I realized this week that I am somehow off my training plan … I am loosely following Hal Higdon’s intermediate half marathon training plan. Loosely is the right word, because each week I try to match the long run, one of the speed runs, and then fit in some other runs. I haven’t been able to get in any races (he has a few on the plan) and I only do one day of speed work.  That said, somehow I got a little off with the plan and found myself at a 12 mile long run this week. But, my race isn’t until May 22, and my longest long run — 12 miles —  is supposed to be the week before that. I realized this one morning this week, but decided I still wanted to get in 12 miles this week, one morning, before work. So that put me at this for my goal runs this week:  

• Speed training: 9x400m speed run
• Long run: 12 miles 
• Core work: 3-5 days (8-10 min videos)
• A 5 mile run
• 2-3 other runs of 30-50 minutes

Here’s how the week turned out:

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This week, we were back to our routine and normal schedule. Though it was hard waking up early again, I somehow got in a record-high week, 35 miles total. I cannot remember the last time I got in this many miles in one week – definitely not in 2023!

Here is what was on the schedule for this week: 

• Speed training: 40 min tempo run
• Long run: 11 miles 
• Core work: 3-5 days (8-10 min videos)
• 3 other runs, 30-50 minutes each

Here’s how the week turned out:

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This week, my workouts and running schedule were a little off, and my mileage was less than the past few weeks. But for good reason — we got in a mini family vacation! My son was off school, and we decided to take off Thursday and Friday to drive to Cincinnati to do a few days of exploring, see some baseball, and other kid-friendly activities. With that, I knew I’d have to get in my long run early (I didn’t want to “waste” two hours of the time off with the kiddos to go away on a run) in the week, and be flexible with my other days. Here is what was on the schedule for this week: 

• Speed training: 8×400 m run
• Long run: 10 miles 
• Core work: 3-5 days (8-10 min videos)
• 2-3 other runs, 30-50 minutes each

Here’s how the week turned out:

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We did it – we finally had a full week of springtime weather! No snow, no ice, and despite some rain, some gorgeous days.

Of course, I loved this and took advantage of it as I could. After dinner walks with the kids, early morning runs (without winter clothes!), and lunchtime strolls all made an appearance this week.

My training goals for this week were:

• Speed training: 40 min tempo run
• Long run: 9-10 miles 
• Core work most days (8-10 min videos)
• 2-3 other runs, 30-50 minutes each

Here’s how the week turned out:

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I’m onto week 5 of half marathon training, and on the schedule this week was a 9 mile run. So, I decided to do it Tuesday morning before work. I’m starting to really enjoy my mid-week long runs – it’s great to get them over with, great to have the full weekend to get things done and go to kid activities, and I don’t mind the feeling of accomplishment as I start my Tuesday after an early run!

But I’m getting ahead of myself.  First, here’s how March went:

I finished March with 134 total miles, which is my most mileage in a month since August. It definitely helps that the weather is (for the most part) getting nicer and I’m starting longer runs with training again. 

I did my 8-10 minute core workout 4-5x each week, which was my goal. I’m so glad I’m keeping it up!

And now this week. My training goals for this week were:

• Speed training: 7×400 m
• Long run: 9 miles 
• Core work most days (8-10 min videos)
• 2-3 other runs, 30-50 minutes each

Here’s how the week turned out:

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