Where to begin my summer training thoughts?
In summary I had one of the best summers of training I’ve had in a very long time. I ran and progressed but the major take away is I actually enjoyed running! That is something my training has lacked for a while.
The last two years I’ve either been training for a marathon or been injured. Sometimes I question whether I have ever truly enjoyed marathon training. I haven’t had a marathon I’m too proud of and I am my happiest (running wise) when I’m not marathon training.
Who knows though later down the line…This summer I focused on going to the track, working on speed and getting my turnover back to where it was two years ago. It’s nowhere near there yet but it is progressing.
I often compare my training now to about two years ago. The summer of 2013 was the last time I consider myself to be happy with my training. I was training consistently, I was PRing and I was both motivated and happy. Personally I find myself the happiest when I race frequently. Racing frequently allows me to get speed work in, chat with friends and of course hang out too.
I wrote a post my love for racing here.
A lot of people don’t agree with this method but it’s what makes me happy. As long as it’s healthy, I think it’s important to do what makes you happy. Running will never be my source of income so it doesn’t make sense to do things I don’t enjoy.
Moving on: Summer of 2015 was the most fun I’ve had training:
Training Posts:
June
July
August
Races:
June 6th: Scott Coffee 8k 32:44
July 7th: Woodbury 5k 19:40
June 13th: Flag Day 10k 45:40
June 27th: Medford Lakes 10k
July 4th: Firecracker 5k 19:15
July 11: Belmar 5 miler 33:04
July 16: Community Heros 5k (20:15)
July 25: Run for the Hill of It 5 Miler (34:30)
Aug 1: Delaware Kids Fund (21:33)
Aug 8: HJMC 5k (20:13)
Aug 15: Judy Johnson 5k (20:33)
Aug 22: Belmar Chase 5k (19:34)
Aug 29: United Medical 5k (19:34)
Sep 6: RnR Va Beach 13.1 (1:31.50)
Fastest mile: 5:53 (Belmar Chase)
Fastest 5k: 19:15 (Firecracker 5k)
Number of States Raced in: 4 (NJ, PA, DE and VA)
Distances Raced: (5) 5k, 8k, 5m (trail), 10k (trail), 13.1
Posts:
How to Get the Most Shopping at a Running Specialty Store
How to Save Money on Road Races
Five Things I’ve Learned from Running
Racing my Way to Fitness
Some Runs are Just Awful
Losing Toenails is NOT a Good Thing
Running Gives Me a Lot
Gear Review:
Saucony Zealot Review
Saucony Triumph Review
Favorite Summer Products
In summary this summer was a great period of training for me. While I didn’t set any PRs, I trained smart and consistent. I know the work I put in will eventually pay off. Hopefully it’s with the cooler weather!
Where will fall take me?
I’m honestly not sure. I haven’t picked out any major goal races. I would honestly like to continue training how I have been and see how my fitness continues to build and grow. I will be writing a fall goals and training post…as soon as I figure out what I would like to do this fall!Questions for you:
How was your summer of training?
How was your summer with life?
Summer of training….meh. Summer of life – FANTASTIC! I’m glad this summer has been good to you and you’ve been able to stay healthy. Its good to see you so happy!
And life is more important than running! I’m glad to hear it Lauren!
I loved that you raced so often and really got that enjoyment out of running. I also love that you admit that you don’t necessarily love marathon training. I think many people force it and seem unhappy…why?!? When you do what you really love and feel passionate about, thats when the success comes. So glad you had a great summer!!
Highlights of the summer:
Meeting you in Philly and then being your Runderwear twin on Sunday. LOLZ
You had a fabulous summer and I’ve had a blast following your races. I agree with you about racing often – I find I get better and faster when I do it. I think it’s because it forces you to push yourself more than you would often push on your own, it holds you accountable, and it increases confidence. For me, racing is very mental and the more I do it, the more confident I am!
It’s refreshing to see hear that you can see differences in seasons of your running, and then really go after what makes you happy and not what others think you are supposed to be doing. Running should be fun, that’s why we do it!
I completely agree Sam! I think it’s important to do what works for you. Running and life wise.
I like your training strategy of racing frequently! It makes speedwork more enjoyable and you get to meet so many other people. It’s like constant running friends! I’m glad running is enjoyable for you again and that you’re starting to get in a groove. That’s never a bad thing 🙂
Fabulous summer of training. I really admire your focus and dedication towards your goals. The weather this summer definitely did not make things easy!
Your summer was a good mix of training and fun, in my opinion. Despite the little anxiety bit after your wedding, I think you’re have a great few months! I’m super proud of you for staying healthy and NOT injured this summer. it’s a huge mental confidence boost and proof you’re working on your training!
Like you wrote, since we aren’t making money by running, it’s so important for us to be happy as we train, progress, race, etc. (I always tell people, “if you aren’t having fun, you’re doing it wrong!”) That’s not to say there won’t be ups and downs, but overall, we should be happy and simply love what we’re doing.
Hi Hollie, I love your attitude about doing what makes YOU happy. At times it is difficult to block out the naysayers – I would imagine especially since you blog and are on all the social media stuff! You do a great job of (that old cliche) staying “true to yourself”. This summer has been awesome for me too – instead of adhering to rest days (as people say you SHOULD take), I run when I feel good and when I want to. Sometimes that’s 30 days in a row. Sometimes it’s one day in a row. It’s been great weather (I run super early in the morning) for running so my attitude has been seize the day! I’ve been injured so often in the past and I’m so happy that nothing hurts right now so I figure I’ll run while I can – happily!
Im glad someone had a good summer training! Mine has been rough the humidity and heat have been off the chain making it really hard to get any gain in speed. i am really hopeful though that the fall will show all my hard summer work and i will see some speed increase. hurry up fall i need you!!
I totally agree that fall is only going to bring awesome weather and PRs.
You had an awesome summer of training and racing!!It makes me happy to see 🙂
My summer of training, lacked at best. I am working on fixing that. I am so impressed with your running abilities,
That is some serious running Holz!! I love following all of your posts. Always great stuff and great info. I had a great summer of training here. Not many races due to the fact it is so damn hot. Now is when most of the races start Unfortunately I have just pulled a groin training for my first marathon. This is the second injury training for a marathon .It seems as if I will never be able to run a full marathon .
Thanks Chuck. Your support is always the best!
just catching up with your blog now…my month has been manic with my Ironman and throwing in a marathon a few days ago! Training was NOT to plan after being knocked off my bike by a car at the end of April but I picked myself off and qualified for Kona so I’m so thankful! Glad you had a great summer and are flying as always!