Half Marathon Training – Page 6

Category: Half Marathon Training

03
Jan
2016

RnR NOLA Week 4

categories: Chicago Endurance Sports, Giveaway, Half Marathon Training, Rock 'n' Roll Race, Running, Weekly Recap

I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap.

Hoping everyone had a good week!

*Week #4, December 28-January 3

Monday:

PLAN – 6 miles all easy effort
ACTUAL – Skipped.

It was gross outside. No way was I going to run outside and risk falling. 🙂 I could have gone to the gym but still no. I did this workout on Tuesday.

Tuesday:

PLAN – Cycle Zone and Body Works Plus Abs
ACTUAL –Skipped both classes but did run 8 miles @10:37 average pace

I skipped my workouts to do the one from yesterday. I alternated 2 minutes/3 minutes @10:00; 10:21; and 10:43. Took a break after mile 5 to get more water and to move to another treadmill because these two women next to me were constantly talking and annoying. I gave them dirty looks but they must not have been dirty enough because they kept talking. Go figure that I ran into them later in the locker room. I ran 2 extra miles to finish the month with 80 miles. That’s what I get for skipping workouts.

Wednesday:

PLAN –2 miles warm up (10:00-10:45), 2 minutes around 8:30 with 3 minutes recovery and repeat until you get 2 miles, 1 mile cool down @ 9:00-9:30
ACTUAL – 5 miles @10:46 average pace

My last run of 2015. Miles 1 and 2 were done @10:43. 2 minutes were done at 8:27; 8:20; 8:20; 8:20; and 8:20 pace while recoveries were done walking @17:08 pace. Last mile I alternated 2 minutes/3 minutes @8:57; 9:05; and 9:14.

The 8:20 did not feel too hard. I could have gone faster to 8:13 but legs were tired from yesterday. Next time I’ll try it. I did stop to walk for a few seconds during the last mile.

Thursday:

PLAN- OFF
ACTUAL- OFF

Friday:

PLAN – OFF
ACTUAL- OFF

I went out for a walk. It wasn’t too cold. I stopped at Target and ended up buying about $40 worth of stuff. I actually get bored walking (would rather run) but I actually enjoyed this walk.

Saturday:

PLAN- 10 miles
ACTUAL- 9.02 @10:39 average pace

Another cold day but not too windy. Some ice on the path which made us take it a little slower. About 15 seconds slower than last week but felt much better today. Again, the last mile was tough but I pushed through to finish my run. Overall, still very pleased with this run. Splits are:
Mile 1-10:41
Mile 2-10:32
Mile 3-11:00
Mile 4-10:19
Mile 5-10:23
Mile 6-10:56
Mile 7-10:41
MIle 8-10:27
Mile 9-10:48

Later that evening I did some stretches and foam rolled. My coach reminded me that I need to do this every single day. 🙂 Lola loves to keep me accompany.

Sunday:

PLAN- Yoga
ACTUAL- Did not make to class.

Don’t forget to enter my two giveaways. Click on the pictures to go to the sites.

Back to work tomorrow. It’s been a fun and relaxing two weeks at home but I am looking forward to getting back to my routine. Today I made some meals for this week, oatmeal for breakfast and quinoa with corn and chickpeas for lunch. Now the countdown starts for Spring Break in April!

27
Dec
2015

RnR NOLA Week 2 and 3

categories: Chicago Endurance Sports, Half Marathon Training, Rock 'n' Roll Race, Running, Weekly Recap

I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap.

Hoping everyone had a good week!

My first week of training went well. Weeks 2 & 3 went OK.

RnRNOLARecap

*Week #2, December 14-20

Monday:

PLAN – 5 miles all easy effort
ACTUAL – 5.02 miles @10:13 average pace

This run was so much better than last week. I went to a meeting after school and when I went outside, I saw these ominous looking clouds and decided to skip my run and go home. Well, once at home I felt guilty about missing my run and then just went for it. It was a great run! It always happens that my best runs are usually the ones I want to skip. Splits are:
Mile 1-10:16
Mile 2-10:27
Mile 3-10:20
Mile 4-9:48
Mile 5-10:16

So weird to start and end at the same pace.

Tuesday:

PLAN – Cycle Zone and Body Works Plus Abs
ACTUAL –Skipped both classes.

My alarm did not go off in the morning so I did not make it to spinning. Then I stayed after school to volunteer for Ornament Night. It was a fun night and I enjoyed seeing the parents with their children having a good time.

