I am week two in my training cycle for my next half marathon, which is May 19th. I am attempting to follow the Run Less Run Faster training plan approach. The principle of this training plan is that you don’t run a lot of junk miles and run with purpose. Plus all cross training days are either rest days or cross training that will benefit your running (no lifting weights).
Last week I followed the plan and was challenged by the speed work, tempo run, and even the long run. But I embraced my inner strength I learned I had from Ragnar, and ran the prescribed plan. It was hard. But I did it.
You can check out my training plan from last week as well as what is on the agenda for this week below.
Last Week’s Training Plan:
Monday: rest/recovery day from Ragnar Relay SoCal
Tuesday: Speedwork (10×400 w/400RI)
Wednesday: spin class
Thursday: 7 miles; (1 mile easy, 5 miles at MT, 1 mile cool)
Friday: Swim Laps & handsatnds!
Saturday: 15 mile long run at HMP +30
Thank goodness for treadmills to help push and encourage me along the way with speed work! I struggle with keeping a consistent pace… and I am hopeful that running the treadmill on these speed/tempo runs will help me get in a rhythm needed to run a certain pace.
Also, the weather here has been gorgeous… the boys have been loving playing basketball at the gym after Mommy works out. They are all getting quite good! Practice makes progress!
I love doing handstands, and I love that my boys are taking the challenge themselves! After working out Friday, my middle son comes up to me and says, “Mommy isn’t today handstand Friday!? We need to do handstands!” So handstands we did!
I had a long run scheduled for Saturday, a whopping 15 miles. It is the longest training run I have run (since training for my first half marathon before kids). I knew that my legs could cover the distance. However, I was not sure how it would go because it was warm and I had just run 21 miles the weekend before at Ragnar. But I was going to give it my best try.
It was a hot run. I had to stop three times at local shops to refill my water bottles (I had three of them with me!). I ended up missing my target pace per mile by 3 seconds… but was very proud of myself for running the distance, in the heat, the week after Ragnar. I am stronger than my brain thinks I am.
This Week’s Training Plan:
Monday: Row
Tuesday: Speedwork (2×1200 (2 min RI) 4×800 (2 min RI))
Wednesday: rest
Thursday: 7 mile tempo run (1 easy, 5 miles at MT, 1 mile cool)
Friday: Swim Laps & handstands!
Saturday: 12 mile long run at HMP +20
As always, I am learning to be flexible with my training plan. Life happens. As a homeschooling mom to three boys, sometimes their schedule takes precedence over my training plan. I am confident I can get the important running accomplished. I am praying we all stay healthy and injury free!
What is on your training plan for this week?
I want to get back to working out, but I hurt my knee and I can barely walk.
What is RI and MT?
I skipped my run yesterday because it was pouring down rain. This morning it was not raining as hard so I ran my scheduled tempo run. I came hope with the front of me so wet I could ring the water out of my clothes. It was one of those runs that increases your mental stamina more than your physical stamina, I got it done only because I’ve made a commitment to do it.
The rest of the week and the next 2 are to increase my speed for my next 10K. I finished my first on Saturday in 1:05:55. I would love to improve on that on the 18th.
I had a veteran marathon runner give me the best boost of confidence on Saturday too. She reminded me that everyone had to start at the beginning at some point. Encouraging words after finishing 98 out of 107.
Looks like:
Mon – NOTHING (OOPS)
Tues – Swim, Gravity Machine Class and hopefully a 100 Push-ups session before
Wednesday – Burbathlon
Thursday – Bike commute maybe with a lunch-time ride
Friday – Spin Class
Saturday – FFA GET TOGETHER IN TORONTO
Sunday – need a plan !