable. The race didn’t start until 9:00, but I was wide awake at 6:30 and I was able to catch this beautiful sunrise. I’ve seen it hundreds of times, but it never gets old.

photo

I was a little concerned because my legs were pretty tight still from Yoga, so I made sure to do some extra stretches. After a random granola bar and some water, I was ready to go. I got to the park and wondered if I’d see anyone I knew. The first person I saw was one of my high school coaches. She didn’t recognize me or acknowledge me, but it wasn’t too surprising. If you weren’t number one on the team, you just didn’t matter.

That aside, I picked up my bib and shirt, ate a few Sport Beans, ran a bit of a warm up and was ready to go. We lined up, got ready and suddenly we were off. A lot of people sprinted, and I was passed by a ton of runners. I kept reminding myself not to go out too quick, I didn’t want another race like last weeks. 7:50, 8:05, 8:15, I was forcing myself to slow down but at some point, I just couldn’t get past 8:20. A half mile in I decided to forget about my watch and just let my legs lead me. I wasn’t running a half marathon, if I forced myself to go at a 9:00 pace, I’d never get any faster. And I certainly wouldn’t be happy about my time. So through the wooded street and into a familiar development, I hit my first mile at 8:16.

I was feeling good, picking people off, one by one. I could tell who went out too quickly and hoped I wouldn’t be joining in their pain. We ran through a newer housing development, and I could remember doing mile repeats and pre-race shenanigan filled runs. I was excited to be on my home turf, and more excited to show my once high school coach that I could still run. I was able to stick with a pretty decent pace and kept my attention on a women ahead of me. We headed to the turn around point and as I passed the half way mark I was at 12:47. I started to run the numbers and forced the thought quickly from my mind. I wanted to use time as a check point, not let it control my race.

The second half of the course would be what we just ran, easy, flat, and hopefully no issues. I was still feeling good, no pain at all, but could tell my breathing was a little loud. My legs were a little tight, but I figured it was because they weren’t used to going this fast. I made it out of the development, and knew I’d have a short distance on a side street, following the main road before turning into the park for the finish. Unfortunately I became a little distracted when a much older gentleman decided to drive down the middle of the street behind the runners, tailing each one. It was clear he was too close to everyone for their safety. I got out of the way and kept my eye on him until he turned off. This slowed me down a bit, but the last thing you need on the course is an accident.

I turned on the main road and knew I had less than a half mile to go. I could see the three mile mark up ahead as my legs started to extend. My pace opened up and I could taste the finish. 24:48 at the three mile mark. I wouldn’t break 25:00, but I knew I could definitely break 26:00. I rounded into the park and pushed it as I crossed the line. 25:37 for a new adult PR. A whole 2:05 off of last week’s horrible 5k. I was thrilled! Even with my less than perfect training all week, I was able to zone out on everything and really focus on my running.

I did a short jog back and forth to the car to keep my legs loose. Once all of the runners were in, they announced the winners of the race. I was shocked to hear my name called under 2nd place in my age group. I didn’t expect it, and was grateful that I had done better than I thought.

Fun shirt and medal

Fun shirt and medal

I truly enjoyed this race. Hermes always does such a great job managing races that it makes for a fun time running. I hope that I’ll be able to run this race again to improve on my time and hopefully see the race grow. If you need a flat, fast 5k in March, definitely keep this one on your radar for next year.

Loving this medal

Loving this medal

Official Results:

Garmin Time: 25:37

Age Group 20-29: 2/12

Female Overall: 15/61

Overall: 50/130

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Flying Pig Half Training: Week Five

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This week was anything but normal. What was planned as a “get your self in shape to dominate a 5k” turned into “survive the week”. Almost everything this week seemed to be off. Last weekend, in between my non regular race ritual and hanging out in my home town, I went car shopping. This led to not one, but two week nights spent at the dealership. Between this and covering for three different people at work, my brain was mush. The last thing I wanted to do was  head to the gym at 9:00, have dinner at 10:00 and then pass out at 11:00. Needless to say this meant Monday and Wednesday were out on my workout schedule.

