I’m on a little bit of a high from my runs this week. I hit my highest mileage week of training coming in at 24 miles in just 3 runs. Each run felt so good and strong.
There was the rainy 3-miler turned 6-miler on Tuesday. Don’t you love those runs where you set out thinking you’ll go short and easy and your body surprises you with “run more please.”
Then there was another effortless 6-miler on Thursday while I was in Florida visiting my parents. Flat roads + water scenery = bliss!
And I wrapped up the week with a 12 mile long run (in which I tried to wear as many colors as possible…ha!).
This will be my longest run and highest mileage week of training. The race is in two weeks so I will move into a short taper leading up to race day. Again, I’m going in with ONE goal…to have fun and feel good! No pressure on time or pace. This training cycle has been SO different than last year’s where I was working towards a PR and sub-1:45 finish. I loved having that goal last year and it worked for me but I have enjoyed this training cycle just as much with no pressure.
It’s just been so nice to soak up fall in beautiful Charlotte and to reconnect with my running in a more meaningful way. I’m feeling really, really good going into the Thunder Road Half Marathon. My only hope, dream and wish is that it’s warmer than it was last year! It was 26 at the start and 30 at the finish and I was freezing for 13.1 miles. I hope mother nature gives us 40s or 50s. 🙂
Here’s a look at the week in workouts.
Monday
Hot yoga
Tuesday
6 mile run
Wednesday
Strength
5 rounds:
15 back squats (75#)
10 pull ups (kipping)
15 slam balls (20#)
10 push ups
15 kettlebell swings
10 box jumps
15 sit ups
Thursday
6 mile run
Friday
Rest
Long walk with my dad. Walking is the best rest day activity. Feels so good.
Saturday
12 mile run
Sunday
Hot yoga
What’s your favorite temperature range for running?
I love to run in the mid 50s but for a race I’ll take anywhere between 45-55 ish. Anything above 60 gets too hot for long races. But I’m a baby when it comes to cold especially at the start line. But as soon as I get movin, I’m good. Hope you get nice weather for your race! I ran thunder road in 2011, it was fun.
I’m just telling myself it can’t possibly be colder at the start than last year! Hopefully that’s true!
Hi Jen! I’m so happy that you’ve been able to get back to running strong and loving it. I know from being a reader for a few years that you’ve struggled with injury before and I need your advice. I hurt my knee doing I don’t know what and just as it was finally getting better I fell off a horse while taking lessons and messed up my hip. I’m overly upset/angry/frustrated that I can’t workout consistently. What’s your best advice physically/mentally on how to get through these injuries? Any help is so appreciated! Xoxo
Hi Katy! I know that recovery periods are hard and you just have to remember to not push it. My best advice is to try to keep moving in ways that don’t bother your injury doing lower impact workouts. I don’t know exactly what kind of injuries you’re dealing with but swimming and yoga are good options. When you’re someone who is driven to workout consistently, I know it can be really mentally challenging. Try to keep in mind that taking it easy on your body will reduce your recovery time and its not permanent. Hope you get better quickly!
Awesome week of running! My favorite weather is definitely a cool and crisp morning, somewhere in the 40 degree range.
That’s COLD down here in Charlotte! But I would love for it to be 40 degrees for my half after the weather we had for it last year!
Yay for a great week! I like it on the warmer side….60-70’s is perfect for me.
I’m with you! You can’t beat warm and sunny.
You’ve had a great training cycle. There is something very cool about training without pressure.
Not to be picky– but my favorite running weather is 55 and sunny! 🙂
Haha! That sounds pretty perfect. I’ve loved how well training has gone with no stressing about a goal.
Sounds like a great running week for you! Congrats!
Favorite running temp depends on the distance I’m going! I love low 40s and sunny for double digit runs. I prefer warmer temps for anything shorter than 7-8 miles! I hate when my hands are frozen!
So do I! Last year my fingers felt frozen for the entire 13.1 miles of Thunder Road. It took forever to warm up after!
I really hope it is not that cold again this year!!! YIKES! I love that you are taking on a whole different attitude toward this race. I think you are going to ROCK it because you aren’t putting any pressure on yourself. And I totally agree, long walks are the best for recovery and in general!
I am trying to get into running but my knees kill after 2/3 miles. Any advice for this?
The pain in your knees could be due to a number of reasons but one of the most common causes of knee pain is your IT band. Try foam rolling or using a lacrosse ball on your IT bands (I have video tutorials on YouTube). If the pain continues, I would consider talking to a sports med doctor.
I prefer cooler weather in the 40’s & 50’s for running. It’s amazing how much easier it is for me! I really struggle in the summer months.
I think whenever the seasons change, the weather takes a little getting used to. I don’t mind running in the summer, but it’s certainly hard when it first starts to really get hot!
Love Fall running! Your 11% battery gave me a bit of anxiety though – I’d be racing to run home before it died!