Running Recap

My last recap was three weeks ago. In that span, I completed my first two weeks running five times, including 2 tempos and two longer runs. Last was a cutback week where I ran 4 times, but included a tempo and long run. The five day weeks were great, I had excellent tempo runs where I found my optimal tempo pace, and encouraging long runs.

Then week three happened. My tempo failed when my Garmin wouldn't show distance or pace. I figured I'd hit laps manually and do the math afterward, only I kept hitting stop instead of lap. My pace was probably all over the place and I ended up jogging most of the run. I attempted to make it up the next day, but that proved to be a little much for my current capabilities.

However, the long run went off without a hitch, only I felt a little woozy during the last two miles. I ate a double Baconator and small fries from Wendy's that needed an hour longer to digest, but I didn't throw up or feel fatigued. I just felt like crap for a while afterward. I seriously thought I might throw up, though I didn't because it's disgusting and I don't like feeling disgusting.

I've been in Jersey for the past few weeks, which has made running even more enjoyable. The average temperature is around ten degrees higher than the midwest and it's not as windy. I've mostly been running in t-shirts and short, no hat or gloves. It's glorious. Running in such comparatively mild temperatures has kept me from wussing out, using the weather as an excuse for my failures. There are also a lot more people on the route I take and it keeps things interesting.

There is one more week left in my plan, then I have to write out a training plan for the half. I signed up for the Sunburst, and I'm also running the Pittsburgh Half in May. The course profile for Pittsburgh is mostly flat with some elevation change during the last half of the course. Running Pittsburgh will give me an idea of how I'll do at Sunburst, and I can adjust my plan in the month between the two races as necessary.

I plan to increase my miles without exceeding 30mpw (I'm already getting bored being out there for 1 hour 15 minutes), increase the duration of my tempos by 1-2 miles, finally ending with a mild one week taper. Something like that. I will continue adding cutback weeks every third week, though they'll still include a speed work run and a long run, it just won't be as long.

I feel like I've gotten a good sense of my ability these past few weeks, though I still tread tentatively when it comes to long runs and speed runs. I'm nervous of not meeting my expectations and blowing up, though my caution isn't necessarily a bad thing because it'll help keep me focused and not overdo anything. Overall, though, I'm excited to see what I can do these next few months of training.

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