Half Marathon Training Recap: Week 14

I have been in training since January 2015. That’s almost 10 months. What started as full marathon training has since warped into half marathon training part I, and now culminating with half marathon part II. To say I’m looking forward to a break is an understatement, yet part of me will really miss being in training mode. I do my best running when I’m training for a goal, but I know taking a break is a necessity to keep my mind, body, and soul fresh, refreshed, and in love with my sport.

Last week was a good week. I love running in the summer but after these last few weeks of really nailing my workouts, I’m coming to terms that maybe summer doesn’t love me back. The cooler, less humid days have really been a blessing for me. Here’s how my week went:

Tuesday — 7.06 miles

My coach had me doing some crazy things on the track last week. But it was really fun! I’m going to be sad when there are no more track days for the season. He had me focusing on half marathon pace runs, which was much needed for me mentally. I left the track feeling very happy and empowered last Tuesday.

Wednesday — 5.84 miles

Of course this was supposed to be 6 miles, but of course I cut myself short. Sometimes I wonder how accurate my Garmin really is… but I nailed the prescribed paces so I’ll let it slide. Ooh, also of note — first time I wore my headlamp. Toooooootally freaked out. But that’s another story for another day.

Thursday — 8 miles

I ran my 8-miler completely be feel. No obsessive checking of my pace or distance. Just me and the road and the beautiful, fresh air. I did make a minimal attempt to achieve a faster pace for the last two miles — and I definitely felt like I did by effort — but upon checking my splits after the fact, I didn’t actually push any faster.

Oh, and PS, this was the same day someone snatched my 13.1 magnet off my car in the Lowe’s parking lot. WHO DOES THAT?!?!

Friday — 4 miles

I was on the treadmill for this one. Not gonna lie — the treadmill is quickly becoming my nemesis. It’s okay, I guess. And I had to fit my workout in very early in the morning with zero chance of seeing the sunrise while on the run. So you do what you’ve gotta do, yes? So I did. And it was fine. But lemme tell you — when you’re used to running roads, it is hard to focus your mind while on the treadmill. And I should mention it’s similarly difficult to go from solely treadmill to running outdoors. I struggled to maintain focus but it was an easy paced run so I made it work.

Saturday — 3.6 miles

I’ll go into Saturday’s run later on this week, but I’ll fill you in quickly — I ran [the shortest] 3.6 miles for a leg for the Akron Marathon Relay. Really fun morning, and my time was amazing. I was very pleased with my performance on Saturday. I’ll tell you all about it later.

Sunday — 3.05 miles

Sunday was super fun and brisk! I ran with my 5K group for our last official training session before their big race debut! I’m so looking forward to cheering them on. It’s going to be a blast.

So that’s my week, folks. I’m officially in taper mode — yeehaw! Next stop, Northern Ohio Half Marathon on October 4!