I did win two M80 Roller from Carlee’s 12 days of Christmas Giveaways! I had been sending so many tweets hoping to win one of the prizes. All of that tweeting definitely paid off!

Wednesday:

PLAN –2 miles warm up (10:00-10:45), 2 minutes around 8:30 with 3 minutes recovery and repeat until you get 2 miles, then 1 mile cool down
ACTUAL – 5 miles @11:42 average pace

This was the same workout from last week. 2 miles warm up @10:55. 2 minutes run were @8:32, 8:39, 8:39, 8:39, 8:39. 3 minutes recovery were at walking pace. As for cooldown, .50 was @10:55 and .50 @10:32.

Thursday:

PLAN- 4 miles negative splits
ACTUAL- Did not run.

I met a friend for dinner and it was nice to catch up. I had some delicious deep dish pizza and a chocolate martini. I am a big fan of the apple martinis but this chocolate one was DELICIOUS.

Friday:

PLAN – OFF
ACTUAL- OFF

Last day before winter winter. Had a great day at school with the kiddos and received lots of presents from them. I do not expect any presents from them but just to show up ready to learn.

Saturday:

PLAN- 8 miles
ACTUAL- Did not run.

I kind of wanted to do my run but my body did not. I slept in which felt great and woke up at 8:30. However, I stayed in bed for a few more hours. Lola was tired too. Eventually I did get up to go to a family holiday party.

Sunday:

PLAN- Yoga
ACTUAL- Did not make to class.

Week #3, December 21-27

Monday:

PLAN – 6 miles all easy
ACTUAL – 4.02 miles @12:04 average pace

First day of winter break. Just wasn’t into it. Run sucked. It was wet, cold, and windy. Splits are:

Mile 1-10:36
Mile 2-12:16
Mile 3-11:56
Mile 4-13:30

Tuesday:

PLAN – Cycle Zone and Body Works Plus Abs
ACTUAL –30 minutes spinning and 4 miles @10:24 average pace

My alarm went off and I turned it off and went back to bed. Then I quickly jumped up because I knew I had to go since a sub 2 half marathon is not going to happen if I keep missing my workouts. I made it in time to class but the instructor did not show up. I did my own for 30 minutes then ran 4 miles on the treadmill. I cannot remember the pace I ran for miles 1 and 2 but I did alternate (2 minutes/3 minutes) between 10:43, 10:21, and 10:00 for miles 3 and 4.

I had dinner plans at Wildfire in the evening so I missed the body works class. For dinner I had the medallion trio and the signature martini flight (Cosmopolitan, Green Apple, Wild Raspberry Trio, and Stormy Night).

Wednesday:

PLAN –2 miles warm up (10:00-10:45), 2 minutes around 8:30 with 3 minutes recovery and repeat until you get 2 miles, then 1 mile @9:00-9:30
ACTUAL – 5 miles @10:48 average pace

I did not set the treadmill at 1% like I normally do. Miles 1 and 2 were done @10:43. 2 minutes were done at 8:27; 8:27; 8:27; 8:27; and 8:27 pace while recoveries were done walking @17:08 pace. Last mile I alternated 2 minutes/3 minutes @9:05; 9:14; and 9:23. This run felt a little easier but that’s because I had the treadmill set at zero incline.

Thursday:

PLAN- 3 miles easy
ACTUAL- 3.02 miles @9:58 average pace

Run went much better than Monday’s . It was still cold and windy. I wanted to run more but was too cold. I got negative splits so that made me very happy!! Splits are:
Mile 1-10:12
Mile 2-10:01
Mile 3-9:42

Friday:

PLAN – OFF
ACTUAL- OFF

Saturday:

PLAN- 8 miles
ACTUAL- 9:02 miles @10:37 average pace

A cold and windy morning in Chicago! There were two of us in our group and our first mile was too fast. The last 2 miles were difficult for me so I stopped and walked a bit. Overall, I am very pleased with my pace for miles 1-7. Splits are:
Mile 1-9:33
Mile 2-10:39
Mile 3-10:35
Mile 4-10:28
Mile 5-10:21
Mile 6-10:23
Mile 7-10:35
Mile 8-11:09
MIle 9-11:50

Sunday:

PLAN- Yoga
ACTUAL- Did not make it to class.

Heads up! I will have 5 days of giveaways beginning Saturday, January 2nd. Don’t miss it!

