Half Marathon Training : Week 5 Recap

When you think about quitting, think about why you started.


 I can't believe another week has come and gone in my training! This was a fantastic week for me and I had some terrific workouts.  The weather was absolutely gorgeous, and I even did a few morning workouts!  Keep reading to see what I did this week.

(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.

 

Monday

5 miles /  49:00 / 9:43 pace
Ran home after walking dogs at the Humane Society for an hour.  Wow, it was a hot one and I felt it!  My legs felt like lead and I was tired the entire time (running with a backpack isn't exactly comfortable either).  I'm so glad I bought a water before I started!  Runs like this really help my mental game, so bring it on!

Tuesday

Group Centergy
Nothing new to report here...typical workout.  Felt great, especially after Monday's horrendous run!

Wednesday

6 miles / 55:00 / 9:10 pace

Woke up early to run before work.  It was so peaceful out and makes me want to become a morning runner!  I went to Schenley track, which was gloriously empty (minus a few others  and some deer).  I did another WOW from Lauren Fleshman: the Freddy Kruger.
1600 meters : 8:00
4x200 meters : average of 6:10 pace
1600 meters : 7:15
4x200 meters : average of 6:00 pace 
1 mile warmup and cooldown, and a lap after each set.  Between 200 repeats I got a 30 second break (which I mistakenly thought was 15 seconds due to only being half awake).  Great workout and fun way to mix up speed work!

Thursday

Group Power
Today, the new launch debuted.  It was so hard, especially triceps and chest.  My arms were shaking by the end!

3 miles / 30:00 / 10:00 pace
Easy run on the treadmill after class. 

Friday

Spin Class
Great class as always.  We did lots of sprinting and hill work.  The hour flew by!

Saturday

3 miles / 32:00 / 10:20 pace
Easy Schenley trail run with Dan. 

Sunday

6 miles / 52:00 / 8:39 pace
Felt better and better as I kept running, but had to cut it short because a big storm rolled in. I should have run earlier in the morning, but I slept in and had to run errands in the morning. Live and learn!

Total for week: 23 miles

Comments

  1. UnknownApril 19, 2015 at 3:36 PM

    Awesome week, especially the speed workout. Sometimes when I run in the morning I think I should be a morning runner as well, until winter hits.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunApril 20, 2015 at 8:45 AM

      Thanks Shaun! I agree, I can only run in the morning in warm weather!

      Delete
  2. Heather [is probably running]April 20, 2015 at 5:09 AM

    Great week! Sorry that a storm caused you to cut your run short on Sunday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunApril 20, 2015 at 8:48 AM

      Thanks! It's a bummer but no big deal. I'm glad I got in that many miles!

      Delete
  3. NicholeApril 20, 2015 at 6:08 AM

    Fantastic runs this week! I didn't know you walked dogs at the Humane Society! I am a Cat Cuddler/Dog Walker/Bunny Buddy but I haven't been able to go in quite a while since we don't live just a few blocks from there anymore.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunApril 20, 2015 at 8:49 AM

      What a small world! I just dog walk and I'm a dog buddy. I love it and that's how we found Selma!

      Delete
  4. UnknownApril 20, 2015 at 12:12 PM

    Great week! Kudos for doing a run commute in the heat with a backpack. Good training for mental toughness!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunApril 21, 2015 at 6:09 AM

      Definitely! It's so hard but I think it'll help me out during the race when I have to dig deep!

      Delete
  5. HoHo RunsApril 20, 2015 at 1:18 PM

    I've done several Biggest Loser races, the last one just this weekend. Which one are you doing?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunApril 21, 2015 at 6:09 AM

      The one in Erie! I'll have to check out your blog and see if you have reviews up! It'll be my first one :)

      Delete
  6. AmandaApril 21, 2015 at 7:16 AM

    Nice week!! As much as tough runs suck sometimes, I totally agree that they are awesome mental training!
    It's awesome that you volunteer with the Humane Society...I would love to, but I would come home with a new cat or dog every week. I already have a hard time going to PetSmart/Petco because I want to take all of the kitties home!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunApril 21, 2015 at 9:52 AM

      Trust me, it's very tempting! That's how I wound up with Selma :)

      Delete

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