Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I’ll be celebrating at work today, but hopefully catch a view of our city’s parade from my office. Still, it’s Tuesday, which means it’s time for another edition of Training Tuesday – here are some of the highlights from this week’s Cleveland half marathon training.

The week started off not-so-good – I had some sort of virus that knocked me out Sunday and Monday pretty hard and made the beginning of the week’s runs less-than-outstanding. But later in the week I got outside (3 times!) AND even mustered up the energy to get in a 5 mile race on Saturday (and a PR!).

Monday: On the schedule – 3.5 miles.

Actual run – Not a real run. I managed a slow 2 miles on the treadmill at 0% incline before calling it a quits. I walked on and off until deciding just to give up – I felt lousy. I took my temperature and sure enough, had a fever still. So it was back to bed. I slept pretty much all day.

Tuesday: On the schedule – 5×400 at 5k pace.

Actual run – 5x400m with some at 5k pace. I had slept all day Monday pretty much and woke up Tuesday feeling a lot better. I dropped the incline, dropped my pace (a little – some were still at my goal 400m pace of abut 8 minute/mile) and got the run in. Was totally impressed with myself afterwards for not just bailing a third day in a row.

Wednesday: On the schedule – 3.5 miles.

Actual run – 4.68 miles – OUTSIDE. I was super tired and slow, and the girls I were supposed to run with didn’t end up running, so I was without a route and pacers. BUT I was outside and managed a few small hills. I finished up with a few ab exercises and 10 minutes on the elliptical.

Thursday: On the schedule – REST. 

Actual workout – 5.4 miles OUTSIDE again! After Wednesday’s less-than-great run and the whole week not feeling so good, I wanted to get in a confidence-boosting workout before the race on Saturday. I went for a run, outdoors, with 2 small hills and felt great. Finally – I was back!

Only downside – it’s now dark in the mornings thanks to Daylight Savings. But soon it will be light again!

pitch black during my runs

Friday: On the schedule – REST.

Actual run – a super easy elliptical workout while reading Runner’s World. Barely a workout but just getting in some movement before my day.

My elliptical set up. Phone, check. Water, check. Magazine, check. TV, check.

Saturday: On the schedule – 5K RACE.

Actual run – 5 Mile Race – the St. Malachi Church Run. I PR’d, too! I somehow managed to run it in just about 41:16 – a time I never dreamed of. I ran with B for the first two miles and then felt like I was going to collapse so let made him go ahead. Still, I think him pushing me for that long helped with my time.

Post-race with B and our medals!

Sunday: On the schedule – cross train or off.

Actual workout – 45 minutes on the elliptical at a super easy pace and level. I was seriously snoozing and should have worked harder but my legs were tired and a little tight from racing and decided to play it safe.

Later that afternoon, B and I got in a short walk.

Overall thoughts about the week: 

The good: The St. Malachi 5 miler not only got me outside (during the race and before the race during the week) but got some of my running confidence back. I know that the speed work is paying off and will continue to do it!

I’m loving the “warmer” weather. I can so run outside in 30 degrees as long as there is no ice, etc. and so far so good! Thank goodness – because it’s spring marathon (or half) training time!

The bad: I’m a little sore/tight after the 5 mile race and hoping that that’s just it – just soreness. I’m not typically sore after 5 miles but guess I was really pushing it?

I didn’t stick to the schedule this week minus the interval running day. I got in runs, but they weren’t what the schedule called for.

I was sick in the beginning of the week and it’s incredible to see how much some slight illness can make a difference in my running. Thankfully it was gone in a few days and 5 days later I was still able to race!

Questions for you:

• Do you have any races coming up?
• Are you back outside for running?
• What happens when you’re sick – do you run? Stay in bed? Test it out?