Half Marathon Training: Week 3 Recap

Life is complicated, running is simple.  Is it any wonder that people like to run? - Kevin Nelson 


Third week of training is over!  It was a great week of beautiful weather and absolutely nothing that I had to work around (thank goodness!).  I'm feeling really strong, and I'm still feeling motivated to go out every day and work hard.  I also had my first test of this training cycle- a 5K race!  Keep reading to see how this week went!





(note, I'm not affiliated in ANY way with the Biggest Loser or with the Run/Walk.  I just wanted to make it clear what I'm training for in a fun way!)

Here was my training plan for the week:



To remind you, I'm using Hal Higdon's half marathon intermediate plan as a base, but adjusting it to fit my schedule.  I'm also helping Dan train for a 5K using the Couch to 5K plan.

Here's how my week went:

Monday

3.85 miles / 34:00 / 8:56 pace
Beautiful, warm day with a crazy headwind.  I ran half on road and the other half on trails in Schenley Park, which was absolutely packed!  I felt great and took it nice and easy.

Tuesday

2.77 miles / 28:00 / 10:06 pace
Run with Dan.  A bit chillier out, but I was able to wear capri's so I can't complain!  

Group Centergy
We got to do a few of the new moves from the upcoming release, and it's tough!  Lots of focus on the core and legs.  I was shaking once we were done!

Wednesday

5 miles / 42:00 / 8:21 pace
Speed workout at Schenley's track.  I was feeling sick all day and almost skipped the speed workout, but ended up trying to run.  I hit my splits of 1:43, 1:42, 1:40, 1:38, 1:42 and 1:35.  I took a water break halfway through and tried out Salt Stick tabs that Jennifer recommended, and I think they helped settle my stomach a bit!  My legs felt great the whole time, I just wish my stomach cooperated.
 

Thursday

2.8 miles / 28:00 / 10:00 pace
Another easy run with Dan.  It rained off and on the entire time, but it was a perfect 55 degrees, so I can't complain.  I decided to skip Group Power so I wouldn't be sore for Saturday's race.
 

Friday

Spin class
Great class!  I didn't go 100% to save a bit of leg speed, but it was fun.  For some reason the class was only half full (usually on Friday's it's packed)!  I guess the rainy morning scared people away.

Saturday


3.1 miles / 25:00 / 8:03 pace
Race day!  It was perfect weather and I felt amazing.  The race is on a very popular running path by the stadiums, so it was really hard to pass people.  I wanted to go faster, but also wanted this to be a training race, so my goal was to run an 8:00 pace.  My splits were 8:14, 7:49 and 8:03.  Really great race and I'm confident about how my training is going!
Thanks to Dan for taking amazing pictures!!

Sunday

REST DAY!! Happy Easter/Passover/Holidays to everyone!
  

Total Mileage for Week: 18 miles / 8:56 pace 


Check out my weekly training recaps so far:
 Week 1 Training Recap
 Week 2 Training Recap

Comments

  1. Heather [is probably running]April 5, 2015 at 8:11 AM

    That's a great picture of you mid-race! It looks like it was a gorgeous day for a race.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunApril 5, 2015 at 8:39 AM

      Thanks! Dans such an amazing photographer! And it was gorgeous out (just a little chilly!)

      Delete
  2. UnknownApril 5, 2015 at 8:48 AM

    This was a great week for training with the weather. Looks like you got some good miles in. Only 4 weeks!!!! You think you're ready?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunApril 5, 2015 at 10:40 AM

      Thanks Shaun! I'm feeling great so far, we'll see how the rest of my training goes. I still have a way to go!!

      Delete
  3. NicholeApril 5, 2015 at 6:26 PM

    Good job this week! That is a great running pic of you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunApril 6, 2015 at 7:43 AM

      Thank you Nichole :) Dan takes some great pictures!!

      Delete
  4. UnknownApril 6, 2015 at 2:41 PM

    Great picture of you running! Yeah, the races on the trail are always so popular and crowded. Sounds like you ran a really good race though. Congrats!

    ReplyDelete

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