It’s hard to believe March is already over. Usually during the month of March running becomes more enjoyable. The weather is typically decent, I and get to celebrate my running birthday. Plus for the last few years, I go run Shamrock in hometown area.
This year, however, was atypical. This was one of the coldest (and rainiest) months in New Jersey history. The winter I escaped while in Alabama, came back and bit me in the bum up here.
Miles Run: 270
Workouts: 8
Range of Pace: 5:55-9:50-untimed
Rest Days: 3
Best Workout:
1X3 mile 6:18 average
3X5 minute
5X400
It definitely gave me confidence in my speed. I haven’t hit a lot of my workout paces lately, but that one I did. It was a workout where “everything clicked.”
Races: 2
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup 4 Miler (24:13)
Shamrock Half Marathon (1:26.49)
Favorite Race:
I don’t have a favorite this month, and both races were equally “good.” Were either PRs? No. Were they both fun? Yes.
While neither races was in great weather conditions, I made the best of both situations. The Grilled Cheese Run was in frigid conditions while Shamrock was in pouring rain, wind, and sleet. Since January of 2016, I can’t catch a break weather wise.
Thoughts:
I’ve been dancing around the subject of training lately. The truth is, I’m not happy with how I have progressed in the last 6 months (which is none). I would have liked to have broken 18 minutes in a 5k by now. I’ve been consistently training, logging speed as well as base mileage. I’ve stayed healthy, but yet I’m still in the plateau of running between 18:30-18:40 5ks. It doesn’t matter the conditions or the terrain, I still seem to hit that narrow window.
I’ve asked myself: is it bad weather? It is me? Is it my legs just don’t physically go any faster? Is it when I do race “a little better” the course is just “a little longer”? And yes, .1 in a 5k is 30 seconds longer so a long course matters.
There are a lot of questions and I don’t have conclusions. I’ve gone through plateaus before with both running and swimming. It’s one of the hardest aspects of running. You feel as though you’re working hard but having no success.
I’m hoping my legs, and the weather cooperates for one race together.
In April:
I’ve already run in the Phillies 5k but I do have a couple more 5ks as well as my goal half marathon, the April Fools in Atlantic City. It’s scary to write, but I am hoping April brings a new PR. 
Blog Posts from the Month:
How Alternating Shoes Can Benefit Running
Why 5ks are the Best
Do You Need More Protein While Running?
Hoka Bondi 5 Shoe Review
Brooks Launch 4 Shoe Review
Should You Race in Racing Flats?
Thoughts While Working in a Running Store
Questions for you:
How was your month of training?
Have you been stuck in a plateau?
I have no doubt you will get a PR in April! You’ve got this!! I also hope the weather starts going you’re way!
Getting stuck in a plateau can be frustrating. I am sure though with continued hard work and possible shift in training you will get that PR!
Thank you for support Sandra. I always appreciate it!
Plateaus are so hard! It does seem like you’ve been stuck at this one for a while. What does your coach think?
I’m also dying for better weather! The PNW has been super cold and rainy as well. Last night I ended up on the treadmill because I just couldn’t handle another run in the rain.
I can’t imagine how the weather is at PNW. Do you have any races coming up Alyssa?
I think you will have a breakthrough race soon, Hollie. I remember you mentioning your goal race for April Fool’s is this month, so your others have been in training but you’ve still logged pretty good times considering the conditions. Plus you ran a very SMART race at Shamrock even if it was not your fastest. I hope April will be a great month for you and you can continue to stay injury-free and train.
The weather was less than agreeable in this area in March, and the random changes (70*F one day, then rainy and cold the next) didn’t exactly help matters. Keep putting in the work and trusting the process. PRs are coming!