Month of November Training:
Total miles: 275
Shortest run: 2.5-mile warmup
Longest run: 15.1 miles
Range of Paces: 5:54-10:45-untimed**
Fastest mile since August 2014
Shortest run: 2.5 miles cooldown
Longest run: 15 miles
Favorite run:
6X1 mile repeats made me feel strong
Favorite Race:
I don’t have a favorite race per say, but I’ll default to the Medford Colonies 5k (18:48). It was my fastest 5k of the month, despite not feeling the greatest.
Races:
Nov 8: A Bold 5k (19:34)
Nov 14: Memorial 5k (19:30)
Nov 15: KISS 5k (19:00)
Nov: 18 Base Turkey Trot (19:23)
Nov 22: Philadelphia Half Marathon (1:25)
Nov 26: Medford Colonies 5k (18:48)
Nov 27: Haddon Township 5k (19:23)
Thoughts:
I was surprised that I had a few fairly fast races. While I did a mini-taper for the Philadelphia, I was untapered for all of them. In my October training post, I mentioned I plan to train through all of my races this month. I essentially did just that.
I did fall by the wayside more than I would like in core and extra strength. I stayed healthy through November, but I know if I don’t keep core/strength somewhat regular with my running I’m bound to get injured again.
December thoughts:
I have a few races this December. As the months get colder, the fewer races exist in the area. The weather is unpredictable, and we close roads if there is ice. Plus considering I fell on a gorgeous day in September, I don’t think racing on ice is my thing. I’ll still be running and racing often, but there won’t be as many two races in one weekend. I have a few 5ks in mind that I hope one will bring the PR I’ve been chasing.
I also plan to get back into the little things such as strength, plyo, and core. Through November, I gradually stopped doing those things. While I’m not injured now, I do know I will head that way if I let it completely go.
In summary, I’m happy with how November went. I do feel like a broken record, but I’m looking forward to seeing how December goes, hopefully with a PR.
Questions for you:
What is your fitness related goal of December?
Do you have any family plans for the Holidays? Are you traveling or staying home?
I’m right there with you in terms of the corework and strength training. It makes such a difference, and it’s also the first thing to fall to the wayside when training time is limited. With tri base building officially starting this week, my coach has programmed two lifting sessions per week.
It’s so hard to fit everything in. Sounds like you had a great November!
I worried a bit about getting sick in November, because I wasn’t getting much rest the last couple of weeks, but so far, so good, knock on wood.
Good luck chasing that PR this month!
Thanks Judy! I hope you had an enjoyable Holiday season!
You should be VERY happy with that training month! I love this recap and seeing how speedy you are. I also agree that you need to get back to some strength training to keep you healthy 🙂
Great month! I’ve been loving watching your 5ks get faster and faster over the past few months and can’t wait for you to get that PR!
You had such a solid month of training! I love seeing how much you’ve progressed in a few months and I know that PR is coming soon. I seriously don’t know how you race back to back most weekends and still pull off some amazing times- it’s pretty incredible!
Now that’s definitely a good month of running — congrats, Hollie! Core and strength work is something that I constantly have to remind myself to do as well. It’s not my favourite, but I try to remind myself that even a small handful of minutes a day can make a pretty big difference.
275 miles DAMN, SISTER! I love it. Can’t wait to be logging some high mileage again soon. You had such a great month!!!
Great job in November! 7 races?! With all 5k’s being under 20:00? You’re amazing!! My goal for the Jingle Bell 5k I’m running is to break 23:00 (aka your warm up pace!) and to run over 100 miles!
Great month of training Hollie!!! So many races that were still so speedy! I’m sure you’ll get a PR very soon 🙂
That’s like three months of racing for me! You had a really solid November and I have little doubt December will deliver a 5K PR.
That looks like a really solid month, great job!!
Even your “broken record” is so much fun to read about! As I’ve seen others say (I’ll repeat like a broken record too…), it’s just motivational to see what other runners are doing. Thanks for the recaps.
That a great month for you, it seeing your progress that get me motivated and keep running and improve, your work is paying off.
Happy running
Awesome month! Best of luck in December!