Two weeks in following the Intermediate Training Plan by Hal Higdon for the Half Marathon. I am changing the long runs, though. I increased the long run distances in the beginning and am following more of an increase/cut back approach. After comparing several different training programs, it seems this is a common approach to the long runs. Also, since I was already able to run at longer distances, I didn't see the point of cutting back to where the plan started.
The weather has been fabulous for this time of year, which has made it easier to get in all of the runs. I ran one run on the treadmill at my friend's gym, and I really did not enjoy running inside on a treadmill. I think I don't feel like I accomplished as much because I didn't have the scenery going by, and I didn't brave the elements and the hills. Silly, I know, but that's what I enjoy about running outside. You see where you are going and where you have been. You see the challenge ahead of you (a distance to get to, a hill to conquer) and then after you make it, you feel a sense of accomplishment.
Week 1: 3 easy 3 mile runs, 1 interval workout (5 400's at 5K pace alternated with 400 recovery jogs), and 1 long run (7 miles)
Week 2: 2 easy 3 mile runs, 1 tempo run (30 minutes-- hit a fastest pace of 8:15!), today is a 3 mile pace run (at half marathon pace), and tomorrow I plan on completing an 8 mile run.
Feeling good about the runs so far. Printed off the training pace zones off the McMillan Running Calculator. Some of the training paces seem slower than what I feel like running, but I'm trying to stick a little closer to the recommended training zones to see if it truly improves my running better than just running the pace that I feel like running each day. Sometimes, though, a certain pace just feels right on a certain day. Not quite to the year mark of when I started running, so I'm still learning. I have been reading Runner's World, Hal Higdon's Mararthon training book, and various information on the web. I love that I feel calmer and less stressed. When I visited the doctor for a check up, she was pleased with my weight loss and my blood pressure is the best it has been! My blood pressure used to run up near the boarderline range and was even in the high range when I was pregnant with each of the children. I don't remember the last time my numbers were this good!
Dave continues to do the P90X training program and running at the same time. That is more than I want to do at this time. I did the P90X for one month again, but phased it out as I started the running program. I know I need to work in some strength training and yoga or stretching, but there are only so many hours in the day and sometimes I just want to relax. I sometimes feel like I'm not doing enough because I'm not working out as much as Dave, but then I look at how far I have come in the last year, and I think I'm doing alright. Looking back through pics from the last year, I can see the transformation I have undergone. I feel like a healthier, happier person than I was a year ago. I'm just sad that we had to say, "Goodbye" to my mother-in-law along the way. As I was becoming healthier, I saw her losing her health. Dave and I are trying to encourage my father-in-law to stay healthy and take care of himself, but he doesn't think it matters anymore. I'm worried about what the future holds for him if he won't do the things he needs to do to take care of his health. I think he always thought he'd go first, so he never pictured his life alone. Hoping we can help him through this difficult transition time and find life again on the other side. I think taking up running was a life saver for Dave and I. We have had a focus and a release to help us through the life changes going on around us.
Looking forward to the next 10 weeks and completing the next half marathon with a better time. Then a second half marathon 5 weeks later. Hoping to beat a time of 2:10 in at least one of the two half marathons.
No comments:
Post a Comment