Towpath Half Marathon Training #4

We're finally in September, which means one month closer to my race and (hopefully) cooler temperatures on the way!  This was another scorcher of a week, but thankfully lower in mileage.  My plan doesn't specify any step-down weeks but advises taking the mileage down a notch when it's needed. Since I had another 5k this week I decided to keep it easy the other days.  I was hoping to have a great time in the race, so read on to hear how my training went and some race thoughts!

Monday

4 miles easy
I ran on the trails in Riverview Park, and it was absolutely gorgeous!  I took it nice and easy and just enjoyed the run.

Tuesday

1 hour Centergy
Class was great today!  I always feel good after doing some yoga, and it felt good to stretch out and get in some core work.
4 miles easy
After my Centergy class, I decided just to run on the treadmill, which I hardly ever do.  I got to watch some tennis and the miles flew by.  I kept it nice and easy at around 6.5 and felt great!


Wednesday

REST DAY!


Thursday

5 miles easy
Another nice and easy running day.  My plan doesn't have a specific step-down week, but says to take one when you need it.  I figured this was a good week to have one after running lots of miles in August and having a race on the weekend!  I jogged/walked/strided for a total of 5 miles without my watch and it was great- it even rained a bit!


Friday

2.13 miles fast / 19:00 / 8:57 pace
Nice little run with Dan while we were waiting for Serena's match to start.  It was pouring for most of the run, which was amazing.  We started slow and gradually picked it up.  Downhills were all out and it felt so incredible!  I love runs like this!


Saturday

REST DAY 2!
I took another day off, but did walk dogs at the Humane Society for about an hour and a half and stretch in the evening.  Got to keep those legs fresh!


Sunday

3.1 miles / 23:56 / 7:42 pace
+ 1 mile warmup and cooldown
This was a warm, humid race but it went really well!  I started in the second wave and didn't have to swerve around people too much at the beginning.  I started off a bit fast (7:40) which was mostly flat and downhill.  I tried to slow myself down after that mile but still felt good (7:45).  Started to get some stomach issues after the second mile marker, probably a bit dehydrated, but held it together to finish under 24:00 which was my goal!
Linking up with HoHoRuns and MissSippiPiddlin for the Weekly Wrap

Tell me about your training!  Who has races coming up?
What was your favorite and least favorite workout this week?

Comments

  1. KelliSeptember 7, 2015 at 5:02 AM

    My favorite and least favorite were probably the duathlon I entered (loved the bike, struggled with the runs but was also pleased with my performance). Congrats on your 5K! That's about my PR pace and I haven't come close to it since the humidity crept in this summer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunSeptember 7, 2015 at 9:26 AM

      That's great that you were happy with your race! That does sound tough though..I might have to find a duathlon to enter before I go for the tri. Thank you! :)

      Delete
  2. HoHo RunsSeptember 7, 2015 at 6:21 AM

    Riverview Park looks like a wonderful place for a run. I think it's important to step back during training and give your body a break. Congratulations on the 5k. That is a great finish time! I had a few bad runs this week due to fatigue and the best one was probably my long one. I may do a 10k Saturday, but haven't really decided. Thanks for linking up with us today!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunSeptember 7, 2015 at 9:26 AM

      It's a beautiful park! I love it there and miss running there. I definitely needed that step back week and now I feel better than ever!

      Delete
  3. LesleySeptember 7, 2015 at 6:33 AM

    This month is a virtual challenge and I've done my 5k distance twice already. I have a road 5k next month - I signed up for it in April and it's almost October. Yikes!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunSeptember 7, 2015 at 9:27 AM

      Wow..you're going to be quite busy Lesley! Can't wait to hear how it goes :)

      Delete
  4. AnonymousSeptember 7, 2015 at 8:32 AM

    Great job & time with your 5k!

    I enjoy cutback weeks. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. AmySeptember 7, 2015 at 8:37 AM

    Great job with your 5k! My next race is Augusta 70.3 triathlon.

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownSeptember 7, 2015 at 8:48 AM

    Nice action shot of you running! Congrats on an awesome time at the Steelers 5K! I have always wanted to run the race but now probably never will since I'm boycotting the Steelers since they signed Mike Vick. :-( It's nice they have waves because it can get so crowded on the trail.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunSeptember 7, 2015 at 9:30 AM

      I understand why you would boycott. I'm not thrilled about it either and don't support him at all! I do support this scholarship though since it's only awarded to the high school that I went to and my dad's alma mater, so it means a lot to me and to the students it helps. Wave starts are great, and this race actually stays on roads the entire way- thankfully! Much safer that way and easier to navigate.

      Delete
  7. MeaganSeptember 7, 2015 at 9:48 AM

    Great start to September! Hopefully the summer heat and humidity will dissipate soon and we'll be enjoying beautiful fall weather. Congrats on a great race! My next race is the Hokie Half Marathon on September 20th. It will be my little sister's first half marathon, and we're running together, so I'm really looking forward to it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunSeptember 7, 2015 at 1:22 PM

      I'm ready for that fall weather! Sounds like a great half marathon and it's coming up soon! Good luck to you and your sister :)

      Delete
  8. UnknownSeptember 8, 2015 at 8:04 AM

    It is good to really concentrate on your body and step back when needed. Sounds like your doing just fine with focusing on that! Congratulations on your race you had a great time! The park does look like a very nice place to run in! This week starts Marathon training week #1 for me but after my half I think I'm taking off :) I'll be neck deep in training for the next 18 weeks so I think I can relax this one! Thanks for linking up with us this!

    ReplyDelete

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