Last week’s workout were all about showing up and putting in the workout. We had a busy week – our anniversary, taking my car in for pre-road trip maintenance, movers assessing our stuff, and trying too squeeze in some final Seattle activities – so I just focused on putting in the work without extra stress of paces or exact mileage or anything.
I have my eyes on the Valparaiso Half Marathon, but the race is about a week and a half after we move into our apartment. We don’t know yet when our movers will arrive or how tiring unpacking will be. But I also know that I have a good chance of winning my age group, based on results from the past few years, and I would really love a half marathon age group win while I’m still in the 25-29 bracket.
So I’m still training as if I am running the half marathon, with training slightly scaled to balance the life stress around this all. I’m showing up, putting in the work, and making sure I recover appropriately.
Fall temperatures finally arrived this week, at least in the mornings, although with them came grey skies.
Monday: 6 miles easy
Our flight from O’Hare to SeaTac had been delayed over an hour, so we didn’t get back home until nearly midnight. I went out on my run on Monday morning with a range of 4-6 miles in mind and the intention of listening to my body, and surprisingly the run felt good, so I ran 6 miles.
Tuesday: 8 x 800m (8 miles total) & strength training
I was really looking forward to this workout! With moving soon, I have been running more often along my favorite trail for hard workouts. It was also blissfully chilly at 47 degrees when I started this run. You know you’re a Midwestern when 47 degrees means still wearing shorts (although my hands will turn purple at this temperature if I don’t start with thumbhole sleeves or light gloves). I saw some people bundled up and even a few cyclists in balaclavas!
After a 2 mile warm-up, I started off the half-mile repeats at 10K pace, clocking the first three at 3:25-3:26. I then picked the pace up ever so slightly to about 8K effort, with the fourth through seventh repeats in 3:22-3:24. The final repeat was in 3:20 and felt really smooth and strong.
I did strength training at home, using my kettlebell in a short circuit of push-ups, swings, goblet squats, and rows.
Wednesday: 5 miles easy & Pilates
Ollie and I ran five easy miles, along the neighborhood hills and then the flat boardwalk through the bog. Our pace was nice and easy, averaging a 9:09/mile. I then did a 20 minute Pilates video with some good stretching and core/glute/hip work.
Thursday: 13 miles with 5 miles at HMP
I opted to run my long run early, in anticipation of the big weekend – the few days that cover both our wedding anniversary and Ryan’s birthday.
You never know how a run will go until you just show up and put in the work. My legs didn’t feel super fresh, there was that lake effect wind that whips a headwind in both directions, and it was decently humid outside, but I just showed up and put in the work. Mentally, I divided the run into portions: 6 miles easy, 5 miles at half marathon pace, 2 miles down. The easy miles felt simply okay – not bad, but not fresh and snappy. The half marathon pace miles felt surprisingly smooth, especially after I settled into a rhythm after the first of those miles: 7:23, 7:18, 7:13, 7:11, 7:13. I probably could have kept going, but I didn’t want to overdo it, so I cooled down as planned.
Friday: Rest day
Rest days are for kicking back with a cup of coffee and cranking out a lot of work. I’m most productive before noon, whether or not I run. The dogs and I went on a 30-minute walk but other than that, I soaked up the rest day.
Saturday: 6 mile easy run
Ryan, Ollie, and I enjoyed a really good run along the river. The weather was cool and there was a perfect breeze.
We celebrated our anniversary and Ryan’s birthday at one of our favorite wineries, Chateau Ste. Michelle. Their wine is amazing, but my favorite part was the peacocks that roam around.
Sunday: Rest day
We intended on hiking, but instead we end up staying at home and working on cleaning and preparing for the move. Moving can be tiring!
How was your week in running?
Has fall weather arrived where you live?
Happy anniversary! I think you should go for the HM age group win – the competition seems to get stiffer in your 30s (or maybe that’s local demographics)
Happy Anniversary!!! Wow you have a lot going on right now and your running seems to be in a very good place. I sincerely hope you are able to run the half and win your AG!!! What I wouldn’t give to be back in the 25-29 AG 🙂 LOL!!!
Chateau St Michelle is one of my favorite wines! This weekend, we celebrated my birthday and our 30th anniversary. Clearly, good things happen this time of year. Looks like you enjoyed your time!
Happy Anniversary! Sounds like you are doing well with modifying your training due to the other things you have going on. Moving can definitely be tiring, and I bet even more so when moving out of state!
Happy Anniversary! I have complete faith that you will be able to run the half and win your AG. It may be a little stressful but maybe doing the race will be a stress release?
Happy Anniversary! Visiting a winery seems like a great way to celebrate. I’d go ahead and run your half marathon if you are feeling good, especially since you seem to be pacing well during training. There’s plenty of time for unpacking later. 😉 Thanks for linking!