Tuesday, which was meant to be a rest day, that would be turned into a make up workout day, quickly turned into spending time at home. Between last Friday and this past Saturday Darren was in Colorado for 5 days and Mexico for 4 days. This left Tuesday night as the day he’d be home for 12 hours in between trips. Sometimes there are more important things than running, like spending time with a loved one and catching up on this crazy life.

Thursday however, was where I got myself  back into gear. I squeezed in three miles before yoga, and after three days off, I felt better than a normal run. After that I had my hardest yoga-lates class to date. We started off with some hard core Pilates moves and within 10 minutes, my legs were dead. During that hour, I pushed myself to the limits (as much as you can in yoga) and left class feeling like a whole new person. Sometimes all you need after a crazy week is 90 minutes of pure sweat.

Monday: Off

Tuesday: Off

Wednesday: Off

Thursday:  3 Miles, Yoga-lates

Friday: Off

Saturday: Sole to Soul 5k + 4.6 miles

Sunday: Off

Total Miles: 10.6 Miles

Saturday was the Sole to Soul 5 in Avon. I had been looking forward to this race for quite some time. I couldn’t make it last year, so I knew to plan my schedule around it this time. I was more excited that this race would be taking place in my hometown. Any time I can run on the streets I grew up on, I jump at the opportunity. I knew I also had 8-9 on the schedule, so I wanted to start off with the race and continue with some miles on one of my favorite loops.

My legs were pretty tight before I even got to the race, Yoga class on Thursday was still rough on my legs. I hoped by the time they had a few miles in them, they’d relax a bit and start to feel good. Not so much. My legs felt great for my race (post coming this week) and then they went down hill after that. I started my post race miles on one of my favorite loops around my old house. A little over a mile in, I started over heating and cut through a short cut to take some layers off at home. Once I did that, I started out again, but this time I decided to go in the opposite direction. I turned the corner and saw two chickens, a rooster and a duck crossing the road. I found it funny and instantly thought of the joke, “Why did the chicken cross the road?” The answer in this case was to chase me. As soon as I passed them, they started running after me. I must have looked ridiculous being chased by these birds.

Crazy wildlife

Crazy wildlife

After that encounter, I started to map out my route. I did 2 miles with my first loop, so all I needed was 3 more and I’d be done. Over the next couple of minutes, my legs started feeling tired again. Three miles isn’t a lot to run, but with each step my legs were feeling dead. I did a short out and back with the opportunity of running a decent sized incline on the way in. I knew I was home free once I turned on my street. Within a half mile of being done, I passed a yard with a Rottweiler. He barked on my way out, but didn’t really do anything more than stand up and walk towards the edge of the yard. This time, I was on his side of the street with cars coming in both directions. I had no other choice than to run right along his territory. He wasn’t too thrilled about this and lunged at me, clamping his jaws down an inch from my arm. I screamed, I panicked, and sprinted the entire way home. A car stopped and turned around to see if I had gotten bit, but as I kept running, they kept driving. I had never experienced anything like that, and was more furious than anything else. A half mile short of my goal, but I was done for the day.

This week was eventful, and led to not hitting the miles I needed, but I’m not too concerned. I’m halfway done with training, but I feel confident that I can run a good half marathon. I’m cross training, doing yoga, and hitting mile times I didn’t think I could get close to. I still have 6 more weeks to get a few long runs in. I know that these next few weeks will really count.

How was your week? Have you ever had any animal encounters while running?

 

Irish Jig & Jog 5k Recap

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Being about the only person who didn’t run St. Malachi, I opted for a flat 5k on Sunday morning. Over the past couple weeks I had thrown the idea around for a St. Patrick’s Day race, either the Lakewood Irish Jig & Jog 5k or the Shamrock 5k in Woodridge. Knowing that the Shamrock 5k would be all hills and I haven’t had a chance to tackle some in a while, I decided to keep it easy. Lucky for me, I spent the weekend up in Avon, so I wouldn’t need to drive far on race morning. The race was put on by Peace Racing, and it was the second year they’ve held the event. I had never run a race by them, but I was excited to see how it would go.

My pre race ritual wasn’t my along my normal plan. I spent Saturday night at a concert with my sister, had sloppy joes for dinner, and managed about 6 hours of sleep when I woke up Sunday morning. To follow that up, I had a gross protein bar the morning of, and still hadn’t decided if I was fully committed to running, or crawling back in bed. But knowing I had miles to get in, I figured it’d be easier with a couple hundred other people than just myself braving the cold.

