Last week's workouts continued the steady build of the past several months. Forty-mile weeks feel comfortable now, so I am ramping up long runs and intensity. Whether or not fall races happen (so far, Indy is still scheduled to proceed), I'm enjoying this base-building process - even right now, when the process involves 5 AM alarms to beat the summer heat. Meanwhile, when I'm not running or coaching, I'm chasing around a very mobile baby. Isla learned how to crawl up the stairs and is ...
Mile Markers
Weekly Workouts: Steady Progression
Last week was one of those weeks where the consistent work over the past few months just clicked. My runs all felt really good and I feel like finally, I may be getting close to my pre-baby fitness. I still have a ways to go before I could get close to some of my PRs, but I also feel like the hard work is leading to sustainable growth. After spending weeks focused on increasing my mileage and improving economy, I advanced beyond easy miles and leg speed work. I did a fartlek run and all ...
Weekly Workouts: Cut Back and Acclimate
Last week I took a cutback week in order to acclimate to summer heat and humidity. I had run three weeks of my highest mileage in two years (38, 40, and 40), so I was due for a cutback anyway. Instead of running higher mileage, I forced myself to do shorter runs slightly later in the morning so I could adapt to the heat. One positive aspect of the heat was beautiful blue skies on most of my runs. It is amazing how uplifting and refreshing blue skies can be. Monday: Rest ...
Weekly Workouts: 40 (Humid) Miles
I ran 40 miles last week! I also ran 40 miles the week prior as well (and skipped posting due to the holiday). This week felt a little harder due to a sharp spike in the heat and humidity. Summer arrived in full force in the Midwest, although the weekend was milder and pleasant. Monday: Rest day Ryan and I took a couple long walks. Indiana is now in Stage 3 of reopening, so we walked Isla and the dogs one mile each way to the new dog park. In the afternoon, we took a long walk ...
Weekly Workouts: Just Keep Building
Last week, I logged my highest mileage and longest run since September 2018, with 38 miles total. I am playing a long game with trying to build as big of a base as possible. Whether my first post-baby marathon happens this fall or in 2021, I want to be ready to race it. Plus, I wanted for years to get my base mileage up into the 40s, but never achieved so because of the cycle of races and recovery. Now is the time to just keep building! Beyond running, this was an active week. Ryan and ...