Half Marathon Training Weeks 8, 9 and 10

I haven't posted in a while, but life has been insane, here is a 3 week update of some less than ideal training weeks due to weather, a cold and business travel.

Week 8

Tuesday, October 9, 2012 - 3.1 miles (5 km) It was a very overcast and windy day, but I was able to run at a consistent pace.  I struggled with asthma a bit, but found a new trail and a huge hill to add something a bit different to my training.  I also did the runner's core workout afterwards.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012 - I should have run 5 miles, but could feel a head cold starting and was exhausted, I instead rested.

Thursday, October 11, 2012 - Rest again, still feeling under the weather.

Saturday, October 13, 2012 - I found myself in Port Carling to attend the Cranberry Festival in Bala, there should have been a 10 mile run this weekend, but I got a bit carried away with good company and then Sunday it was cold, raining very heavily and windy, I took a pass.

Not such a great week, but I was feeling better by the end of it.

Week 9

Tuesday, October 16, 2012 - 5 miles (8.60 km) Okay I went a bit further than 5 miles, but I felt guilty about the previous week and knew I could not run Wednesday.  Ran to that new found trail, then to the waterfront, and ran to big hill on my way home.

Thursday, October 18, 2012 - 3 miles (4.93 km) A good run on a nice sunny afternoon, and again I went a bit over the suggested mileage, but I was having a good run and got sidetracked.

Saturday, October 20, 2012 - I ran in the Muskoka Mud Run, 9.3 km after weeks of rain.  There was a lot of mud, crazy hills and a great time.

Week 10

Flew to Kenora for work with great intentions to run, but was faced with a torrential downpour and lightning, then the next night I left work too late and it was already dark.  Thursday when I got home I was sure I could run, but the airline had not put my bag on my last flight, meaning I arrived home hours before my running gear.  Not great, very frustrating.

Saturday, October 28, 2012 - 11.45 miles (18.43 km) A nice long run, the first one in a while.  Around mile 9 I could feel my right hip flexor but kept going.  I went a bit further than the suggested 11 miles but it felt good at the time.  Forward to Saturday night my muscles were so sore I had a hard time going up and down the stairs, but I made sure to stretch, get plenty of fluid and rest.

Sunday, October 29, 2012 - I did one repetition of my runner's core workout, some yoga and some stretching along with the help of my foam roller.  My legs felt much better after this.  I wanted to run again, as I will not be able to get 3 in during the week but felt some stretching would be more beneficial.

Only two weeks to go until the big event!

Half Marathon Training Week 7

Monday, October 1, 2012 - Rest

Tuesday, October 2, 2012 - 3 miles (4.86 km) I attempted to run at the waterfront, which always makes for a scenic run but of course there was construction, I gave up and headed home to run in the neighbourhood.  I did the runner's core workout after this run.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012 - 5 miles (8.24 km) Up early for this run, but of course I did not give myself quite enough time.  This was my first increase in mileage mid-week in the last few weeks.  I love longer runs and this was great, but with shorter days this may become more difficult.

Thursday, October 4, 2012 - 3 miles (4.86 km) I was feeling really tired today and debated a rest day but headed out, but sadly headed out at the exact moment it started pouring rain.  Oh well had I gone before work like I originally planned it would not have been a rainy run.  Runner's core workout after this run as well, so far seems effective.

Friday, October 5, 2012 - Rest and yes the Runner's Core Workout is producing results, but wow do several abdominal muscles hurt.

Saturday, October 6, 2012 - 9 miles (14.52 km) Started off nice and sunny, I was good at pacing myself and brought liquids along with me to stay hydrated.  On my way back it hailed, now hail is never pleasant but when wearing capris and a t-shirt and running it is very unpleasant and hurts.  After the hail came rain.  These long runs always seem attract bad weather, but on the bright side I felt great afterwards.  Only 4 more miles until I reach my goal of 13.1!

Sunday, October 7, 2012 - I am counting baking and walking home from dinner as cross training.  Baking a pumpkin cheesecake for Thanksgiving, pumpkin poppers and making some cranberry sauce is a fair amount of work, it must count.  I would have made an effort for real cross-training but I ran out of hours in the day.

Only 5 more weeks until race day!