Because I was on the fence all week about racing, I registered day of. This meant I wouldn’t be getting the long sleeve shirts, and unfortunately, the woman working my line didn’t let us know we needed timing chips. I found this out at the start of the race, with less than a minute to go an announcement was made to make sure your timing chip was on your shoe. I looked around, and luckily I wasn’t the only one who wasn’t told, about a third of the runners around me didn’t have a chip. I also learned that some day of registrants got shirts. I was obviously in the wrong sign up line.

We started the race and like always I went out way too quick. I was right around 8:15 pace and tried to slow myself down, but people kept passing me. For the next half mile I battled with slowing down and being pulled ahead with everyone else. I finally got my pace down and completed my first mile in 8:43, still too fast. The course was really flat, and a little boring. It started at Madison Park and went into two neighborhoods on either side. My office is right down the street, so I knew the area wouldn’t have any hills, and hopefully this meant I could go fast the entire time. The first mile was a loop around one neighborhood and then we passed Madison Park again to an out and back.

As we started the out and back, the first couple of runners were coming by and they were quick! I normally hate running an out and back, but it helped to boost my spirit and I started to pick up my pace. I hit the hairpin turn at the halfway point and I was  around 13:xx, knew I was on pace to an awesome finish. On the way back I noticed that the cold and slight wind were starting to catch up with me, my breathing was getting heavier and at some points my legs felt like they were moving backwards. I kept with it, and hit the two mile mark at 17:xx.

Curious to where the last mile would lead, I began the loop that we ran for the first mile. By this time my body was slowing down and questioning why I went out so quick in the first mile. My pace dropped drastically and I struggled some to finish the last half mile. I also started getting a cramp right near my heart and I began to panic. This instantly made me slow down and I became over cautious as I was finishing the race. I did see Bill from Second Sole cheering me on at the finish, so I tried to sprint as much as I could to the line. It was nice to have one familiar face in the crowd. I crossed the line at 27:42 on a course that was at 3.02.

I had a mix of feelings after finishing the race. I was upset that I went out way too quick and ruined my pace for the rest of the race. I was also upset that the course was short by so much! I was glad I was done, but I didn’t feel that I got everything out of it that I paid for. However, I couldn’t be that upset with myself, I wasn’t mentally prepared for the race and my Saturday night didn’t help either. I was glad I got the miles in, but it definitely wasn’t my favorite race.

Flying Pig Half Training: Week Four

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For an easy week, I took things real easy. I knew that I had minimal miles on the schedule this week, but I still wanted them to count. I also knew that I’d have a race at the end of the week, so I wanted to make sure I was prepared for what I’d be putting my legs through on Sunday. Monday and Wednesday I put in some pretty decent miles with a great pace. Knowing that I’ve been able to bring my pace down so much lately has really boosted my confidence in running 5k’s. I was even able to get some decent miles on the resistance bike.

My yoga class has a completely different feel this week, which was appreciated. It was split about 50/50 on yoga and Pilates, and I actually enjoyed it. I’m excited for the next two classes I have left and I’m even thinking of expanding it through April. The thought even crossed my mind to sign up for a spin class, but let’s take one thing at a time, shall we?

I still had the decision on which race to do on Sunday lingering over my head. I ultimately decided on the Lakewood Irish Jig and Jog 5k, something flat, close and early in the morning so I could enjoy the rest of my day. Between the race and my pre race plans, nothing was normal, but I’ll get more into that later this week.

Here’s week 5…

Monday: 3 Miles

Tuesday: Rest Day

Wednesday:2 Miles Run, 4.5 Miles Biked

Thursday: Yoga-lates

Friday: Rest Day

Saturday: Rest Day

Sunday: Lakewood Irish Jig and Jog 5k

Total Miles: 5 Miles Run, 4.5 Miles Biked

As you can see, really easy. This next week brings easy weekday runs followed up by my longest run yet in this cycle over the weekend. I’ve got another 5k coming up on Saturday, and this time I’m hoping to really break through and give it a great shot.

Did you race for St. Patrick’s Day?