13
Dec
2015

RnR NOLA Week 1

categories: Chicago Endurance Sports, Half Marathon Training, Rock 'n' Roll Race, Running

I’ve mentioned that I’ve run over 50 half marathons but have yet to finish one under 2 hours. My half marathon PR is 2:17:01 at the ING Hartford Half Marathon. My goal for my next half marathon at the end February is to finish under 2 hours. Can I seriously do it? It may sound like a lofty goal but at least I can try right? Of course Plan B is to get a PR.

RnRNOLARecap

*Week #1, December 7-13

Monday:

PLAN – 5 miles all easy effort
ACTUAL – 5.02 miles @10:26 average pace

Overall, the run felt blah. I’ve felt better during my Saturday runs. Splits are:
Mile 1-10:35
Mile 2-11:03<—– Headwind. I stopped a few times to catch my breath.
Mile 3-10:19
Mile 4-10:04
Mile 5-10:09

Tuesday:

PLAN – Cycle Zone and Body Works Plus Abs
ACTUAL –Cycle Zone and Body Works Plus Abs

Yep, two classes in one day. I almost did not make it to my evening class (and I got there late) because I was so sleepy from my morning class.

Wednesday:

PLAN –2 miles warm up (10:00-10:45), 2 minutes around 8:30 with 3 minutes recovery and repeat until you get 2 miles, then 1 mile cool down
ACTUAL – 5 miles @11:45 average pace

RnRNOLARecap1

The sunset was gorgeous and I was bummed I had to do this run at the gym. I actually enjoyed this workout. I did 1.30 mile warmup @11:10 before realizing treadmill was not at 1% so then ran the rest @10:32. 2 minutes run were @8:32, 8:39, 8:39, 8:39, 8:39. 3 minutes recovery were at walking pace. As for cooldown, .50 was @10:55 and .50 @10:32. The 8:39 pace felt hard but not too hard.

Thursday:

PLAN- 3 miles negative splits
ACTUAL- 3.02 miles @10:13 average pace

RnRNOLARecap2

Boom! Done!! Decent weather but very windy. I am taking advantage of this warm weather so I ran in shorts. Splits are:
Mile 1-10:34
Mile 2-10:04
Mile 3-10:02

Friday:

PLAN – OFF
ACTUAL- OFF

Saturday:

PLAN- 7 miles
ACTUAL- 7.12 @10:25 average pace

The weather in Chicago has been warmer than usual. I am not complaining at all. I am a 10:30 pacer for the Chicago Endurance Sports Winter Warriors Program and have been enjoying my runs with the group. This was the 4th Saturday pacing the group and each week has been very different weather wise.

Run was going well till the last mile where I walked twice. Just felt really tired. Splits are:
Mile 1-9:51
Mile 2-10:12
Mile 3-10:30
Mile 4-10:23
Mile 5-10:37
Mile 6-10:47
Mile 7-10:37

RnRNOLARecap3

Sunday:

PLAN- Yoga
ACTUAL- Did not make to class.

*Runs on treadmill are done on 1% incline.

Thoughts:

I am finally seeing numbers that I like. I definitely feel that I am running faster. Even my former coach, Sara, whom I ran with yesterday made a comment about it. That made me happy!
Earlier in the marathon training season I ran in the Brooks Launch 2 but had to send them back because they hurt my feet. Well, I found them on sale on Running Warehouse, decided to give them another chance, and ordered a pair. No pain. Love them. So I ordered another pair and should be getting them tomorrow.
One week before winter break. To say that I am excited is an understatement.

01
Nov
2015

Done with the Chicago Marathon. Now what?

categories: Half Marathon Training, Rock 'n' Roll Race, Running

Hello November! Cannot believe only two months till the year is over.

It’s been three weeks since the Chicago Marathon. I think I have recovered. I’ve been out for a few runs but nothing more than 4 miles. I really have not had any desire to run. But once I am out there, it is definitely a different feeling. The weather has been pleasant in Chicago so I’ve been able to run in shorts and a short sleeve shirt.

Last Saturday I went for a run and it was gorgeous! A bit deceiving because on my way back it poured like crazy. I saw my cousin and he offered to give me a ride home. I had about 1/2 mile to do and was determined to run 5 miles. And I did!

On Sunday I went to the outlet mall in Aurora to buy a new Coach purse. I came home with two. I checked out the Nike Store and found a Chicago Marathon finisher shirt for about $16. The price was right, the material feels soft and I love the athletic cut which fits perfect. Plus, I had a gift card so it was free right? I ended up buying more stuff than needed there and at Under Armour. I am going back next week to return a few items.