Half Marathon Training Week 6 and Run for the Cure 2012

I can't believe week 6 is already here, my how time flies.

Monday, September 24, 2012 - Should have been a rest day, but off I went running.  About 3.1 miles (5.14 km).  My husband wanted to make sure he could run a 5k before the race on Sunday.  It was incredibly cold and windy but we made it through the run.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012 - 4 miles (6.4 km) I started this run too fast and found myself feeling hungry but by the last mile it felt like a good run.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012 - 3 miles (4.86 km) Got up early to run before work as I would not have time in the evening, good run, but it is so hard getting up when it is still dark.

Thursday, September 27, 2012 - Up early to head out of town on business.  No running but a little shopping this evening.

Friday, September 28, 2012 - Rest and travelling home.

Saturday, September 29, 2012 - Off to a party at my Uncle's and resting up for Run for the Cure.

Sunday, September 30, 2012 - Run for the Cure.  I ran with my husband and the other crazy chick.  It was a fun morning and a good run, but I felt really out of sorts without a long run on the weekend.  Does this ever happen to anyone else?

Natasha, Me, and my husband post run

Our Team

Half Marathon Training Week 5

What a crazy week.  After the training from last weekend I really needed my rest day.  I was also travelling to Toronto for work.  Here is a summary of my week.

Monday, September 17, 2012 - Rest

Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - I was to run 3 miles (4.86 km).  I woke up early at the hotel and got ready to run, off headed to the gym to find that the gym which had been empty the night before was now full and all the treadmills were used.  I waited around for about 20 minutes, but after non came free gave up.  I tried again after work that day and found the gym mostly empty.  I remembered very quickly why I dislike treadmills, I managed to run 1.86 miles (3 km) before I became far too bored to continue.  I found it really hard tracking my pace without being able to see myself moving past objects. I will hopefully be avoiding treadmills from this point forward.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012 - 4.5 miles (7 km) I met a colleague who was also training for a half marathon while in Toronto and we agreed to meet up for a run.  This run made up for yesterday, I ran two of my fastest km's I have since starting training and went about half a mile further than I should have, but given the lost days this seemed fine.

Thursday, September 20, 2012 - 3 miles (4.86 km) But this did not happen, instead I had dinner with my in-laws and was surprised with a birthday cake, much better than running on a cold windy run.
Friday, September 21, 2012 - Rest.  As an added bonus the city turned off my office building's water supply and we had to go home for the afternoon, what a shame.  I had dinner with my dad to again celebrate my birthday.

Saturday, September 22, 2012 - 8 miles (12.9 km) and Happy Birthday to me!  Again, I found thinking about this long distance very intimidating, but I eventually worked up the nerve to get out in the rain and run.  And boy did it rain, at one point I could hardly see it was running so hard, a day later my shoes are still a bit damp.  Despite the weather I had an amazing run and ran this about 10 seconds faster per mile or 7 seconds faster per kilometre than my previous long runs!  I also came home to find the house decorated for my birthday party.

Sunday, September 23, 2012 - cross training, which I have not yet managed, this may turn in to a rest day instead.

A bit of an odd week but I still managed to get in my long runs and have some fun.

Half Marathon Training Week 4

With this post I will be all caught up and making a greater effort to provide weekly updates on my training.

Monday, September 10, 2012 - 3 mile run (4.86 km) A wonderful run, my fastest pace over this distance and my fastest km since beginning training.   I did some strength and core work after my run as well.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012 - 4 mile run (6.46 km) It was incredibly windy for this run, providing a great deal of resistance.  I ran my fastest pace yet since beginning training.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012 - Rest

Thursday, September 13, 2012 - 3 miles (4.86 km) It was very humid today and I was struggling to control my asthma before my run.  I ran part of this distance with a coworker, it was nice to have some company.  After about a kilometre I was on my own though.  No records today, but I was happy I was not struggling to control my asthma and felt like it was a solid run.  No strength training today as my husband surprised me by taking me out for dinner.

Friday, September 13, 2012 - Rest

Saturday, September 14, 2012 - 7 mile run (11.3 km) I must admit I was very afraid to attempt this run, I was lacking confidence and worried I would not be able to run this distance.  Once I finally worked up the nerve to get out and try I had an amazing run and ran this at a faster pace than any of my previous long runs.  I felt great and am really pleased with the progress I am seeing.

