Well, it’s been well over a year since my last post. MAYBE one day, I will catch you all up on the rollercoaster ride the past 15 months has been for me. But for now…
This past week, I finished my first week of training for marathon number two. Yep, you read that right, TWO!!! I completed the Indianapolis Monumental marathon back in November. For some reason, I had the crazy idea to register for another one. Nationwide Columbus Marathon, I am coming for you! The goal this go around is to aim for that treasured sub 4:00:00. Eek!
The Miles:
Four run days put me at 31.18 miles for my first official week of training. (I tried to keep my weekly base between 25-30 miles during the month of June).
Run one was squeezed in to the day. Did I mention Shawn is training for his first marathon (Chicago) at the same time? Yep. I am sharing precious morning run times now. As soon as he walked in the door from his run, I was out it. I was able to run 4.5 miles outside around the neighborhood before he had to pull out for work. The last 1.5 was completed downstairs on the treadmill before the boys woke up.
Run two was the hardest of the week. Not physically, but emotionally. It was old man, Shadow’s, 12th birthday! I purposely ran four miles in the neighborhood and swung back home. I picked him up for his annual birthday mile (in the dark, early morning to try and beat the heat). Quickly, I realized that this year was going to be different. Usually, he bolts ahead for the first bit. However this time, there was no sprint in him. We started around a 9:30 pace. That lasted all of .2 mile. We walked the rest of the way up to the pond and back home making it to .8 mile. He did try to jog down the hill but only made it about 20 feet before walking again. Those old hips just do not have the run in them like they used to. He was smiling, wagging his tail, and happy as could be. I may have had tears rolling down my cheeks.
Run three was a track workout with my girl, Heather. I completed a two mile warm up and 8x400s with 200 recovery before getting my rear to hot yoga. My splits ranged from 6:57-7:15 for the sprints which pleased me. I welcomed the pouring rain during the sprints as it felt amazing in the thick, Ohio summer air.
Run four ended up being a long run with my one-and-only run buddy, Sarah! After a delayed day going back home, I landed myself in Mason still for my 15 miler. She kindly woke up early and ran all 15 STEAMY miles with me. The splits were not as kind for this one. We ended up with a 9:26 average pace. It was all about the miles and accomplishing the first long run. We were completely drenched in sweat (maybe a couple sprinkles at mile 14, too). What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger, right?
On to week two…
