Boston Training: Week 9 Summary

I really wanted to log a 60+ mile week and I somehow managed to eek out 62.27. It wasn't easy though. It was pretty "easy" when training for the JFK 50 miler to log 60-70 mile weeks on 5 days of running only because I was averaging 35-40 miles each weekend. I DON"T WANT TO DO THAT AGAIN! But, the miles did quickly add up. I would like to continue to focus on volume over the next few weeks, adding some double easy run days.

TOTAL:  62.27 miles

2/27 (Monday) - Pool Running 1.5 hours
I really wasn't too sore from my 20. More stiff (right when I got out of bed) than anything. I love the way I feel when I get out of the pool. I am so loose and relaxed. It's really a perfect way for me to start my week. The 90 minutes flew by thanks to the company of Allison, Cristina, Tim and Charlie.

2/28 (Tuesday) - Intervals AM
The plan called for 8-10 x 800s. I have never done more than 6 x 800s in a row, so I was kind of intimidated walking onto the track this morning. I didn't let it stress me out though. I decided after the first 800, to just relax. Take one 800 at a time. I can not think of it like, "One down! Nine to go!" It discourages me. One step at a time, one lap at a time and before you know it...I was done with 8! My silly Garmin was acting up again, so I don't have the actual splits. My goal was 3:22. The first 800 was 3:25 and then after that, each 800 was somewhere between the 3:15 and 3:20 range. I felt good and it was fun running with Amy and Elizabeth. I can't wait to hit that 10 mark!
2/29 (Wednesday) - 6 miles EASY AM; 5 mile EASY PM

I really want to start logging some 60+ mile weeks so have decided to add a double run day to the mix. I started with a 6 and a 5 miler today. I will gradually increase the distance for the morning runs. I felt really good both runs. It pretty much down poured for the entire CAR Fun Run in the evening, but it was in the mid-50s, no wind...it actually was FUN! But, note to self - always put my hair in a bun or braid if running in the rain. Because my hair is a little curly, my pony tail ended up being a 5 lb rats nest that took me a long time to comb out.
3/1 (Thursday) - 10.2 miles EASY AM
My legs were a little heavy this morning but I was able to forget about them for the most part because it was soooo beautiful out on the Mt. Vernon trail as the sun was rising. If you have never run on this trail at sunrise - you are missing out. The colors are amazing and the DC skyline is always breathtaking. AND the sun was actually hot! A little glimpse of summer!
3/1 (Friday) - 8.1 miles EASY AM
I missed going to the track this morning. I am getting pretty bored running by myself. I felt better today, physically than yesterday and was definitely not as tired. 
3/2 (Saturday) - 8 miles EASY AM

It was a very rainy morning running on the Mt Vernon Trail through Old Town towards Belle Haven. Usually on Saturday mornings, the paths are jammed packed. Today, all was quiet. I know that tapering for the big marathons in the area is starting up and it was rainy, but I expected to see more people out. I did some light free weight and core work - and lots of stretching when I got back to the gym. I want to feel good for tomorrow's run.
3/3 (Sunday) - 16 miles LONG RUN AM
I have never done any workout like the one we did this morning. The plan was to warm up for 2 miles; Run 4 miles at Marathon Pace (8:00 min miles for me); 1 mile easy; 3 miles at Marathon Pace; 1 mile easy; 2 miles at Marathon Pace; 1 mile easy; 1 mile at Marathon Pace and then cool down for a mile. My teammates who are training for National and Shamrock marathons did this workout a couple weeks ago and really liked it. I knew that even though I would be starting with the group, I would probably be doing it alone and didn't know if/how I would be able to make myself surge, then slow down, surge, slow down, etc...but, I did it. These new workouts really have been building my confidence level. When it comes to trying new things, I just always assume it will take me a couple tries to get it right. That's just how it is with me. Things don't normally come easy for me, but I am stubborn enough to keep at it until I perfect it. I got it right this morning on the first try. :) I'm not saying it was easy but it felt good to nail a workout on my own. My first 4 mile splits: (Strong tail wind) 7:47; 7:44; 7:58; 7:48. 3 mile splits: 7:52; 8:02 (turn around and start running into the wind); 7:58. 2 mile splits: 8:00; 7:58. 1 mile 7:56. It was pretty windy on the way back and that sucks, but what am I going to do about it? I also had this little coughing fit once I stopped which is very strange. My voice is a little raspy now. Allergies? Maybe. Th pollen counts are really high in DC this week.