March training:
We are already about a week into April and I’m just typing up my training log. I’m waiting on race photos from the April Fools half marathon and then I’ll post about that too.
But let’s look back at March! Normally February training is miserable and March is a breakthrough month for me. Since February was unseasonable warm, it was a good month and I PRed in my 5k. March wasn’t as good but not a bad month.
Miles: 310
Longest run: 13.8
Shortest run: 2 mile warmup
Highest mileage day: 15.65 miles Workout warmup, 6.55 mile tempo, cooldown
Range of paces: 5:40-10:18-untimed
Fastest mile: 5:40 (Phillies 5k)
Rest days: 6
Races:
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup 4 miler (23:58)
Leprechaun 5 miler (30:37)
Shamrock Half Marathon (1:26.50)
Phillies Charity 5k (18:27)
This is hard for me. I really enjoyed 3/4s of my races. Right off the bat, I can rule out Shamrock. The race was well put together as always but I didn’t run well and ended up crawling to the finish. I think winning the Phillies 5k or barely maintaining my lead in the Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup run were my favorite race moments.
Workouts: 3
6×1 mile repeats with 90 seconds rest
6.5 mile tempo (2)
I skipped two workouts this month due to an uncomfortable hamstring. I don’t regret that.
Favorite workout:
I felt strong during my last tempo with my husband. 4 miles warmup, 6.5 mile tempo, 5 mile cooldown). My first mile was exactly 7:00 minute pace but once I got into a groove, I kept my pace between 6:30-6:36.
Thoughts:
Shamrock defeated me mentally, emotionally and physically. It was not a great race and left with lingering hamstring issues. Following Shamrock, my mileage decreased and I skipped 2 workouts. Since visiting Dr. Kemenosh’s office twice, I can say my hamstring has been taken care of and I’m back to running healthy. It did create a bigger taper for the April Fools half and I ran my 3rd fastest half marathon time.
I was never unhealthy, but more uncomfortable. It was a funny issue, I can’t pinpoint where the pain was and it never altered my stride but something was off. I don’t regret skipping any workouts or running days because if I had run through and torn my hamstring or any muscle, I wouldn’t be writing the same monthly recap. I’ve come to terms with skipping workouts or runs if I feel off.
So in summary, despite a mini hiccup, I’m happy with how March went.
Running Related Posts:
6 Things to Remember During a Race
Gear Review:
Adidas Energy Boost 3
Asics FuzeX
Spring Gear
Questions for you:
How was your month of training?
How do you gauge when to back off?
For me, if it changes my stride I won’t run. Also I tend to take unplanned rest days if I don’t get enough sleep. I don’t run well tired.