Last week was just about assimilating back to New Jersey. After getting food poisoning, this week was about getting back out there and just getting some easy runs in during the week. Even though it meant about 2 weeks between races and speed work, it was necessary. I was exhausted from vacation, as well as getting over food poisoning.
It all worked out, and with extra sleep, easy miles, and focusing on nutrition, I seemed to feel a lot better towards the end of the week.
| Monday: | Easy 45 minutes |
| Tuesday: | Easy 45 minutes |
| Wednesday: | Easy 60 minutes |
| Thursday: | OFF |
| Friday: | Easy 45 minutes |
| Saturday: | Haddonfield Road Race (19:59) |
| Sunday: | Blueberry Challenge XC 5k (20:01) |
| Total Miles: | 35-37 |
Haddonfield Road Race (19:59) 6:25, 6:26, 6:25
The goal of this race was to run a 20 minute 5k which I ran right on pace. The course itself is difficult and the day did not go exactly as planned but I was able to get done what I needed too with a few faster miles on my legs. Despite being one of my slower “races” recently, my effort was exactly where I needed it to be.
Blueberry Challenge XC 5k (20:01)
I have always wanted to do this race, but whatever reason, it never works out. The race is a mixture of a lot of grass, gravel, pavement, and finally, a stair climb up Blueberry Hill. Even without the climb, it’s one of the hillier 5k courses I’ve done. My goal was to try and run 20 minutes, and I met that goal.
Thoughts:
While neither are “fast” races indicating my fitness, I enjoyed both and getting out there again. Training isn’t linear, and I’m the same person who ran an 18:46 less than a month ago.
This week will also be a lighter week as I will be running the Philadelphia half marathon. I’ve never run particularly well there as coincidentally enough I had food poisoning in 2015 and in 2016, I just felt like garbage. Third time is a charm, right?
Posts from the Week:
How to Build Back Mental Confidence
Hiking Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder
Smile Brilliant Review and Giveaway
Questions for you:
Do you like running on trails or roads?
Have you ever run up stairs during a race?
Great job with training this week and getting it done- I hope you can continue to recover from the food poisoning and run a great half this weekend in Philly. You did an awesome job running 20 minute 5Ks and were right on target with that :).
Great job on the 5ks (especially with food poisoning!!). I love travelling but it also makes me enjoy coming home and getting back into a routine that much more. I like trail running for training but I’ve never done a trail race! Too afraid of rolling an ankle so I stick to the roads for racing.
Do you have any tips for self coached runners? I know there are great benefits of having a coach, but for someone who doesn’t have the means for a coach right now, do you have any tips for being a successful self coached runner?
That is a really good post idea Ashley and I’ll write something up. I’m completely self-coached at this point in my life as well. I think it actually works a bit better for myself, and my schedule. Do you have any specific questions you want me to talk to about?
That would be great! I think my biggest struggle is how to put together a training schedule. I know everyone is different, but how many workout days in general and how to know what workouts to do (or any resources that have specific speed workouts or anything). And how to schedule down weeks. Sorry, I know that’s a lot! I mostly know how to build up mileage each week and I’m pretty motivated so it’s just the workouts and when/what kind I feel confused about. Thanks so much for replying and for any advice!