13.1 Miles: Training Week 7

Last week’s training was completely taken over by our trip to Philly and New York.  Before leaving last Wednesday, I did that day’s run early since I knew it would be challenging to find the time/place to train up north.

We stayed at a Bed & Breakfast, so running on the treadmill wasn’t an option. Even though I knew it would be chilly outside, I still hoped to get at least one long run in while being away.  We planned our 12-miler to be twice around a 6 mile loop in Central Park, which would have been an incredible run.  Wouldn’t you know, Sunday was the day the temperatures really dropped and snow came falling down.

Walking over later on, we saw runners and when I spotted a guy running in shorts my jaw pretty much hit the floor.  As hardcore as I like to think I am, this Florida girl just couldn’t do it.

Getting home late Monday night, Scott and I made a goal to run the 12-miler on Tuesday, but after some advice via Twitter, we decided to hold back to avoid jeopardizing this weekend’s long run ahead.

I’m going to go ahead and say we can cancel our 4 mile Thursday run out, since we spent the majority of our time in Philly and NY walking everywhere.  Without exaggerating, I would guess overall we walked about 10 miles throughout our stay, so I’m not too hung up over missing a day or two.

Also, on Saturday we went to a Power Yoga class at Yoga Works in SoHo and my body is still feeling soreness in my wrists and leg muscles.

Yup, that’s me…

Totally kidding.  It’s not…but it is our friend Jessica who takes regularly and got us to go with her!

My plan:

In order to “make up” some miles, I ran 7 miles yesterday and plan to run 12 this coming Saturday instead of the planned 9.  I think my biggest challenge will be the 12 consecutive miles, so I didn’t want to skip it entirely.  If I can get through that, I know I’m in the home stretch of training.

Okay, let’s do it!

Day 25

Monday: February 6, 2012

Scott has fully gotten into the training mode with me.  I have to say, I’m proud of his dedication and his willingness to try every new and weird thing I throw at him.  GU Gels, foam rolling, and carrying water bottles I take credit for, but having a quick shot of honey before a run is alllll him.

He’s quick (much quicker than me), he’s determined and he’s ready…clearly.

Just look at that stretching pose and sweatband attire… straight up half-marathoner right there.

Miles: 4

Time: 34:32

Speed: 6.9 mil/hour

Pace: 8:39min/mi

Post-Run Meal:

Breakfast consisted of eggbeaters scrambled with tomatoes and green peppers, sided with 2 Morning Star Veggie Sausage Links and a whole wheat bagel with all-natural peanut butter (PB not pictured).

Day 26

Tuesday: February 7, 2012

Like I mentioned earlier, I knocked out Wednesday’s run a day early so I wouldn’t miss it on vacation.

Getting me through 6 miles, I brought the new BMeyer Lemon flavored Drink Chia I debuted in my recent giveaway.

Miles: 6

Time: 53:40

Speed: 6.7 mil/hour

Pace: 8:57min/mi

Post-Run Meal:

Trying to use up what we had in the fridge before leaving for vacation equaled a random, but great tasting salad.

I started with romaine lettuce, then added sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and green peppers, and topped it with low-fat Monterey Jack & Cheddar cheese (sliced), sprouts and a cut up Morning Star Garden Veggie Patty.  Sided with olive oil & vinegar and a tall glass of skim milk, this dinner really hit the spot.

Day 27

Thursday – Sunday: February 9-12, 2012

(Vacation time starting with Philadelphia and ending with New York City.)

Using our phones as navigation while walking through the cities of Philadelpia & New York!

Miles: Roughly 10…at least.

Meals:

Anything and everything.

That’s my motto, when away from home: when on vacation, allow yourself to splurge a little. 

Eating out of your norm every now and then won’t hurt you long term, and it can even help curb the cravings you get back home.

Day 28

Saturday: February 11, 2012

(Time to get active in the studio.)

Joining our friend Jessica (the gumby at the top of this post) for Power Yoga in the City, which was definitely a workout.  Scott and I both were super sweaty and sore afterwards!

After class we each grabbed an herbal tea and on our walk back to The Path, and I snacked on these:

Snack Salad Snapea Crisps.

They are baked and completely satisfied my craving for salty chips.

source

Who knew veggies could be so tasty?

What I’ve learned this week:

• It’s hard to stick to a training schedule when you’re on vacation.
• Walking around and taking a fitness class or two is better than no training at all while away from home.
• Don’t “make up” runs, but instead re-arrange your future training days and lengths.  We should be back on track by the end of next week!

Goals for next week:

Since we weren’t able to do our 12-miler, I’m sticking with a goal of mine from before.

Get through 12 miles at 1:45:00 since my goal for the entire half is to finish in 2 hours.  My 10 mile run hit right around 1:30:00 (thanks to Scott pushing me).  If I get this goal of 12 in 1:45 I should be right on track to finish the race at or under 2 hours.  Last week I ran my 11 at 1:42, but that included stopping every few miles and the Albertson’s cool off…

I’m ready for it, baby! 🙂

Training Week 7 Playlist coming soon.