It is still sinking in that there are only 5 long runs left between now and September 28th. My mind goes into scary places when I realize that 3 of those will most likely be 20 mile runs. In the hopes of staying positive, not negative, I will repeat this in my mind multiple times on Saturday. Maybe Saturday’s playlist will require a few Disney tunes!
Monday: Working from home combined with helping Bo left me exhausted by the evening. I took an unplanned rest day other than 5 minute workout and foam rolling.
Tuesday: Oh sprint days. I’ve come to look forward to this day of training almost more than any other day. I can’t decide whether it’s because I’m seeing so much progress or because it’s the shortest distance run all week. This week’s speed workout was 1 mile w/u, 2 x 1600 repeats (7:51, 6:57). It was tough but awesome!
Wednesday: I gave my legs a rest and focused on my arms and abs during a 30 Minute Abs & Arms workout.
Thursday: The weather kept me on the treadmill for this week’s 6 mile tempo run. I ended up loving it and negative split the workout. I started the treadmill at 8:57 and went faster from there. I felt stronger than expected due in part to the fact that bright workout gear makes you happier and faster!
Friday: I slept 9 hours on Thursday night which left me feeling WONDERFUL on Friday. I had so much energy that instead of taking my normal rest day I did my 5 minute workout, foam rolled and 20 minutes of yoga for runners.
Saturday: An awesome 17 mile run that leaves me excited for this weekend’s 20 mile run (!?!). The trick this training cycle has been consistency and focus during my long runs. I fuel the same way and wear the same outfit consistently each week. I push through emotions and feelings during my run, not letting myself take multiple rest breaks.
Sunday: I couldn’t resist being outside Sunday afternoon as it was 70 degrees and sunny! I headed down to the lake and spent an hour power walking just over 5 miles along the lake while calling two of my girl friends back in the US. It was the perfect way to enjoy sunshine and fresh air while also enjoying an active recovery after Saturday’s long run.
If you’re looking for new tunes, check out these two posts which each provided me with a few new songs for this week’s runs!
Runner’s World asks readers to vote for the best running song
Julie’s Pimp My Playlist is meant for SPIN but will be perfect for any workout!
I love going for long walks and talking on the phone outside. Thanks for the links to new running songs, I always to switch it up! I have Spotify and I am always looking through people’s running list to find new songs.
It was the perfect way to get exercise and catch up – so fun! I LOVE Spotify too Megan!
You seem so on with training this series — can’t WAIT to see how well Berlin goes 🙂
I can’t wait either. But, the hardest 5 weeks are ahead of me, not behind me! Thanks for the positive thoughts!
Great training week! I think evey runners’ mind goes to scary places and one time or another during training. You’ve got this!
Thanks Jill!
Love a bit of power walking! Charlie and I covered almost 3 miles on Monday morning, maybe not so ‘power’ but still a nice way to loosen up long run legs! Eeek you are scaring me, my 20miler is done, my mileage is coming back down and you reminded me that my mara is two weeks before yours! aaaa!
How did your 20 miler go Stephanie? Any tips you want to share with me? 🙂 You’ll ROCK your marathon! Which one is it?
I’m living vicariously through you, I can’t wait to run my first full marathon. Nice week of training!
Thanks Lily! You’ll love your first marathon experience. Have you decided which one?
Congrats on a great long run! Keep up the good work!
Thanks!
How have you gotten so much faster? Did you really run a mile in 6:57? Seems dramatically faster than your recent paces so just wondered what has caused such rapid improvement!
Yes Bonnie I really did run a mile in 6:57. I have been doing consistent speed work for the past few months and that combined with healthier eating, building muscle and cross training has made a huge difference!