November was a month of high highs and low lows—arguably both the best and worst month of my California International Marathon (CIM) training. Why do the highest highs so often come with the lowest lows? I’m purposely writing this before running CIM, because no matter what happens, my build-up has been pretty good.
Quick Stats:
- Miles Run: 312
- Range of Paces: 6:12-12:30-untimed
- Rest Days: 5
- Swimming: 3500 meters
- Races:
Thoughts:
As mentioned, my build-up for CIM has been pretty good. I’ve built fitness I haven’t seen in a few years, and I know that on a good day I can break 90 minutes in a half marathon or go sub-20 in a 5k again.
I started November with the Las Vegas Half Marathon. On one of the worst nights of sleep I’ve ever had (thanks to a concert that went until 2 a.m.) and with a headwind to boot, I ran a 1:31 half marathon. I recovered and then ran a 1:31.03 half marathon in Richmond, even though I was on the cusp of getting sick.
None of my races were exponentially “good” or the best ever and I had issues with each. Las Vegas had a headwind most of the way, Richmond I was on the cusp of getting sick an the 10k and 5ks, I was on the other side of getting sick and getting congested. Still all of these races are faster than I ran at the same time last year. So I can’t complain…to much.
HMPV threw me for a loop, leaving me not feeling like myself for about a week. While I’m still battling some congestion, I’m feeling much better than I did a week ago. Ten days ago, I was nearly in tears at the thought of running a marathon because I couldn’t breathe properly. Now, I can mostly breathe, with just some residual congestion hanging on.
What Have I Done Differently This Training Cycle?
I’ve actually raced less (though, to the untrained eye, it might not look like it!). This time, I’ve prioritized high mileage. While some of the days were very easy, I’ve focused on quality miles and long runs, areas where I felt my training had been lacking.
I enjoy racing, but life and work have been busy. Plus, I don’t have the luxury of popping into local races where I live—most races require a 90+ mile drive one way. While it’s an easy drive, it does eat up the weekend. This season, I prioritized a few key races, and most of them went pretty well. Even as I was recovering from HMPV, I managed to run a 6:30-paced 5k (when my “A” goal for being healthy was to run under 6:27 pace).
Just before Las Vegas, I completed a workout I hadn’t done since the week before I ran a 1:22 half marathon. It was on the treadmill (due to 30 mph winds outside) and consisted of 20×1 minute hard/easy intervals (hard at 6:00 min/mile pace, easy at 8:34 min/mile pace). It might not seem like a big deal, but I’ve tried to hit that workout several times since 2018 without success. Previously, my body didn’t feel good, and the effort always felt forced on the treadmill. This time, I nailed it, and that was motivating. My 22-miler was another big confidence booster.
Final Thoughts
As I head into CIM just a few days from now, I know that whatever happens, I’ve built fitness and am fitter than I’ve been since 2021. That’s a good feeling. Obviously I hope to run faster than LA but CIM is an easier course than LA (read: not easy, but easier). Los Angeles has most of it’s 900 foot elevation gain in the last 8 miles. Plus, right now the weather is looking good, so it’s looking like it will be a fast day. Am I in PR shape? No. I don’t think I’m in 3:07.15 shape, but I do think on a good day I could run between 3:10-3:15.
Posts From the Month:
Shoe Reviews:
Saucony Guide 17 Shoe Review
Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Shoe Review
ASICS Superblast 2 Shoe Review
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 Review
Gear Reviews:
Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF Review
Are Apple Airpods Good for Running?
Victus Review
Cirkul Review
Wild Deodorant Review
Map Medal Custom Poster Review
Questions for you:
How was your month of training?
Are you training for anything right now?