October was the best month of training for me in about two years. I made a lot of progress this month. In fact, I made the most progress this month of any month so far. I committed to doing speed workouts and racing frequently. I raced a lot this month and, to be honest; I think it helped to keep me progressing. In summary, I ran fewer miles and took more rest days but I ran harder runs.
Mileage: 274
Fastest Mile: 5:48
Range of paces: 5:48-10:30-untimed
Rest Days: 7
Races: 8
Festival of Races (19:14)
Panther Prowl (19:04)
Run the Vineyards XC (20:30)
Runners World Festival 5k (18:56)
Runners World Half Marathon (1:28.13)
Bone Run 3.05 (18:11)
JCC 5k (19:15)
RnR Philadelphia (1:25.45) Recap tomorrow
Workouts: 4
Best Race:
Choosing the best race is tough for me because I had a lot of great races. To be honest, I think the Runners World 5k was the best race because I was so shocked to finally break 19 minutes again. I think the Bone Run would have been my favorite if the course was the full distance. I didn’t have a bad race during the month, though, they were all good. It’s easy to say that every race was good when you continued to progress.
Best workout: 4X1 mile with 90 seconds rest
I guess that was my “go to” workout of October. That was the only workout I did throughout the month. I felt strong each time. I like mile repeats so I’ll probably continue to train them.
Thoughts:
I feel like I’m beating a dead horse but I’m breaking through my plateau. I went from consistently racing high 19 minute 5ks to suddenly running a 19:15 and then breaking through that and racing an 18:55 as well as an almost 18:35. How can I beat a month of training like that?
Thoughts for November:
I do plan to race more in November as well. I’m not sure which or how many races because I don’t plan them until the Thursday before. I would like to run as many as my body allows. In the Winter months I won’t have as many options because races are very few and far between, so I might as well take advantage of them now.
Questions for you:
How was your month of training?
What was your best run?
When you are running your mile repeats, what pace do you aim for? Current 5k pace? Goal 5k pace? or just based on perceived effort? I’m planning on focusing on the 5k next spring/summer and it is never to early to start thinking about training plans!
I don’t know how you manage to race so frequently. I’m exhausted just thinking about it, but it certainly has been paying off!
I run my miles on pavement and the loop I use incorporates hills. Generally it fluctuates between normal and goal 5k pace. I do 4 of them with 90 seconds standing rest! 🙂
I love that you race so often! If I didn’t have kid activities on most Saturdays I would do the same as you. It’s the perfect way to get really fit and have fun. Can’t wait to read your half recap!
You should come up next year and do RNR Kris. It’s such a flat, fast course. You would love it!
Your training is always so inspiring! This month I realized I increased exactly 10% in mileage from last month which was a goal of mine I totally forgot about, so I’ll take that as a win. Keep up the great training, you have definitely found what is working for you!
October was good to you!
I’m pretty sure the #SJFAST tanks are good luck. I love that one photo of you running the RW 5K. So fierce! October was an incredible month for you, but I think November will be even better!
What a great month for you! It seems like the frequent racing is really paying off!
You are a kick ass runner! I normally run a 5K distance during my training a few days a week when I’m not in the gym. Nowhere near as fast as you. Normally in the 35 minute range. Weight training 5 days a week too. Funny, I have done Warrior Dashes and Tough Mudders yet I still have a love/hate relationship with running. LOL!
I love your training recaps. It’s cool to see what a kick ass runner you are and how much dedication you have for it.
I always appreciate your support Jade!
so happy for your great training month! Im waiting for mine to happen…it will come I know it will 🙂 I live in the south though so we get a much longer outdoor running season. cant wait for your race recap so I can pretend im as fast as you!
Congratulations on a great month of training, racing, and breaking through the plateau. You are doing a great job! I planned a few other races this month that were unfortunately cancelled or postponed due to flooding but I have at least 2 for November so far.
As always, great job! After actually getting to meet you and read your posts, I can honestly say that you have the best attitude/mental game than any runner I’ve ever met. You literally find a positive in every run, and that is so important!
What an awesome month, you killed it! RnRPHL is one of my faves. I miss my days training on the drives and in Fairmount Park so much. Are you running Harbor Lights?
Do you do anything besides mile repeats to increase speed? On your rests do you walk, stand still or jog slowly? My best 5k is 18:50 and I’d like to get down to 18 for a 5k on thanksgiving. Is this feasible in your opinion?
I do other workouts as well, but I’ve been enjoying mile repeats the last month. I just do standing 90 seconds.
It’s hard to say with making that much improvement, but that is a rather big jump. It depends course differences, how you personally feel, etc.
I seriously cut my mileage back. I mean I would barely hit 100 miles for the month. However I did more quality training runs even though I wasn’t really training for anything. On Halloween I ran a relay in a 13K race and had my best 5K time in 18 months at 21:00. Knocked out a 27:00 4 miler. Still not my fastest but I’m getting there. I’ve been getting into the mid-high 6:00 mile paces more frequently.
Nice running at the RNR Half.. Has to be one of my favorites to date..
That’s awesome to hear Joe. It sounds like the speed work is really good to you!
I’m getting there… I have performs syndrome where my sciatic nerve is being pinched.
Awesome month for you. Looking forward to your Philly recap!
I’ve had a few rough marathons lately and the Twin Cities marathon last month finally felt good. My training has been good, I have two races coming up so I’m really just wanting to have solid runs, not going for a specific time goal at all. Glad your training has been going so well! It’s been fun to watch your times drop over the summer and fall! Keep it up! 🙂
I felt like you this month, racing a ton as well!! I’m happy to see you progressing, but also makes you more confident and happy with your running (which you deserve to feel with the hard work you have been doing). I wish you were up here and we could do mile repeats together!