It could not have been a better February for training! I'm pretty sure that I only used the treadmill twice so far during the training schedule (and it was because the kids needing me around rather than because of bad weather). Its amazing how easier it is to talk myself out the door to run, in blowing snow or cold temps, when the forecast promises mild weather ahead in the week. Now, we are looking forward to highs in the 70's for the rest of this week! Just last week the big decision before heading out for the long run was if I needed to wear heavy gloves or light. This week its shorts or capris. I suppose this will mean that I should prepare myself for any weather on May 20th. I suppose that I should be thankful for the opportunity to test wardrobe options in training rather than being blind-sided by unfamiliar weather race day. I can't wait to shop the new spring line from Fleet Feet in Cleveland (more details on this super cool discount opportunity in a later blog).
Chris and I have worked up to 13 miles for our weekend long runs and maintaining the weekly miles (hills, fartlecks, and repeats included). My 13 mile finish time was 1:54 for the first week and 1:48 this past Saturday. This upcoming Sunday we plan on running in the “Churchill's Half Marathon” event in Monclova. I am hoping to (at least) match my finish time from last year, 1:45. We'll see how it goes. I believe that the hills, repeats, and fartlecks are helping my pace. Last weekend was an easier long run. I learned that I feel more fresh starting out if my day off is the one right before the long run. My muscles just seemed to need that rest and were more “re-charged” as I headed out for the long haul. I plan on working that into the schedule for this Sunday's event too.
On another note...I can't believe that I am even going to admit this...but my, ankle is showing some pain (yes, the same ankle that left me unable to run for months). I can't even say when I started to feel it, but admitting it means that I will be going easy on it this week (at least until Sunday). I am hoping it will subside with no further worries. I did make a promise with myself to take it easy and avoid risking injury that could keep me from reaching this marathon goal for a second time! In fact, I just learned that one of my fellow “everyday athletes” just received this type of bad news. She is forced to give up running Cleveland due to a stress fracture in her femur. This sounds terribly painful and I can relate to her disappointment. Tiffani, you are definitely in my thoughts this week. What a lesson in not taking anything for granted!!! Our bodies are amazing machines. Sometimes we don't listen closely enough to what it is telling us until it is too late. Tiffani's bad news this week is the reminder that I needed of the very real consequence that can happen if I don't listen to the ankle pain (or the tired muscles) as I head out for the day's workout. I will also not take for granted the beautiful gift of great training weather!... and enjoy what I can do this week :)
Maybe I didn't think this "good weather" concept thoroughly...
Wednesday run: 5 miles and should have included fartlecks (since I took Tuesday off with the ankle pain). One word...HOT!!!! I forgot how 80 degrees can cause major fatigue. The pick-ups in pace were short lived. It became a mental game to just finish the workout. 5 miles completed with a little added chafing to remind me. I guess I will have to put my time in acclimating to the warm weather ahead of me.
To end the night, Wednesday, was my first “debut” as head girls high school cross-country coach. It is official!!! I will be coaching high school for the first time this fall and super excited. Tonight we had our 8th grade open house and sign-up for the team...woohoo... training some future winning runners is so exciting (and inspiring)!
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