 

Run Rave

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It’s been a while since I shared a few of my favorite things, so I think it’s time to bring it back. Lately I’ve been totally crushing on a few new items I’ve added to my running wardrobe. I didn’t really need to add anything, but once I did,  I can’t believe I went so long without them. My first purchase and probably most surprising to me, was a hat. Because I have a tiny head and face, I’ve never been able to find one that fits. I have the same problem with sunglasses, and pants..and well, pretty much everything. But thanks to a gift card at Vertical Runner, I was able to buy one without the full guilt on spending money on something I wouldn’t wear.

asics.com

asics.com

I love this hat, no only because it’s Asics, but it shield my eyes from the once in a while sunny run. I even had plans of wearing it during rain in Austin when there was a 40-60% chance of precipitation during the 3M Half Marathon. Unfortunately, I left it at home and was on a search to find a new hat. And a great hat was found!

newbalance.com

newbalance.com

My first New Balance purchase, I found this gem at a local Austin running shop. For just around $30, I found something that can cover my head, and light my way while running. Underneath the brim of the hat are two set of lights, perfect for those early morning or late night runs. I’ve used it a few times and felt so much safer when dodging potholes. Two great hats that I’ve added to my collection. Maybe I’ll become a hat fanatic now….

Hat models

Hat models

For the first time in at least 8 years, I wore something other than my Nike Tempo Shorts. After browsing online for a cute pair of shorts I discovered the Asics’s ARD shorts. The first time I tried them in Austin, I fell in love. The material is so light and breathable, I felt like I had nothing on. Luckily, I did. They also weren’t as obnoxiously bright like many of my other shorts. I’m pretty sure they also make me look fast.

Focus on the shorts, not the "Proof"

Shorts & Hat in action! (Also, great race picture!)

As soon as I returned from Austin, I was on the hunt for more. I came across my February find for clothing and picked out a new pair with just a touch of pink. They also have a nice little zip pocket on the back, perfect for Gu or an iPod. Hands down these are my new favorite shorts and I can’t wait to try them out in 90 degree weather to see how they hold up.

The perfect shorts

The perfect shorts

One of my absolute favorite additions is my new running shoe. Since I can remember I’ve been running with the Asics Gel 1000 series. They’ve always fit me well and provided enough stability and comfort I had no reason to try another shoe. Until back in October when I ventured into the Asics booth at the Columbus marathon and fell in love with my new running partner.

Hello beautiful GT-2000

Hello beautiful GT-2000

Light weight, foot fitting and comfort beyond belief. I had a hard time removing my feet from the shoe and couldn’t wait to try them out. Over the past couple of months I’ve had a chance to try them out and have run almost every single run in these shoes. For a price point of $120, they are worth every single penny. From running through snow, gravel, track and treadmill, they’ve held up under every condition. From 1 mile to 13.1 miles, I never regretted wearing them for any distance. And while I still have a shiny new pair of the Gel 1600 in my closet, I think it may be a while before I lace those up.

And now, something non clothing related, and probably what I’m most excited about….a half  marathon in Medina! I could not be happier that I will get to run a half marathon in my own backyard. I’ve already run about 75% of the course in the past 6 months, so I think I have a great feel for what to expect. I recently found out about this race, and while it is bound to be hilly, hot and possibly humid, there is nothing more exciting than running a race in its first year. But actually, there is. This year, the race is free and will be put on by a bunch of local clubs and businesses. So mark your calendars for May 25th and and get ready to run!

More info: https://www.facebook.com/medinahalf.marathon?sid=0.964994641811798

Course Map

Course Map

Flying Pig Half Training: Week Three

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This week was exactly what I needed. I started out with an amazing run and was able to keep that momentum throughout the entire week. My total miles still may be low, but I felt great on every run. I wanted to make sure I got out of my rut and enjoyed running. Luckily I did, and not only did that help me with my pace, but it helped me with  my distance. My best run this week was Wednesday, I originally had 4 on the schedule and was ready to take on 40 laps on the track. I quickly noticed that my pace was sub 9:00 and told myself not to go out too fast. I fell into a comfortable pace and noticed that mile 2 and 3 were still 8:58. I only had one more mile to do, so I kept with it. Finishing up mile 4 at 8:49, I figured why not see how much more I can run, I would probably end up tired within the next mile. Mile 5 went on by and soon I was on to mile 6. By this point I was just above 9:07 per mile and knew I wouldn’t be going that much further. Once I hit 70 laps, I finished, but I was more than excited about my run. I had just done my long run on a Wednesday night, and ran mostly at a sub 9:00 pace, putting me at a 1:02 finish. It truly made me believe that sub 2:00 is possible this year. I don’t know where it came from, or how I was able to run for that long on the track, but I was so glad I did. I felt like it was exactly the run I needed. Plus, the stress of my long run for the week was over.

