week 12 recap

With a rough week last week, I was hoping for some better results this week as I began mesocycle 3. Here's how it went:

Monday was an VO2 max - 8 mile run with 5x600m at 5k race pace - no problem, felt good after this run.

Tuesday I got in 7 miles out of 11. Time was an issue here... I must learn to run faster...

Wednesday I did 4 miles recovery with 6x100m strides - no problem.

Thursday was supposed to be an 8-15k race pace "tune up" run, but I pushed it off until Friday.

Friday - my body was not feeling it. I was exhausted and could not muster the strength to get up and out the door. So no "tune up" for me...

Saturday was supposed to be 17 miles, but I insisted on a 22 mile run to make up for my previous shortened long run... well, I eked out 20 miles and it was not pretty. I felt awful for almost all 20 miles, but I pushed through it. There were plenty of times I had wanted to quit, but I had to prove that I could do this. Unfortunately, this was not the run I had hoped to have. It did not give me any confidence that I could run the marathon in October - okay, I know I could finish it, but I do not want to run slower than my previous marathons. I was really hoping for a faster time. Now I am undecided about the marathon... I am leaning very heavily towards the half instead, but feeling like I'd be giving up, which is not my style. But there is some feeling of relief in the back of my mind by only running the half. I hate being in this position...

My plan is to continue my training regardless of my decision, though. I will modify my pace and long run mileage most likely. Anyone have any thoughts? Ugh... six more weeks to go...

8 miles - 10x100mstrides

First off, I tried.

I left work early to get started on my 8 mile run and then my strides. I had the course all plotted out so I could get to the track and do my strides on the way back. I got to my turn around point and stopped to get a drink...I was dripping. I was hot. My sunglasses were fogged up and wet at the same time. It was not pleasant. I pushed on trying to run in the shade as much as possible, but there seemed to be a lack of it.

By the time I made it to the track, I was overheated, felt drained and I wussed out - plain and simple. It took all I had to get home (and about a half mile short of a full 8 miles at that). Perhaps I ran too hard - I averaged a 9:34/mile pace... Anyway, I cooled down while stretching, then was able to eat. I am reviewing my schedule for the week and may cut some of my runs shorter (except for Saturday's) just to ease my mileage up. I was not at a base level I should have been to begin this training plan, but I think I can still manage it - it will just require a little more effort.

On another note, during my run I met a member of the Hoosier Mountain Bike Association. I learned that they are going to be reworking the trails in Fort Harrison State Park, making them less steep in spots and making them longer. I was glad to hear about this an am looking forward to it happening (though I doubt it happens until next year).