Training isn't over yet, I have two more weekend runs (10 and 5 miles) to do but will do them on my own since the scheduling doesn't work. I have already mapped out my 10 mile route and I'm oddly excited to tackle this challenge. The five mile run is already mapped out since I have been running that at least once a week for the last several weeks. It'll be a little sad to do these runs on my own but I hope that I have learned as much as possible from my coaches to be successful.
Today's run was a 7 mile jaunt in Libertyville (aka the hilly forest preserve) that kind of kicked my butt. A few days ago while stretching my legs I'd noticed a knot in my calf muscle and tried to work it out. I might have worked it a little too hard because it started to bother me today. I ended up walking a few times but Coach B kicked my *ss and got me running again. I finished the run with an 11:28 pace and 1:19:18 which was 13 seconds faster than the last 7 mile run I did and 1:07 faster than the first 7 mile run. Clearly this means I'm progressing as a runner? I really just need to work on my pacing so that I can be more consistent.
My training plan this week was:
Monday: Run, 5 miles
Tuesday: Cross Training or Speed
Wednesday: Run, 4 miles - Start easy build to fast finish
Thursday: Strength
Friday: Run, easy 30 minutes
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: Run, 7 miles
What I actually did this week:
Monday: Run, 4.27 miles (pace began at 11:27, finished at 11:16)
Tuesday: Bike, 10.98 miles
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: Run, 5.33 miles
Friday: Run, 3.19 miles
Saturday: Bike, 8.05 miles
Sunday: Run, 7 miles
I had to flip my Monday/Wednesday runs around because of the 15K race last week. My legs were not ready to tackle 5 miles on Monday but I knew I needed to get them moving so that is why I swapped those to runs. I think it was a fairly successful week except for missing the strength workout.
Any tips for conquering the long runs?
I love long runs with a group, it goes by much faster, however, I have done many long runs solo.
ReplyDeleteMy advice: Make a plan and stick to it. If you're planning on running at 08:00, then do it. Also, if staying motivated through the whole run is a problem, plan a route that you can't bail out on (I like out and backs for this, especially when trg for a marathon), or a route that is going to keep you interested, like a nice trail. Also, remember to have fun :)
Good Luck! :)
One of my long runs tips is to update your ipod playlist, if you use an ipod during your runs. I know that sometimes when I am needing a little energy boost, new music really helps me.
ReplyDeleteMy best tip for long runs is to run with friends. On my longest while training for my half, I had friends meet up with me along my route so there was always something/someone to look forward to!
ReplyDelete