It's Time 2 Run

This is an exciting time for me for a couple of reasons. First, I’ve survived Winter and Spring is upon us. The weather is finally staying consistently warm which means I can enjoy being outside more. Secondly, It’s Race season! I’ve got races planned every weekend leading up to the marathon on April 30th. This is a fun time because I get to see now how all this hard work is paying off.

Training continues to go well. After an easy week last week with reduced mileage, I moved back up in mileage. The easy week helped me recover and I was able to actually do more miles than what the training plan required. I’m sore but not injured. The long run of 18 miles on Sunday was easier than the previous 18 miler I did a few weeks ago. I’ve recovered really well. This week is lighter week as far as mileage but I have a difficult race planned for Saturday. So, the focus is on fine-tuning my race preparation and raising the intensity.

Speaking of races… I ran the Papa John’s 10 miler Saturday. It’s one of my favorite races! The course is challenging and fast at the same time. The hill work at Iroquois Park definitely helped me as I was able to get through those inclines without much fatigue. Overall, I ran over 3 minutes faster than last year but was disappointed still. I’m too hard on myself at times. I got to the race later than I should have and ended up in the back of the pack. That’s where the walkers are. So, I spent the first 3 miles weaving through them. I estimate that mistake cost me about a minute and half off my time. I guess I can still be pleased with the effort though. I ran the second half of the race faster than the first.

Next up is the Run the Bluegrass Half Marathon. This is by far one of the most difficult races I’ve ever done. Hills are everywhere! It’s a well ran race and so much fun though! All the hill training I’ve done this Winter has been in preparation for this race. This should be a gauge to see where my fitness level really is over last year.

Wish me luck!

Onward to week 13..