Training log 03/02-03/08

This was a challenging week in terms of managing workouts, work, fundraising and family responsibilities. With a little luck (a work dinner that got cancelled) and lots of help from my awesome husband, I managed to fit all workouts in including a tough tempo on packed snow, a rushed speed intervals session that was more of a 4.5 mile run/race rather than interval training, and a hilly long run. This week reinforced the fact that I am going to stick to the FIRST program for all my future marathons. I have tons of admiration and respect for all of you out there who are logging 40, 50, 60+ miles/week. I have no idea how you do! More power to you!
Monday: 03/02
Called for speed work, but we had 12 inches or so of snow. Arlington did not get plowed. I could not get my car out and into the main road. Luckily it was not a heavy patient day and we had many cancellations, so I did research from home. No run, but I made it to the pool in the evening for 1.5 mile swim including .25 mile crawl - Yes, I have been reading and learning how to do the crawl and I am making progress.
Tuesday: 03/03
A work dinner got cancelled and I managed to squeeze in the 11 miler that included 10 miles at MP (8:23). It was tough, but I managed an 8:20 average pace.
Wednesday: 03/04
Bike + Movie; 20 miles. Very happy!
Thursday: 03/05
Crazy speed; managed to run all 6 1200 milers at ~ 6:46 pace.
Friday: 03/06 - REST
Much needed, much enjoyed
Saturday: 03/07 - LONG
Goal: 15 @ 8:47; Actual: 16.5; 1.5 warm up, cool down; 15 @ 8:30, with last 2 miles @ 8:11; this was a very hilly run, including the .7 m steep Belmont Hill. The run was hard. The rolling hills, which are many and steep, and came from mile 10-13, were particularly tough today, but I recovered nicely on the downhills and was able to push the pace thereafter as planned. We had gorgeous weather in Boston today, close to 70 degrees, and I felt so lucky to be out there with two good friends running, chatting, and taking in the sun.

At home, my boys were waiting in the car for me and we drove to the Y for a little swim (.75 mile) and water play. That turned out to do wanders for my legs. I swim breast stroke, and my legs get a nice stretch during the swim. I took the icebath thereafter and for some reason it was much less painful than I was used to. Legs feel great now!!!
Sunday: 03/08 -SWIM
1.5, uneventful.

Totals: Run: 33 miles
Swim: 3.75 miles
Bike: 20 miles
Overall my training is going really well. My legs do feel tired, though not sore. I am finally understanding the need to taper before a race. So far I have only ran 1/2 marathons and one 18 mile trail race, and so tapering was not an issue for me since I did not do any training for these races. I am very happy that so far I have not gotten injured; I think the crosstraining, core/strengthening work and icebaths, good nutrition/hydration, and using the roller have played a big part on this. Lets hope it will stay like this.

I also signed up for the Mount Washington Road Race lottery - only 7 miles, only one hill, along with my friends M and J, and I hope we'll get in. I love hill training and running with these gals is going to be a blast. Something else to get excited about!

Hope everyone had a great running week. The weather in the Northeast has been incredible! Lets hope for a few more days like these.