Just checking in on this Memorial Day. Hope the long weekend is treating you well! It has been a great weekend thus far and I am looking forward to spending today with friends and relaxing.
In the midst of today as we enjoy time off, relaxing with friends and family, take a moment to reflect on the meaning of this day and the significance of the ultimate sacrifice so many have made in service to our country so that we can live freely. I am forever grateful for these brave men and women.
Week 9 of training has come and gone. It feels like these weeks are just flying by! It could be because I have been very busy but I think it also has to do with nerves as the culmination of all my training will be here in just 3 short weeks!
This week has been a good combination of pushing myself and resting. Monday was strength training and foam rolling like crazy! This never feels good in the moment but my quads and hamstrings thanked me after. Tuesday was 5 miles outside and the air was crisp with temps in the mid 40s.
Wednesday it was back to the gym for a speed workout- 9×400 at 8:09 pace with a half mile warm up and cool down. I was a sweaty mess after but that just shows it was a good workout! I recently bought this Reebok drip-fit top from Marshalls and I love it (similar here ). Not only is it a pretty color (very important stuff) it is light weight and breathes great. I have good luck there for running clothes at a great price.
Thursday was the typical 3 mile run and then to the gym for 25 minutes of strength training. I have been really focusing on my quads and core this training cycle and I can really tell the difference; my legs don’t get as fatigued and tired during long runs compared to my last training cycle last summer. Progress!
Friday was a rest day that I took very seriously. I didn’t sleep in much though since Milo had to go to the groomer by 7:30AM. Poor guy hates going but he sure is happy when I pick him up! (And yes, that is a patriotic scarf for Memorial Day that the groomed put on him- too cute!)
I decided to do my long run on Saturday instead of Sunday because the forecast showed rain for Sunday. Saturday morning I set my alarm at 7AM ( I wanted to sleep in a bit). Temps were in the low 50s and the sun was shining! After downing a banana, some Honey Stinger chews and water, I was out the door. The past two weeks my stomach has hurt a bit for the first 2 or so miles so I really need to experiment with my pre-run fuel. I think I’m going to try just half a plain bagel with jam next time and see how that goes. I also ordered some cocogo that I plan to try in my handheld. I usually carry water but again, its good to experiment to see what works best! I will follow up with how I like it.
I took my usual route to Frame Park and boy, this does not get old! The morning could not have been more beautiful and I made sure to soak up the scenery, so pretty.
As I was running around the river, a fellow runner stopped me to tell my a bird has swooped down and hit her on the head! She was nice enough to warn me as I was about to pass by the area. Thankfully I dodged the angry bird and continued on my way.
My intention for this long run was to keep as steady pace as possible. With my goal race pace at 9:09 I am making sure to practice this through out my training. Splits were as follows- 8:56, 9:07, 8:53, 9:07, 8:58, 9:03, 8:55, 9:11, 9:09. I am going to keep working at it. The wind picked up which always makes it more challenging for me to gauge my pace. Overall, I was happy with keeping it fairly consistent.
I immediately came home and sat outside with Milo and drank so chocolate milk. Then a shower was oh so necessary!
Sunday was an optional rest or easy run. I woke up feeling soar and my shins were hurting so I decided to opt for the rest day. Part of training is proper recovery! Its so important to listen to your body and mine was definitely asking for a rest day so it was compression socks and PJs this morning on the couch with Milo. I swear by my compression socks. I wear them as part of my recovery the day of/after a long run and I have yet to get shin splits or an injury (knock on wood!).
How was your week for running? If you didn’t run, what did you do for exercise?
What’s your favorite way to recover?
Memorial Day plans?
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