Half-Marathon Training: Week 2

First thing’s first I’m the realist (<- sorry, had to), I wanted to thank you all for your tips and suggestions on leashes and running with dogs yesterday.

While the back of my knee is healing, I read a lot of great tips and strategies I will keep in mind and hopefully put to use on my future runs and walks with Roadie. You guys rock!

And now, onto what I came on to write about: last week’s half-marathon training went pretty smoothly.

I haven’t skipped any training days and sharing how they are going with you definitely helps me to stay on track. So, thank you for reading these!

In case you’re new here or interested in seeing how it’s been going so far, check out last week’s recap:

Half-Marathon Training Recap: Week 1

Let’s break it down!

Half-Marathon Training: Week 2 Recap

Please keep in mind that this is a six week half-marathon training plan I came up with on my own, specifically catered to what works best for me. Feel free to take a look in the archives for my first half-marathon training plan (you will find the section under the Fitness Page) that lasted a duration of ten weeks if you are looking for something closer to a beginner level.

The plan…

What I did (Week 2: September 15 – 21, 2014)

• Monday –  4 miles

Week two started off with an easy four miles. Or so I thought.

Since I switched my rest day from Sunday to Saturday, I had to really push myself to get through all four without constantly wanting to look at my mileage to see how much further I had to go. I took Roadie with me for two (slower) miles, then dropped him off to finish on my own.

Distance: 4 miles

Time: 35 mins.

Pace: 8:39 min./mile

Basically, I allowed Roadie to slow me down and didn’t care about a pace. Once I dropped him off, however, I kicked it up a notch and got it done.

Recovery:

As soon as I got out of the shower, I had two seconds to grab something quick and be on my way to pick Scott up for his softball game.

(Apple Pie Larabar, so yummy!)

I planned to watch at least one of his games (he potentially had three), but took my books to study with just in case. As soon as we pulled up, it started raining and we were both surprised the games weren’t cancelled. He toughed it out while I went on a mission to find dinner.

Subway footlong for us to split for the win!

(Turkey, American cheese, lettuce, green peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, banana peppers, salt and pepper, and oil and vinegar on whole wheat bread.)

Since it was still raining (and hard), I decided to drive down to a nearby Tim Horton’s to study while he finished up.

(Regular coffee with a pump of pumpkin spice!)

They ended up playing two games and as soon as I was going to leave to pick him up, he got a ride and showed up to Tim Horton’s. His team may have lost, but we still took advantage of celebratory ice cream.

I got a small mint chocolate chip and he, apparently, got the biggest waffle cone in all the land.

• Tuesday –  strength training

I chose to try out a new barre studio for my strength training workout on Tuesday. I loved it and you can read all about that recap here!

Recovery:

Starbucks! I mixed it up this time with a non-fat Chai Tea Latte, but got the same old (but tasty!) spinach feta egg white wrap.

• Wednesday –  5 miles (tempo run)

I think I am finally getting the hang of these tempo runs.

I still have some questions about them, but overall, I feel like I can handle and incorporate them them into my weekly training plan. Thank you so much for your tempo run suggestions!

Distance: 5 miles

Time: 45 mins.

Pace: 8:46 min./mile

I completed a 1.5 mile (easy paced) run, kicked it into high gear with a challenging speed for the middle 2, then cooled down with another 1.5 at an easier pace.

Recovery:

One of the best salads I have made in a while!

Spinach, spring mix, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, black olives, hard boiled eggs, corn (fresh off the cob), shredded cheddar cheese, ground pepper, and drizzled balsamic vinegar for dressing.

• Thursday –  3 miles (easy pace)

It’s funny how 3 miles seems like nothing to me these days. I secretly love it.

Wanting to test out these PUMA Mobium sneakers for an easier run, I threw them on and grabbed Roadie for a couple of loops around the block.

Ehh… they’re not the best for running. I’ll probably stick to wearing them for cross and strength training from here on out.

Distance: 3 miles

Time: 29 mins.

Pace: 9:38 min./mile

Easy, breezy run. Nothing too exciting to report.

Recovery:

Call me crazy, but I had a craving for overnight oats for dinner.

I just so happened to have a batch waiting for me since I forgot about it earlier that day during breakfast.

Blueberry Greek yogurt, rolled oats, chia seeds, and almond milk (set overnight) topped with fresh berries.

I immediately craved an English muffin after and smothered one in peanut butter and agave nectar to finish it off!

• Friday – REST

I usually spend my workout time on rest days on long walks with Roadie, stretching, and foam rolling. That’s exactly what happened!

• Saturday –  8 miles

Alex joined me for the long training run last weekend. We had beautiful scenery on the trails and the weather couldn’t have been better.

We struggled a bit after the six mile mark, but I am proud of  both of us for finishing. My goal is to pick up the pace this weekend!

Distance: 8 miles

Time: 1 hour 26 mins.

Pace: 10:45 min./mile

Here‘s the full recap of our run, just in case you’re interested in reading it.

Recovery:

Brunch at Rochester Brunch House!

Turkey Omelet with turkey sausage, peppers, onions, and Swiss cheese with a side of potatoes and whole grain toast.

• Sunday –  REST

Same as Friday.

Week 2 Thoughts

I am actually really enjoying the process of training this time. I have a feeling the shortness of my six week plan has something to do with that. When I trained for my first half, I often dreaded the runs. This time, I look forward to challenging myself and know I can do it. I’ve done it before, and I think that has had a huge impact on my mental game.

For Week 3, my goals are to push myself (and Alex!) harder and run our long distance run of 9 miles over the weekend at a quicker pace than 8 miles. I’ll be sure to report back with how it goes!

***

Question of the Afternoon

• What is your favorite mileage to run?

Mine used to be three miles. It was a bit of a challenge if I hadn’t run in a while, and a breeze if I was consistently clocking in miles. These days, I really enjoy five miles. I feel like I’m pushing myself, but the run is still enjoyable.

What about you?