Weekend Recap

In case any of you were wondering, I survived my 16 mile run on Saturday. In fact, I more than survived it. Saturday was a huge confidence builder for me, because I really didn't feel like I was pushing that hard, but I managed to finish almost 15 minutes faster than I was expecting to. I was also able to even split the first and second 8 mile sections, even though the first 8 miles were relatively flat/downhill and the second 8 miles mere mostly uphill. I finished my run in 2:13:59, for a pace around 8:20/mile. I also felt really good by the end of the run and could have kept going for a lot longer. The rest of the day was spent running around doing errands and I barely had to slow because of the earlier long run. Sunday was more of the same. A little tightness in my legs, but felt pretty fresh the next day considering. I spent 45 minutes on the trainer Sunday evening to keep my legs loose while watching the Giants - Cowboys game. Seriously, I hate both teams, so I couldn't cheer for one over the other, but its always good to see the Cowboys lose. I'm sure I'd be saying the same thing if the Giants lost ;)

This week is somewhat of a recovery week. Rebecca and I are going up to Massachusetts to go skiing/snowboarding for the weekend, so I've got some workouts to get in early in the week. Then it is off to Massachusetts to get some cross training in. Long run this week will be cut down to 11 miles. I'm hoping to push the pace a little, like I did on last week's 10 miler to see what I've got.

Have a great week of workouts!

I Feel Good!

Moving into week 7 of my marathon training plan and week 2 of the triathlon training plan, the numbers are starting to build up. I had been very comfortable with the marathon training so far, only taking 4-5 hours max of my week. Incorporating the triathlon stuff into my plan, the hours have crept up to between 7-8 this week. Its going to take some time to get into the groove with this schedule, but I'm sure I will get used to it. I'm basically going with a run focused triathlon training plan for the time being, with an emphasis on hitting 3-4 key running workouts a week, while incorporating some swimming and biking as well to keep me progressing in those disciplines.

Week 7 of my marathon training plan bumps up my medium long run from 6 miles to 7. Week 2 of my triathlon plan calls for some biking a swimming sessions of moderate effort for me. Since I can't do too much on the weekend (Saturday is my long run day), much of the biking and swimming has to come early in the week. Last night called for a 1600 yard workout in the pool, and a 7 mile run for the marathon training component. I figured I'd throw them together for a nice brick to see how my body is doing. Man, what a confidence booster. Not only did I get a solid swim in, but I rocked the 7 mile run. I wasn't sure how my legs would hold up, since swimming usually takes a lot out of me. I started off at a comfortable pace where I was pushing but not too hard. After the first mile or two, the training wheels came off and I picked it up to get to the turnaround point. I hit another gear on the return route and really pushed the last 2 miles. By the end of my 7 mile run, I averaged right around 8:00/mile pace. Not bad, if I do say so myself. I think all this longer distance running and really giving me the ability to pusher harder paces for longer distances. Just this past weekend, a recovery training weekend, I had a 10 miler planned. I pushed the pace, but nothing too hard, and ended up finishing in 1:16, for a pace around 7:40/mile. My best time on a similar course was during the Army 10 Miler, which I finished in about 1:20. Sure, the hot weather was a factor, but my overall 10 mile PR is 1:13:49 on a much flatter course. Which to me says I am doing something right ;)

To top off my week, I've got a 16 miler looming ahead on Saturday...stay tuned to see if I am still so positive after that.