December was all about increasing miles, running, and more running, with some swimming too. As most readers know, I injured my back and hip in November, causing me to pull out of the California International Marathon. Hard? Yes. But mentally smart? Also yes. I didn’t think the Antelope Valley Turkey Trot would be my last race of 2023, but that’s how it goes.
I thought I signed up for a half marathon in December, but it turns out the half marathon is in December 2024. For some reason, they decided to skip 2023. So no races in December for me.
Miles run: 328
Range of Paces: 7:30-13:15-untimed
Rest Days: 4
Swims: 25 miles
Thoughts:
As mentioned, I decided to pull out of CIM. After resting and recovering, my only goal was to build back miles after hurting my hip. Honestly, I still don’t feel like I’m close, fitness-wise, to when I stopped running, and it stinks. It does not feel like fitness is coming back as quickly. For every one step forward, I take two back and haven’t really felt “the same” since getting injured. I’m hoping consistently running and getting out there will change that. While my hip injury wasn’t long, I don’t feel like I have the speed and fitness that I did in October. I’m hoping to get back there before March.
The next big race is the Los Angeles Marathon. (Side note: Are you looking for a Los Angeles Marathon coupon code? Send me an email at fueledbylolz at gmail dot com).
My goal for the Los Angeles Marathon is to run faster than last year (3:24). The race can be on the warmer side and it’s also hilly, but I was proud of my effort last year since it was my first marathon in four years. My marathon PR is 3:07 at NYCM and while I’m not close to that, I do hope I can be faster than last year. I’m working on getting back some strength because I’ve definitely been lacking that the last few years.
As far as the plan for training, I’ve always run better on higher, slower mileage. My easy runs have gotten to be about 10-minute pace days after workouts and long runs. The harder the workouts and long runs, the slower the easy runs. When I ran my 1:22 half, I was definitely doing easy runs around 10-11 minute miles.
December brought running in the most amount of states from Nebraska, California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. What a month.
As far as swimming, I was able to get in the pool a lot more, just due to the holiday week.
Other than that, with no races, it was a boringish month. I consistently ran and keep hoping I’m just one workout away from feeling back to normal again. January will be mostly the same, although I have the Rose Bowl Half Marathon. I want to possibly add another race to the calendar, but we will see.
Posts from the Month:
Shoe Reviews:
ASICS Tri Noosa 15 Shoe Review
Altra VIA Olympus 2.0 Shoe Review
Gear Reviews:
HEYCHY Cute X1 Mini Massage Gun Review
Hollie, I’m sorry to hear about your injury. What is that machine in the picture. I am currently not able to run due to back and hip pain.
Hey Wendy,
I hope you can run again soon. It’s called the Lever! It can reduce up to 45 pounds bodyweight and easily attaches to any treadmill. Plus you can rent them! Let me know if you have any questions!! https://levermovement.com/