Sunday, September 15, 2012 - 60 minutes cross training.  My husband and I went out for a bike ride at a nice easy pace.  We made it about 15 kilometres in this time.  I anticipate some soreness tomorrow as I had not ridden my bike yet this year.  I am now really looking forward to a rest day, I never anticipated wanting/needing these days as much as I do.

This week went well and I managed to complete all the training.  Early to mid-week I noticed I was feeling very tired and sluggish.  I am making an effort to get more sleep now and have increased the amount I am eating during the day, which has been making a difference.  I am trying to have a bigger breakfast and lunch to help provide me with the energy I need.

I ran a total of 17 miles this week (27.2 km).  This is the longest distance I have run in a week and that 7 mile run was the longest distance I have run at one time since beginning to run again 2 years ago, it may also be the longest distance ever for me, for now anyway.  I am really pleased with my progress and finding the novice 2 app an invaluable investment in my training.  It seems having faith in the program and my ability is what I need.

On the road again for work next week, I hope to complete my runs but will be using a treadmill.  I have never been a fan of treadmills, but I don't want to sacrifice several days of hard work just because I find running on a treadmill boring.

Half Marathon Training Week 3

Wow, week 3 already.  I am going to work harder to follow my training schedule.  In fact I am so committed that after a weekend at the cottage I drag myself out for a training run.

Monday, September 3, 2012 - 3 miles (4.83 km, although the GPS tells me I ran 4.86 km)  This was a tough run post camping, I didn't feel great, my time was consistent, but far from impressive.  I suppose there will be days like this.   I did some strength and core work after my run as well.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012 - 4 miles (6.45 km) I was under the impression I may have been having an allergic reaction from my lunch but headed out anyway.  Not smart.  I felt incredibly sick and had horrible stomach pains, and yet I kept running thinking this was an amazing training opportunity (CRAZY).  This run involved some walking but amazingly I managed it all.  Likely as it was an out and back run, and I had to get home.  After a few benadryl and sleep I was on the mend.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012 - rest day, was out for dinner with friends.

Thursday, September 6, 2012 - 3 miles (4.86 km) This run went well, but was very windy.  These 3 milers are staring to get easier.  I did some strength and core work after my run as well.

Friday, September 7, 2012  - Rest

Saturday, September 8, 2012 - 6 miles (9.68 km) It was raining and cool outside, but I didn't want to miss my long run, or have to go out running right  after getting new highlights and my hair styled, so I had to suck it up and get out there.  It was actually quite nice, the path I normally run was free of other people.  I felt really good, and happy with my progress, I ran this strong and felt comfortable.  I am really starting to feel like I can manage 13.1 miles on race day.

Sunday, September 9, 2012 - Took a walk with Natasha, the other crazy chick as she was in town.  I am feeling really confident and possibly delusional about my abilities, but I sure hope not.

This is the first week I manage to complete all the runs and it felt great.

Half Marathon Training Week 2

Started the week by flying across the province to land in Fort Frances for business.  I was lucky enough to have someone show around town a bit and show me where people tend to go for runs.  I am determined to keep running despite being on the road.

Monday, August 27, 2012 - this should have been a rest day, but I wanted to run.  Big mistake, I was exhausted and could tell within the first few minutes of starting my run.  I made it about 2 miles or 3.72 km to be exact.  The scenery was beautiful.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012 - Rest

Wednesday, August 29, 2012 - I had hoped to run but found it far too hot outside and was still feeling quite tired, I never sleep well in hotels.  I did some cross training instead, some core work and strength work.

Thursday, August 30, 2012 - I flew home today, and had a rather turbulent flight, got home nauseated and around the time it got dark.  Rest day.

Friday, August 31, 2012 - 5 mile (8.13 km) run.  I moved my weekend run to this day as we were heading out to a cottage and I knew I would not be finding the motivation to go out running when I could be relaxing.  This run went well and was done at a faster pace than my long run last week.  Duct tape solution is still working.

All in all I seemed to have salvaged the week with my long run, travelling for work really isn't great when trying to train, I will have to find better ways to fit my runs in when on the road.