Monday: 3 Miles - Looking outside, the weather today was definitely not the traditional snowy/rainy/cold February day we're use to. Instead, the sun was shining and the temperature was just right for a good workout. And while I would love to say I took advantage of this warm day, meetings kept me inside until the sun set. The treadmill and I, once more, spent quality time together as we tackled these miles.
Tuesday: Rest Day
Wednesday: 3 Miles - According to my training plan, today's run should have been 7 miles. Well, as you can see, that is not exactly what happened. The wife had some obligations at work tonight making for a daddy-daughter evening at home. The original plan was to head to a nearby park with the jogging stroller, since the weather earlier in the day was decent. However, by the time I picked up the little one and reached home, the cold winds had picked up and the drizzle began. There went that idea! As a back-up, I figured I could get in the miles while the peanut was taking her afternoon nap. After several attempts to put her in her crib, it became extremely apparent that someone just needed an evening of snuggles. Before heading to bed, I was able to get in a few quality miles.
Thursday: 7 Miles - Woke up this morning to a mixed bag of mounts of fresh snow (boo!) and a school cancellation notification (surprise!). What followed was one of those days where things just worked - a big contrast from the night before. Since I was going to be home, there was no point in sending the little one to daycare. The morning was full of adorable giggles and smiles that I wouldn't trade for the world. Once the yawning and eye-rubbing started, nap time and my workout concurrently commenced. I was able to warm up and get about a mile in before the peanut woke up. Knowing that it usually takes her a bit to shift gears from grogginess to giggles, I moved her from crib to rocking chair, which I set up right next to the treadmill so she would watch me. Man was she a trooper! I was able to get in the full planned distance for the day and stretch with only the slightest bit of restlessness toward the end. I think this is proof that there's a runner in her!
Friday: HIIT Workout - For cross-training today, and apparently being an absolute glutton for punishment, I revisited the high-intensity workout from last Friday. Though a smidgen easier, every cell in my body still ached when I finished. I'm really looking forward to when the pay-off rolls around...
Saturday: 10 Miles - One of the aspects that I have loved so much about my group runs is that, for how small our running community is, I find that I run along-side someone different each week. We get to know each other a little better and there is a connection made that extends beyond just running. It's amazing how much running opens up even the biggest introverts like myself.
Sunday: 7 Miles - To finish up the week, I was once again tasked with hitting race pace. What has been making this workout particularly challenging is the hilly terrain along most of the routes I follow. I've resorted to just having my average pace be my goal rather than each individual mile. I figure, in a race, its what time the clock reads when you cross the finish line that matters.
As this week of training wrapped up, I could tell my body was taking a beating. To be honest, the thought of keeping up this intensity for another 12 weeks is a little unnerving. I may need to revise the training plan so burnout and injury are avoided before its too late.
Happy running!
Sean
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