Training in December can be difficult but that’s why I choose not to stress about running. I run, I do workouts, but do I stress with extra rest days, shorter runs, or trying something different? No.
A few years ago, I trained for a winter marathon and while rewarding, it was tough for me to balance family, live, and 20 mile long runs.
Anyway, training last week was good. I seem to use the word “good” in place of uneventful, but training was boring. I did what I needed, and trekked along.
| Monday: | Easy 45 minutes |
| Tuesday: | Easy 60 minutes |
| Wednesday: | 3X1 mile (6:30, 6:30, 6:30) Total miles 10 |
| Thursday: | 30-minute walk (nothing strenuous) |
| Friday: | Easy 60 minutes |
| Saturday: | Lonely 5k Week 2: 19:57.3 Total miles 10 |
| Sunday: | Long Run |
Thoughts:
Like usual, the easy runs were easy. There was nothing exciting or eventful.
Wednesdays Workout: 3X1 mile (6:30, 6:30, 6:30) with 90 seconds rest.
This run felt harder than it should have and I was not as fast as I would have liked. My legs just didn’t have it and I was tired. I was proud of my effort and consistency but past that, I was ready to move on from the workout.
Lonely 5k Week 2: 19:57.3
Last week, I ran a 20:00.3 and was 3 seconds faster this week. It was much windier but no rain. I am someone who thrives on racing and just having a hard effort each week. I find I am the most confident and I’ve been in the best shape when that happens. Unfortunately, this time of year and through January, there aren’t a lot of races (basically none) in NJ. Last week, when my race was canceled due to weather, I decided to run my own. I don’t know how long I’ll continue the trend but it’s been fun the last 2 weeks.
I ran a 6:29, 6:30, 6:22. To be honest, I thought it would just be a few seconds slower than last week but I found another gear and passed my time from last week. I visualized myself outkicking me ha. Anyway, I am pleased with a faster time on a harder day.
Long Run: 14 miles averaging 8:21 pace with a faster finish
I’ve started wearing my GPS watch more on long runs to get a good idea of pace. I had planned to run between 10-12 but do some marathon paced work (around 7:15 for me), but opted for a solid long run with my husband. He asked if I wanted to run but “it needed to be between 8:15-8:30 pace). That’s not a pace that ever feels easy to me during trianing. It felt comfortable enough to chat, but I knew I was working harder. We ran the last 3 around 8 minutes. I felt good about it.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrvFnYJFurK/
Next week between Christmas and New Years, I’ll be traveling a lot to see family. My training will roughly stay the same (or as close as what happens).
Posts from the Week:
Questions for you:
Do you train through the Holidays?
Do you like racing or no?
You say uneventful, but I found interest in this! That’s great your guy wanted to do a long run with you.. I generally have the same mismatched pace problem with mine too, but it’s always awesome to share miles with him.
I wouldn’t say I “train” through the holidays, but I wouldn’t say I’m not training either. Training maintenance I guess?
Thank you Steena! I guess training maintenance is probably the better way to look at it.