My other runs were shorter, but my pace was under 9:30, and I kept them pretty easy. I had hoped to enjoy a longer run outside on Sunday with the beautiful weather, but after I forgot to eat lunch, and running at 7pm left me with little energy to get out the door.

I also had my first Yoga-lates class this week. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I figured  my abs would be screaming at me. To be honest, I felt like 90% of the time was just stretching. I wasn’t sweating like a good run, and I was ready to go home before class was over. I felt relaxed, but I didn’t feel like I was working hard. And then for the next two days, I felt like I couldn’t lift my arms. I was sore in places I didn’t know I had muscles, and could completely feel the benefit of yoga. I’ve realized I’m more of a Pilates person, but I’m hoping to enjoy the rest of my classes (only three left) and become relaxed, something I haven’t been in a while.

Monday: 3 Miles

Tuesday: Rest Day

Wednesday: 7 Miles

Thursday: Yoga-lates

Friday: Rest Day

Saturday: Rest Day

Sunday: 1.5 Miles

Total Miles: 11.5 Miles

Low total mileage, but great workouts, very pleased with this week. This next week is supposed to be a low mileage week, but I may push it to see what I can do. I’ll be running in my hometown over the weekend, so that can only mean great runs! I also have the decision to make about which race to do Sunday morning. Early flat 5k or late hilly 5k…

How was your week? Are you running a St. Patrick’s Day race?

Flying Pig Half Training: Week Two

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This week was filled with ups and downs, both personally and running wise. I started out the week well, I was hitting my miles and getting a bunch of cross training done. Wednesday ended up as my best day. I gave everything I had on my run and followed up with some hardcore ab and lifting workouts. I felt great and hoped it would set  me up for a good weekend. Unfortunately that all changed Saturday morning, when a race I had hoped to run, ended up never being put together. Information was online and up to date, but when I showed up around 8:30 Saturday, all that I found was an empty parking lot covered in snow.

Where is everyone?

Where is everyone?

I ended up turning around, went home and mapped out a new plan for the day. I was feeling good, a little mentally let down, but I was excited to get 6 miles in. Within a matter of 30 seconds after starting my run, the weather turned for the worse and it was nearly impossible to keep my head up to see. I remapped my plan to try for 4 miles outside, and finish up with 2 on the indoor track and maybe get some cycling in. Right before 2 miles, I started feeling a pain in my ankle, so much and so rapidly, I turned around, cut out the back way and finished my run short. I got home and hit a low point, I kept beating myself up over a bad run, and then rebelling starting to figure out a plan to get it done the next day. When Sunday rolled around and I had pain in my knee, I knew it was best to actually take my rest day. My long run was a failure, but I was listening to my body, something I ignored way too much last year. I now know that I’m running on my left leg differently. I was babying my knee for so long, that I’ve placed other joints at risk. It also didn’t help that I was running on snow, so my footing was different than usual. As frustrating as it was, I knew I did the right thing by getting off my feet and taking it easy the rest of the weekend.

Monday:Rest Day

Tuesday: 3 Mile Run

Wednesday: 2 Mile Run, 2.85 Miles Cycling

Thursday: Rest Day

Friday: Rest Day

Saturday: 3.35 Miles

Sunday: Rest Day

Total Miles: 8.35 Miles Run, 2.85 Mile Cycling

It wasn’t my best week, but I can’t go into another race being completely hurt. I’m hoping this is just a bump in the road and this next week will be absolutely great for my training. It’s my first week of yoga-lates, so I’m hoping this will help to perk up my attitude and I can finish the week with a smile.

Have you ever let a bad run ruin your weekend? How do you recover from a bad run?

