April was a great month for training and racing. Even though I only raced once, I did 100% of what I wanted to do. HA. On a random note, I went down the rabbit hole of searching old April training logs and they go back as 2014. That is wild.
April Stats:
- Miles run: 336.14
- Range of Paces: 6:00-15:12-untimed
- Shortest run: 4 miles
- Longest run: 15.82 miles
- Favorite run: 10.2 at Fischer Peak State Park— It was way longer than we thought but it was just so relaxing and fun.
Thoughts:
In April, I ran the Mountains 2 Beach Half Marathon and finally broke 90 minutes in the half again. To be honest, I had zero expectations for this race, and I didn’t think it would “happen.” After running the Los Angeles Marathon in March, getting the flu, and recovering, I didn’t think M2B was the right day for it. BUT, we were blessed with good weather and things lined up. Weirdly enough, I didn’t really even “feel good.” After chasing a 90-minute half for most of the last year and something always popping up, it was good to break 90 again. Especially meeting a goal when my body did not feel like “the best ever”.
I know I’ve been in sub-1:30 shape for a while, but as mentioned, something always happened…weather, getting sick, or my legs just not feeling good that day. I had planned to do a few more halves this spring, including the postponed Rose Bowl Half, OC Half, and La Jolla Half, but decided I met my goal and just wanted to be at peace with it for a while.
April was also my 10-year anniversary. We went on a nearly 2-week tour around Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado, and it was a lot of fun. We got to run (and my husband: bike) in some new places and really enjoyed our time. It meant two weeks off from work, relaxation, more trail runs, and just getting to see new scenery. I even got to run in snow (which was hilarious because when we left the desert, it was 90 degrees).
Training:
Training itself has been going well. This spring and summer is speed summer, and I’m really working to focus on more quality mileage and workouts. I’ve found the treadmill helps me hit the paces I want. Over the past few months, it has felt like the desert is windy… and not just “oh, wind here and there,” but wind that is enough to lift trashcans or trampolines. I’ve run hard efforts in that wind, only to be running 8:40 pace. That’s fine, but my goal 5k pace is 6:15. So it’s really unproductive. I’ve been able to push myself on some of my highest quality runs on the treadmill. Plus, I am enjoying it (yes, really). I have been trying to get around 15 miles a week of high-quality and race pace mileage. I’ve never done so much speed, so it’s been fun to try a new type of training. (man it makes my easy runs welcomed though).
Looking Forward:
In May, I plan to continue the same sort of structure but take a step back when I run Bolder Boulder 10k. It’s a race I’ve always wanted to do, and this year the timing works out… so why not? Then in June, I’m racing a 5k most weekends. I am looking for a fall marathon…in my dreams that would be Chicago or New York, but it’s not as if I can just sign up for those so close LOL).
Swimming–I’m also trying to get back into the pool once a week since I may attempt some open water swimming this summer. It’s been kind of hard to balance with running, but I just try and remind myself that my body does feel good after swimming…so.
So anyway, like most, I’m looking forward to the summer, but maybe not running in the Mojave Desert summer.
Posts from the month:
shoe reviews:
Gear Reviews:
- Klear Protein Powder Review
- Supergoop Antioxidant Body Mist Spray Review
- Tailwind High Carb Fuel Review
- Bandit Running Apparel Review
- Wildgrain Gluten-Free Box Review
- Oats Overnight Review
- USWE HAJKER PRO 18L Rolltop Daypack Review
- Plasmaide Advanced Endurance + Recovery Liquid Adaptogen Review
Questions for you:
What are your goals for the summer? Are you training for anything?
life has become so random lately…until I know my parents are okay, running when I can will be it…sad, but sometimes a run is the best thing ever…