Wednesday, August 12, 2015

WWU - Four Weeks Done!

As of now, I've completed four weeks of our half marathon training, with five long runs done (we started with a long run).  This year, my attitude toward the weekly schedule has been one of "follow it exactly, but no pressure regarding pace" - and it's gone really well.

Here's what I did last week:

Monday - run 40 minutes (at 2:1 intervals)
Tuesday - run/walk hills 35 minutes
Thursday - run 45 minutes (at 2:1 intervals)
Saturday - run 6 miles (at 1:30/1 intervals)

Mileage for that week added up to about 13 (not a lot of miles with the hills, but ooh, it's a workout!).  After our 5 mile long run, my legs didn't exactly protest during their Monday run, but let's just say that I noticed them.  That hadn't happened up to that point, which is good - it makes me feel pleased that with my running fitness base, I made it to that point before anything started feeling tired.

I'm taking it very easy on the hills, and I'm OK with that...I do not want to start up any hamstring trouble again.  My left Achilles does ache for a couple of days after I've done the Tuesday hill workout, and that's with minimal hill running, so I'm not sure how much longer I'll keep that up - quite honestly, I'd be really irked if I ended up with an injury from running hills.

I have to say that I'm really enjoying doing my long run at 1:30/1 intervals - yes, it's stupid hot and humid, but I'm able to complete the run and still feel like I've got some gas left in the tank, so to speak, which is a nice change for me.  Now Loretta, on the other hand, is working her tail off during these long runs - but she's making it through each one, which is really impressive considering how brutal this year's schedule is.

Here's a couple of pictures I took after that 6 miler on Saturday:
My interpretation, left to right:  Cary looks too good...did she even run? (j/k, I saw her out there);  Brian needs a pillow; Karen is wiping the tears from her eyes (not really, I'm sure it was sweat), and headless Andi has already gathered her stuff up and is ready to leave - she's DONE.
Meanwhile, I caught CC and Loretta doing their synchronized stretching routine...

My only frustration with that run actually happened before the run - as I was getting ready that morning, I couldn't get the cap to screw on my Nathan handheld water bottle.  I tried and tried, and water just kept pouring out.  I finally saw that a piece of the thread on the inside of the cap had broken off, which is why it wouldn't go on.  This was extra irksome because it's the second time one of their caps has either broken or malfunctioned for me.  Jeff dug out his old handheld water bottle for me, so I used that.  You might be wondering why I wasn't using my Orange Mud Hydraquiver backpack that I liked so much last year?  Well, I do still like it, but knowing that it was going to be so hot, I'd bought a new running shirt that has a big cutout in the back (so daring for me!) specifically to stay cooler during the run...so covering it up with the backpack would have defeated that purpose.  I still plan on using it once it's not so dang hot, but in the meantime I thought my other handheld would work.  Guess not, and I have a big BOOO for Nathan!

********************

That was last week; so far this week, I've run 35 minutes on Monday, and did some gentle hillwork yesterday.  I'll do a 30 minute run on Thursday, and a freaking 7 mile run on Saturday...ugh.  That is too soon, in my opinion, to be doing such a long run, and while I'm not married to this schedule, if Loretta wants to go for 7 miles, I'll gladly do it with her.  But if she wants to cut back, I won't complain!

24 comments:

  1. I admire your willingness to get out there and run in the summer. I am
    OVER summer and ready for more comfortable temps we do two temperature
    settings here in Florida hot and cold really not much fall per say.
    Hang in there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know some people stop running when it gets hot, but if I did that, I'd miss out on about 5-6 months of running each year! I hear you when you say you're ready for more comfortable temps - me, too!

      Delete
  2. Looks like the training is going great for you so far.

    You might have said it before but why is this year's training schedule different and more brutal than other years?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The schedule is created by a the schedule-guy at USAFit corporate. But organizers can tweak it to fit their particular group's needs, which is what I did for my two years as organizer - we eased into the mileage, which not only helped the beginners gain confidence, but it helped the rest of the group as well because 23 weeks is a long time to train for something, and you don't want to burn out too early (plus the temps in July/August are just plain miserably hot). This season, the new organizer didn't make any changes, and everyone is finding it quite rough.

      Delete
    2. And it's still 23 weeks of training? Because next Saturday you are already half way then :) Maybe the organizer should adjust the schedule a bit?

      Delete
  3. Great job with your training! You are an inspiration to those of us who hate running :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL - if you hate running, find something that you do like, and do that! :)

      Delete
  4. You're amazing! Great job on those hills!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Congratulations on sticking to your training plan! I'm quite impressed.

    ReplyDelete
  6. LOL, I may have been crying after the hot, miserable 6 miles....
    So not looking forward to the 7 miles on Saturday. I would refer to my last year's schedule to see where 7 fell, but I would only get angry!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hahaa, love your commentary about your running buddies. Glad your training is going well. I wish I had a group to train with. -M

    ReplyDelete
  8. Eek on 7 miles! I still remember (not fondly) the last time I walked 6 miles. That is a long ways. So great that you have all your buddies along to commiserate with, though. Plus, Blue Baker afterwards :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BLUE BAKER. How many meals do you think we can eat there while you're here in November? :)

      Delete
  9. I love that you aren't married to the schedule - I am loving my group running program - this week is 3 minutes walking 3 minutes running! :D

    ReplyDelete
  10. Yeah, I would cry after 6 miles in the hot and humid! I am a whiny girl with that stuff :D

    I can't believe you have a running club at this time of year and people are doing it LOL!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, if we let the weather stop us, we'd never run...

      Delete
  11. Wow! 7 miles already?!?! Is that a new USAFit calendar, lol??

    ReplyDelete
  12. Shelley - Do you recall how far into your weight loss journey you began running? I'm so tempted to start but not sure if I'm in good enough shape - yes, I know that's an oxymoron - or too old at 58 (!). No problems with knees but a little arthritis in my back.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was probably about 60 pounds down when I started running on the treadmill at the gym, so around 190 pounds on my 5'1" frame. Honestly, I think you could run at just about any size, as long as you have a good pair of shoes and ease into it (I recommend doing run/walk intervals). Give it a try - why not??

      Delete
  13. I am starting my half marathon training.....starting slow.....but doing it in 12 weeks.....YIKES. :-)

    ReplyDelete

Comments are now moderated to prevent spammers from leaving, well, spam - but rest assured that as soon as I read a real comment, I will publish it. So please, comment away, even though the blog is officially closed. Thanks!