Flying Pig Half Training: Week One

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First week complete. This week I felt that I was really starting fresh. I took the previous week off as an unplanned rest as I battled a bad  head cold. Two weeks later, and I still can’t get rid of the cough or the feeling of always being congested. Luckily, it didn’t hold me back too much, but I was definitely feeling out of shape. I didn’t follow this week’s plan exactly, but I did what was best for me in getting back into a solid running plan.

Monday:Rest Day

Tuesday: 1 Mile Run, 3.35 Miles Cycling

Wednesday: Rest Day

Thursday: 1.37 Miles Run

Friday: Rest Day

Saturday: 4 Miles Run

Sunday: Rest Day

Total Miles: 6.37 Miles Run, 3.35 Miles Cycling

Definitely pulled the low mileage on this week, but I felt good. Most importantly, I was excited about training. There are so many new things I’ve started doing, I don’t want to leave the gym most of the time. Besides for running on the indoor track (finally a break from the treadmill!) I’ve been working on abs, lifting and cycling. My newest obsession is the resistance bike. It pushes me a lot more than I would on the basic stationary bike, and I don’t get bored sitting there. Like I’ve said before, I really want to focus on cross training this time around. I also want to make my body stronger as a whole, which is why I’m working on my abs and muscles.

The biggest perk from this week? I was able to run outside twice, and one of these runs was after work. Most of the time, it takes me about an hour to get home, so by 6:30 in the evenings, the roads are pretty dark and it’s safer to run inside. Luckily, Thursday I was able to get out of the office right at 5:30, have an easy drive home, and get in 6:15. Those extra minutes meant everything, and I ran a short, quick run in 20 degree weather. And even though it was short and cold, it was the perfect run. A nice reminder that my pace outside is still much quicker than my indoor pace, and that sometimes  all you need is a little fresh air to get your blood pumping.

I wrapped up the week with a “long run” Saturday through a new neighborhood and found my new favorite spot to do hill repeats. I’m actually looking forward to my hill workouts, something I never thought I’d say. And just like that, my new training plan has given me a new mindset on running.

Flying Pig Training Plan

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It’s a new week, so it’s time for some new changes. I’m starting a new training cycle, with new ideas behind it. And if you  haven’t noticed, I have a new background for my blog. I’m working on updating a few things and should hopefully have it revamped in the next couple weeks.

My big spring race for this year is the Flying Pig Half Marathon. I originally wanted to be out of state, but with such a busy schedule, I decided to stay close to home. And as much as I’d like to run Cleveland again, I’m excited to spend a weekend on the other end of the state and experience a challenging course. After running 10 half marathons, I want to take this distance to a new level. I want to push myself on speed and push myself on challenges. Hills of course being my biggest challenge.

So what makes this training cycle so different? After joining the rec center two months ago, I was able to open my training to more than just running. There are multiple ways of cross training including biking, elliptical and a dangerous monster of a machine called the stair climber. It has at least 5 stairs, and I’m terrified to go near it.  But this time, I’m actually going to make the effort in using these machines, and hopefully stay injury free.

What’ I’ve also added this time around are classes.  There is a full schedule of classes that can be taken through the week including yoga, cardio, spin, kick boxing and much more. I’m looking at adding two of these and possibly a third if I get the guts to take on more. In a couple of weeks I’ll be starting Yoga-lates on Thursday evenings and Yoga on Sunday mornings. My goal is to become more flexible and really focus on my breathing. One day I may add a spin or cardio class, but I’m not sure I’m ready for that quite yet.

Screenshot_2_17_13_10_45_PM

You can see that the weekday runs are pretty light. Between getting home at 6:30 and making time for dinner, the night really cuts into my chance to run more miles. And well, morning workouts just aren’t my thing.  I’ve also thrown in some cross training on the days that my miles are really low. My major focus will be on weekend long runs. I’ve thrown in a few days of hills and speed, but all of my outside runs will have hills, and speed will be the harder day.

My body is ready for a half marathon, maybe not today, but I’ve learned that I can easily jump into the race. I want to push myself this year and try new things. I want to stay healthy and love every single day that I sweat. Here’s to a new round of training!

What spring race are you training for? Do you add any cross training or classes?