Mile Markers: A Half Marathon PR
Race week training isn’t the most exciting: easy runs, short workouts, and everything else that comes with tapering. All the tedium is well worth it on race day, especially when race day results in a huge half marathon PR.
Monday: 5 mile easy run
I ran a simple out-and-back with Ollie at an easy effort.
Tuesday: 2 x 10 minutes (6 miles total)
This race week workout totaled just shy of 3 miles of running at race pace. I didn’t quite hit my goal pace in the workout, but this was just one workout out of a pattern of stronger workouts. This run felt refreshing, especially during the taper.
After the run, Ollie helped me foam roll.
Wednesday: 5 miles easy run & Pilates
The weather was absolutely beautiful this week. After the run, I did a brief 8 minute Pilates workout to work on mobility before the race.
Thursday: Rest day
I like to maintain my normal schedule as much as I can on race week, including rest days. I took a couple long walks – one with the dogs, one with Ryan – to get in my steps for the day and keep my legs loose.
Friday: 3 miles easy run
In order to keep an easy pace for my final run before the race, I ran with Charlie. We averaged an easy 9:24/mile.
Saturday: Rest day
I always like to rest the day before the race rather than do a shakeout run.
Sunday: Snohomish Women’s Run (1:34:57)
Racing is hard. The final 3-4 miles of this race were hard work but the closer I got to the finish, the more I was motivated to push. I crossed the finish line with 1:35:00 on the clock and a 1:34:57 chip time, placing 8th woman, 9th overall, and 2nd in my age group. This feels pretty surreal and honestly, I’m super excited and proud of this race.
[Tweet “A half marathon PR plus race week training via @thisrunrecipes #running #runchat”]
How was your week in running?
Did you race this weekend?
What race felt surreal to you?
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18 Responses
Congrats on your PR and strong race! Looks like you were smart abut the taper last week. I’m so glad your race went well- you put so much work into your training and totally deserved this!
Thank you, Lisa!
Congrats on a HUGE PR! You earned that PR with all your hard work throughout the winter. Can’t wait to read the recap!
Thank you, Angela!
im so excited for you! congrats! I can’t wait for the recap!
Thank you, Meredith!
I was so excited when I saw your post on Instagram!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! I’m so excited and happy for you and I cannot wait to read all about the race and everything that came before, during and after your epic PR! Way to go Laura!! You so deserve this one – you worked hard for it so I hope you’re enjoying the aftermath 🙂
Thank you, Allie! I’m probably enjoying the aftermath a little too much!
Yes Laura!! So proud of you! I knew you had it in you and I’m so glad everything clicked on race day. Congrats!!
Thank you, Laura!
My race this weekend was not quite as awesome as yours, but still a race and I know I pushed myself hard. I am so happy for you and proud of you! You work so hard to achieve these results!
Your race was awesome – a half PR in marathon training is impressive!!
Congratulations on your half marathon PR!! It had to be so exciting to have such a strong race!
Thank you, Janelle! It was exciting!
Well done! Can’t wait to read the race recap. I am tapering this week and doing my first Half on Sunday – mix of emotions but had a good run yesterday and will do my last run tomorrow so hopefully I will be well-rested and good to go!
Thank you! Good luck on your half marathon this weekend! The first half is so fun and so rewarding. I hope it goes well for you and congrats on your training!
You put in the hard work. You trained smart. You tapered smart. Congratulations on a very well deserved PR! I prefer to rest the day before a race as well. I don’t see that anything would be gained by this run, unless it’s just to settle the nerves. What is next for you? Thanks for linking!
Thank you! Next I’m eyeing some shorter races to develop my speed a bit more and mix it up – I like to change the distances I race 🙂