Posts tagged half marathon training

I had to conquer them today. I have been thinking about it a lot. I was trying to figure out where and when I was going to do them. I was orginally going to do them on Thursday but I was asked to come into work. So this morning was the next best thing. It was supposed to be a beautiful sunny Saturday in Minnesota with it being 70 degrees. That did not happen. I believe we topped out at 50 and it was cloudy and windy. Boo.

Anyway, I got up relatively early and headed into the Cities to run around the local lakes. I have not run outside as much as I should just because it takes a lot of time and effort to get to a good place to do my long runs. This is only my second long run outside since October. So after about driving quite a while I was ready to go.

So I made sure I had everything that I needed and headed out. The lake is about 3 miles around. So I just figured I would do loops around the lake. There are a couple of lakes that are connected too that also have great paths but I do not know those lakes as well. So I stuck to one lake. I have a feeling as I get closer to Marathon Training I will get to know those lakes.

After loop one I lost my jacket. I got a couple of crazy looks running around in 45 degree weather with just a tank top on but there was not way I was going to be able to run in the jacket the whole time.

Throughout this run I stopped a couple of times for water at the bubbler and also to drop off the jacket. Otherwise I kept my ratios of 3 to 1. And I am proud to say that I stayed with those ratios.

I had a hard time slowing down for my long run. I wanted to keep up with my race pace but I did my best to keep it slow. I had to keep telling myself slow down and reminding myself that long runs are supposed to be slow.

My Splits were:

1: 9.49, 2: 10.22, 3: 9.59, 4: 10.40, 5: 9.56, 6: 10.27, 7: 10.17, 8: 10.10, 9: 10.30, 10: 9.52 with an average pace of 10.13. 

I am pretty happy with that. Although I have gotten used to running consistently in the 9’s so it is hard to see a 10. But it was good for me to go slower for the long run. I must keep telling myself this. This pace was still faster than my Half Marathon in October. 

All smiles after. But let me tell you my legs are feeling in now. I believe some rolling and Yoga is in order.

What did you guys accomplish today?

I had a great week of workouts.

It all started with Monday. I went to Zumba. My favorite Zumba teacher is only there on Monday nights. So that is the only night I go. Her workouts tend to be of a cardio workout that a normal Zumba teacher. I love it. I have been told that she does not teach how “regular Zumba” is. What ever that means. I have learned that she is gone to be gone for a couple of months because she is also a student. Sad Panda :[

So on Tuesday I was supposed to have the day off from work that did not happen. So I did not make it to BodyPump. But I got my three miles in and then went to a Yoga class. 

Wednesday. I went to BodyFlow. I really love these classes.

Thursday. I ran 5 miles. My average pace was 9:38. It was a pretty good run. It was one of those runs where I wanted to keep going but I just did not have the time.

Friday: The plan was BodyPump. I got there on time but they started early and the class was packed so I decided to pass. I decided to run 4.1 miles and to a strength workout at home instead. The four miles were great.  I was not expecting much because I ran the day before and I tend not to do that. Maybe the key is no expectations. My splits were good too! 

Mile 1: 9:36

Mile 2: 9:41

Mile 3: 9:33

Mile 4: 9:25

Mile 5: 8:26

Saturday: It was another BodyFlow day:] I also rode the bicycle at the gym. I believe it said 9.2 miles in 30 minutes. It was hard.

Sunday. Rest Day

The week did not look like my plan. But it was a really good workout week. 

I finished week 1 of training. It went really well. I ran three miles on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. I did BodyPump on Monday. I wanted to do it on Wednesday as well but I was so sore. I did not thing it would good for my body. So I did BodyFlow on Wednesday as well as on Saturday. I really love bodyflow and wish my gym offered at more times.

So I begin week 2 of half marathon training.

Monday: BodyPump

Tuesday: 3 miles

Wednesday: I am going to try to do BodyPump if my body is up for it otherwise it will be BodyPump

Thursday: 3 miles

Friday: Rest Day

Saturday: 4 miles

Sunday: Yoga

I have been super motivated to get out there today. So I cannot wiat to get out there. Kinda Strange. :]

The most exciting part is when I get home I have this waiting for me.

I am super excited. I used my Christmas Bonus to buy it. I hope these skirts are as awesome as they say they are. They are pricey but people say they are worth it. We will see :]

 I had a great weekend up north. We had a very relaxing weekend and ate at the “Orginal” Famous Daves. I love that place. I ate way too much but it was worth it :]

So originally I was going to do 9 mile race the weekend of Labor Day and then a half marathon the last weekend in October. But I think it would be smart of me to skip the 9 mile race and concentrate on the half. I will probably do the 5k that they have going on that day.  I just feel like my legs need a little bit of time to recoperate. 

It just so happens that it is exactly 12 weeks until the half. So starting this week I am starting Hal Higdon’s Novice Half Marathon Training plan. I will be running three days a week, doing cross training three days and resting one day.

I am really excited about this because I believe it is the best for me. Here is to training!