I love the Long Roga Shorts from Oiselle. Yes, even if they did chafe me really bad at the marathon. I bought another pair but somehow they’re big even though they’re both the same size. Not cool.

Thanks to Pinterest something random I did with my kids.

This past Thursday was a Brooks fun run at Fleet Feet Chicago. Some of the runners wore costumes. I ran three miles in 40 degrees weather and it was wonderful. I had so much fun and I did not care that I got all positive splits (10:11, 10:20, and 11:10).

What is my plan now that marathon training is over? Well, I’ve run over 50 half marathons but have never officially trained for one. Also, I’ve never run one under 2 hours. You would think that I would have since I’ve been running for quite a few years. I know it is tough to get out there when it is cold outside so I signed up to be a pacer for the CES Winter Warriors Half Marathon Training Program. Definitely no excuses at all from me. My goal is to run the RnR New Orleans Half Marathon under 2 hours. So I hope you continue to read as I train for my first sub 2 half marathon.

Oh, and not running related but I know I am late to the party here but I am finally watching “Dexter”. All I can say is “Wow”! I watched 8 episodes today and cannot wait to watch more tomorrow.

Dexter fan? What is the best half marathon you’ve run? Any exciting races this month?

15
Feb
2015

Weekly Recap #6

categories: Half Marathon Training, Motivation, Running, Weekly Recap

*February 9-15, 2015

Monday:

PLAN- 3 miles @easy, conversational pace with 5 strides at the end of the run plus 30 minutes of cross training
ACTUAL- 3 miles @10:55

Great workout with 3 miles followed by 5 strides at the end for total 3.44 miles @average pace of 10:41. Then 30 minutes on the bike.

Tuesday:

PLAN-5 miles @easy, conversational pace with 6 X 2 minutes fartleks with 2 minutes recovery
ACTUAL-2.5 miles@10:55, 6 fartleks, 2.5 miles @various paces

Another great workout today. 2.5 miles @10:55. 3 x 2 minutes fartleks @8:32 but that pace was still hard to keep up so I did 2 more @8:39. The last fartlek I was determined to do @8:32 but only managed 1 minute and 30 seconds. I walked the last 30 seconds. I did not want to run the last 2.5 miles but after going back and forth with my coach, she actually convinced me to complete my run. I set a timer for 2 minutes followed by 1 minute and then alternated with paces of 11:44, 11:18, and 10:55. Finally finished 6.92 miles @average pace of 11:25. Below is the text conversation I had with my coach.

Wednesday:

PLAN- Rest day
ACTUAL- Rest day

Thursday:

PLAN- 1/2 mile warm up, 1/2 mile @10:30, 1/2 mile @10:00, 1/2 mile cool down.
ACTUAL- 2 miles done @various paces

Loved this workout! 1/2 mile @10:55, 1/2 mile @10:32, 1/2 mile @9:52, 1/2 mile @10:55. Total 2 miles @average 10:45.

Friday:

PLAN- Rest day
ACTUAL- Rest day

Saturday:

PLAN- 8 miles @11:30 +/- 10-15 seconds with 8 strides at the end of the run
ACTUAL- Did not run.

Sunday:

PLAN- Rest day
ACTUAL- Ran 8 miles.

I did not run on Saturday but instead did so on Sunday. I slept in till 8:30 yesterday and it felt really good. I then got really lazy and came up with every excuse not to make it to the gym. Obviously I was not proud of my decision but I was not motivated.

gotothegym

Fast forward a few hours later and I met a friend to watch “50 Shades of Grey”. I did like the movie and am not sure why people are complaining about it.

So today I made my way to the gym. I watched a few episodes of “Parenthood”. Man, that show is really good. Total is 8 miles @average pace 12:14. Definitely slower than I wanted to but I know that soon I will see progress (faster times). I guess I must have been so glad to step off the treadmill that I forgot to do the strides.

*Runs on treadmill are done on 1% incline.

Thoughts:

I am tired of this cold weather. I know I shouldn’t complain about it because at least we are not getting storm after storm like the east coast.
I know once summer is here and it is really hot I will be complaining about the weather too.
No school tomorrow. Time to relax. I also have an appointment for a 6 months follow-up mammogram/ultrasound. Hopefully I’ll get good news.
I have two cross training workouts (Monday and Thursday). Have I mentioned how much I dislike the elliptical?

Elliptical or treadmill?