Goldy’s 10 mile training – Week 7

I didn’t do so hot with the cross training last week, but got in some solid runs. Goldy’s 10 mile is 3 weeks away, and I’m feeling good about it. The coming week is a step back week and then I’ll pick things up one more time before race week.

Monday – 3.31 mile run (9:39/mile pace)

After a long run on Sunday, I wasn’t planning to run this fast. But I was running with a friend and we were chatting, so I was not paying attention to my pace at all. On the bright side, I felt great on the run and it was really nice to catch up with a running buddy!

Tuesday and Wednesday – rest

Tuesday was a planned rest day. I didn’t necessarily plan on another rest day Wednesday, but plans after work made it too hard to fit in a workout.

Thursday – 5.05 mile run (10:03/mile pace)

I think the extra rest and slightly cool temps make this 5 mile run go so well.

Friday – rest

Friday afternoon/evening was all about NCAA tournament basketball. I watched a bunch of the games with friends — including watching my Blue Devils win in the 2nd round. Considering they lost in the 2nd round last year, I was quite excited. 🙂

Saturday – 8.53 mile run (10:06/mile pace)

Looking at the weekend weather, it looked like Saturday was going to be the best day to get in a long run since they were calling for snow on Sunday. I headed out planning to do 8 miles. Knowing that the Goldy’s 10 mile has historically been a bit hilly, I wanted to get in some hills on this run. There are a couple decent hills close to my usual route, so I made sure to add them in.

I felt good enough to tack on an extra 1/2 mile to the run.

The rest of the day was about errands and basketball. That night, I met up with some friends for a girl’s night.

Sunday – 50 minute elliptical

I woke up Sunday morning and started sneezing. I was still able to get some stuff done in the morning, but the sneezing was non-stop all day. Felt good enough to finally get in some cross training for the week. Actually, it was the only hour all day that I wasn’t sneezing.

I watched some more basketball in the evening. My bracket is doing ok so far — I’m sitting somewhere in the middle of my bracket pool. We’ll see how things go in the Sweet 16!

Did you fill out a tournament bracket?

Are you gonna run a marathon?

“Are you gonna run a marathon?” I used to get asked this question and would say, “No way.” Well, never say never…

I took a big step toward my 2015 goal of Running the Twin Cities Marathon by officially registering last week!

The registration fee was going up the next day and I realized now was as good a time as any to pull the trigger and register for this race that I’ve been thinking about and talking about for months.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” ~ Lao-Tzu

What steps are you taking to reach a goal?

Goldy’s 10 mile training – Weeks 5 & 6

I got a little lazy last week and didn’t get a weekly recap up, so you’re getting two weeks. 🙂

Week 5 was a cut-back week, so not as much mileage and nothing too eventful.

Monday – strength, stretch, foam roll

I took this day to focus on some strength training and foam rolling. I could tell I’ve been slacking on the strength training by the sore muscles that appeared the next day.

Tuesday – 3 mile run (10:30/mile pace)

Wednesday – rest

Thursday – 2.5 mile walk

Friday – 3.07 mile run (10:06/mile pace)

Saturday – 47 minute elliptical

I got up to meet some fellow CCFA volunteers at the Hot Dash 5K/10 mile. We were volunteering at the race on the “green team,” meaning we manned the compost and recycling bins at the finish line and after party. Luckily, the temperature wasn’t too bad and the sun was out, so standing outside for 5 hours was bearable. They also gave each volunteer a free scarf, so had a little extra warmth.

Even though it was a nice day, I still hit the elliptical for some cross training.

That night, I took my sister to dinner at Brasa (one of my fav restaurants) since she had never been. Their Wine Cooler Brasa Style was pretty tasty!

Sunday – 4 mile run (10:09/mile pace)

I soaked up a little sun after my run and took in the view of the river.

Finally! The weather took a turn by the end of the week and I’ve been able to get outside for more runs and walks in week 6.

Monday – rest

Not having to run after work allowed me to try out a new recipe. I made this Easy Fajita Chicken Bake. It ended up being really easy and only requires a hand full of ingredients that I normally have around anyway. I think it will become one of my more regular recipes.

Tuesday – 3.02 mile walk

Wednesday – 5 mile run (10:03/mile pace)

I set out on this run not sure if I’d end up doing all 5 miles that were on the training plan, but it was a beautiful day and my legs carried me through a solid run.

Thursday – rest

Friday – 3 mile run (10:03/mile pace)

Saturday – 4.61 mile walk/run

I got up and met a couple friends for brunch! So nice to catch up with them!

It was a cross training day and the weather was gorgeous. I started by walking for 10 minutes, then ran for 15 minutes–nice and easy at about 10:30/mile pace. I took a break and walked for 10 minutes before running for 10 more minutes. I finished with 15 minutes of walking. It was a 60 minute workout in total.

That night, I went to a game night with friends. We made pizza on the grill and played a few card games. A really fun night, but definitely got to bed later than I have in a while!

Sunday – 7 mile run (10:17/mile pace)

It was a bit cloudy outside and about 50 degrees when I got up. I was kind of happy about that knowing I had a longer run ahead of me. The cool weather was perfect. I was running into the wind for the first two miles and the last 1.5 miles which was a little tough. But, overall it was a good run.

Goldy’s 10 mile training – Week 4

Feels like the weather continues to be a roller coaster here. Warms up a bit and then dips back down. I can’t wait for summer! Even with the up and down temps, I managed to get in two outdoor runs last week.

Monday – rest

Tuesday – 3 mile run (9:59/mile pace)

When I got done with work, it was sunny and the temp was above zero even with the windchill. I resolved that I was running outside! The wind was a little brutal, but I managed 3 miles and felt good. The cold definitely helped me pick up the pace, too!

Wednesday – 4 mile run (10:30/mile pace)

On Wednesday, it was back to the treadmill. 😦

Thursday – rest

I met some friends for dinner and hockey! I hadn’t been to a Gopher hockey game in a long time, so I jumped at the chance to go.

Mariucci Arena is an awesome place to watch hockey. I’ve missed it! We had fun reminiscing about when we had season tickets as students. So many good times at those games.

The game started a bit rocky when Michigan State scored three goals in the first 10 minutes. But, the Gophers came from behind and won, making it a great game to watch!

Friday – 40 minute elliptical

Saturday – 50 minute walk (2.7 miles)

Sunday – 6 mile run (10:05/mile pace)

A beautiful day for a long run. A bit windy, but manageable with the sun and temps in the 20s. I was happy with my pace, too. Again, I think the cold weather kicked me into gear. Mile 2 was the slow mile, but I’m going to blame that on some hills at that part of the run.

This next week is a step back week, so will be taking it down a notch while heading to the second half of training.

Did you have season tickets to a sporting even in college?