4 weeks into NJ Marathon training, 14 to go!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I bought the Believe Training Journal for a friend as a Christmas gift this year, and decided to get one too. I really love it! Since I’ve been working with Jess I keep a really detailed training journal, but it’s on the computer. There’s something different about writing things down, pen to paper, and I really enjoy it. This journal also has you do things like set intentions for the week, list what you think your obstacles will be, and recap the week’s work.

Training began the day after Christmas, and I’m proud to say I haven’t missed a workout! I’m doing strength training 3 days a week, and running 4 days a week, with one day off (one day is strength and running). I’m doing much more speed work than I did when training for NYC Marathon, which I LOVE. It’s amazing how 6-7 miles fly by when you’re focused on just a few minutes at a time.

I was nervous about a spring marathon because of what the weather would throw my way during training. Thus far, it hasn’t been too terrible. There’s been rain, snow, and freezing temps, but I have yet to be forced to the treadmill- YAY!

I’ve also had my fair share of beautiful sunrises and even a few days warm enough to run in shorts. I’ve been working hard to get runs and workouts done in the morning as it makes me more energized for the day ahead.

I’ve been averaging 22-23 miles a week, and am up to 13 miles for my long run. The Fred Lebow Manhattan Half was this weekend, and the crazy hilly loops in the park were perfect for my even paced long run. I ran the Philly Rock N Roll Half last September as a long training run…

and how crazy is this?! The exact same pace. (If someone can teach me how to run tangents, I’d appreciate it!) In both races my official time was 1:56:08- identical to the second. The fact that Philly was 7 weeks before and FLMH was 14 weeks before makes me feel really good about where I am in my training. I’m even looking forward to my 14+ mile long runs coming this February. Hopefully I can keep my off-the-treadmill streak alive!