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:

Sunday:  5.31 miles  – I decided to get in my 5 mile run on Sunday to kick off the week. And I’m glad I did! I ran a route that I hadn’t run in quite some time, and saw some beautiful magnolia and cherry blossom trees. They were all blooming and the sky was blue and it made me so happy.

I also saw this family of ducks and it also made me happy. Really overall, it was a nice, happy run.

Monday: 9x400m plus core workout  – When I woke up it was supposed to rain, but I really didn’t want to hit the treadmill. I’m glad I got outside – it was 40 degrees and a light sprinkle, but it felt good to be outside for the run. I’ve lamented this before, but I used to aim for under 2 minutes for each 400 m run. Now, I’m anywhere from 2:05-2:15. I know I should be proud of how I’m doing, but it’s hard not to compare myself to where I was before baby #3. 

Tuesday: Long run! 12.02 miles –  I set my alarm for VERY early. 3:36 a.m. I wanted to ensure that I had enough time to run 12 miles and be home and showered by 6:15 a.m. I honestly have no idea how I ended up doing 12 miles. I tried mapping out a route, and ended up at anywhere between 10-11 each time, so I decided to just go out there, loosely follow that route and then try to get in a little extra here and there. My hips were tired after the run and my right foot bloomed a ginormous blister … but it was done! So I know I’m ready for the half in a month.

Wednesday: 4 miles run, core work and then 1.25 mi walk at lunch time – I was surprised how good I felt a day after my long run. I got in a slow, easy 4 mile run plus some core work in the morning, followed by a lunchtime walk.  

Thursday: 4 miles run, core workout   – There we go – there was my tired legs and feet! I had to drag myself out of bed and barely made it 4 miles. It was good to get moving, but wow, I was tired!  

Friday:  5.07 miles run, core workout – I felt pretty good during this run and it was warmer than it had been all week! It was supposed to be rainy, but the rain held off until I was long done (6:30 a.m.) so I enjoyed some nice dry miles.

Saturday: 2.71 miles — I wasn’t planning on running but then FW woke up early and I decided to get in some short miles before starting our day.

 

Total mileage: 37.49 mi

Questions for you:

• It’s racing season!!! What’s your next event?
• Any big plans for May? New goals?
• How many miles do you try to run in your longest long run before a half marathon?

I am linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.