In case you missed the first six months, here they are. We the left the recap off in early July.
Chapter 7: Rise and Grind…grind…grind…
After running the 19:15 5k at the Firecracker on July 4th, I hoped I had officially broken through my 5k plateau. I had been seriously committed to 5ks for four months but my broken plateau was short-lived. I continued to log more 5ks through the summer, but most of them were between 19:45-20:00. While it was consistently faster than before, it was not a 19:15.
I tapered for the Belmar Chase 5k and had a disappointing race. I knew the course was flat and fast. I knew I was in the best fitness I had been for two years, but I flopped the race and ran a 19:34. It was still a decent time, but my goal had been to break 19:00. The Belmar Chase made me realize my fitness had a long way to go. It humbled me a lot and caused me to add a second speed workout to my training week.
Chapter 8: This is not a 5k
After racing no less than 15, 5ks, I took a racing mileage jump and ran the RnR half marathon in Virginia Beach. Before RnR, the last half marathon I raced healthy was in April of 2014. I had no idea what to expect. I hadn’t raced a half in a while and it was 80+ degrees (as the race always is). Due to meeting the time standard within two years, I was able to receive a comped entry. My husband hadn’t been running much and ended finishing around my pace. That’s possibly the only time that will ever happen and a race I will always treasure.
Long story short, I ran a 1:31 and I was ecstatic. It was hot, humid and it was a good baseline for me.
The rest of September I dabbled in a cross country 10k and several more 5ks. None of the 5ks were remarkable and I continued to run 19:45-20:00.
Chapter 9: Month of Change
October has been one of the most pivotal months of training this year for me. During the first week of October, I went to Syracuse to run the Festival of Races 5k. After three months of seeing no improvement in the 5k, I saw a two second improvement. I was untapered and didn’t foresee myself running around 19:15…but I did and ran a 19:13. Running that fast was a complete shock.
Then the next weekend I ran a 19:04. I finally felt as though I was breaking through another plateau.
Chapter 10: Runners World Festival and Celebrities
The following weekend I was invited to the Runners World Festival. While there were many races, I opted to run the 5k and the 13.1. They were both extremely hilly and challenge courses. I didn’t think they would both bring the fastest times I’ve run in two years!
On Saturday, I ran the 5k in 18:56 which was good enough for third place. The course was difficult, and out of every 5k has been my best effort and showing. The course was challenging, but I had an exceptional day.
The next day I ran the half marathon. On a more difficult course and after having my best 5k in 2 years I was 3 minutes faster. I was able to run a 1:28.13. I left that weekend feeling rejuvenated with my running. I felt confident and excited.
Chapter 11: Running Rebirth
For the rest of October and November, I raced a lot. I also did a lot of workouts but it seems like I haven’t raced on the right day.
I ran a 3.05 miler at my fastest pace (6:01) but the course was short.
I ran two half marathons: RnR Philadelphia (1:25.49) and the Philadelphia half marathon (1:25.00) but I felt sick during both. Later I found out my skin antibiotics were playing a role in that. While it was great to have an answer, it still stinks. I haven’t fully recovered from that yet. While I don’t feel bad, I don’t feel like myself either.
2015 in Running Summary:
Despite finishing my marathon injured, it was the only distance I Pred in. That being said, I’ve had plenty of great races and gained so much fitness. I have gone from consistently running 20:30 5ks, to now consistently running 19-19:30. My half marathon time has dropped about 7 minutes this year and I’m edging down towards my PR. I’ve had an awesome year training wise and it’s helped me rebuild fitness I lost.
So where does that leave me now?
I currently have a few more 5ks left in 2015. Thinking out loud, I have a few plans in the Spring of 2016 that I’m excited for but I want to take time this Holiday season for myself and for my family.
Questions for you:
How was your 2015?
What are your goals for next year?