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Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Marathon Training: Updates

How I map my routes sometimes. I ran to the end and back for a total of 14 miles.

I know I said that I would start giving updates weekly with my training but I just found that it would be kind of boring. 

I also lost track of the weeks and just realized that this Saturday, August 27th 2011 marks Month 2. Incredible.

Sunday, August 21st: I ran 14 miles, which is the longest run (not counting Day 1 where I ran 16 miles) I've done since starting training. I ran it in 1 hour and 52 minutes.

I've been trying to run my long runs slower. I didn't feel burnt out or anything during my run. I just want to try and run slower so I can focus more on my running form and my breathing.

Sunday, August 14th: I ran 8 miles in 1 hour and 6 minutes

I really tried hard to run slower and it worked out. I typically run at a pace of 8 minutes per mile. So I should have run it in 1 hour and 4 minutes. That's my steady, not even trying pace. 

When I do shorter runs I try to run a bit faster (avg. 7 minutes/mile) and Fartlek I sprint.

The 14 miles I ran 8 minutes/mile so I didn't really accomplish what I wanted. 

This Sunday, August 28th: I have 5 miles to run. Since it is a distance I can run easily, I figure it'll be no problem running at a slower pace.

Last week and this week I've been incorporating Fartlek into my routine. I did 20 minute circuits last week and 25 minute circuits this week. I still have the last one to do on Friday. I like them because it breaks up the monotony of running for distance. Plus they are an incredible workout!

Tuesday, August 30th: My last day of training until the move. 

I'm a bit nervous about it because I have to miss a week. I get to the States on Thursday, September 1st but I can't exactly start running right away. I have to map out another route. 

My goal is to continue my training Sunday, September 4th.

All in all I feel great and can't wait until my half marathon in November. (I plan to talk more about my half marathon once the date is closer but I am not aiming for a PR.)

I ran my first half marathon in 1 hour 36 minutes and I was happy with that. This race is just preparation for the marathon in February where my goal is simply to finish.

4 comments:

  1. keep up the good work!! wish I could run that far. Still trying to reach 4 miles :-(

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  2. Thanks! Like with anything, you don't jump into running tons of miles. When I started out I didn't even count the miles. I just ran 30 minutes and was done. It takes time. You'll get there!

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  3. Nice work!! You are speedy speedy!! I think you are gonna do great in November!!

    I hear ya on how boring it is to recap training runs...I am pretty bored with it at this point in time over at my blog.. 16 weeks of running recaps? BUT, so glad I followed through with it, so neat to look back at my improvements.

    Don't worry about missing a few runs, if I have learned ANYTHING in my training, it usually works out better that way then forcing them in :)

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  4. You're right. It's definitely a plus at the end of the day to record runs so well. Especially how long it takes you to run each distance. I think my updates will get more interesting closer to my race and when I start running longer distances. Without a doubt, I was more into recording my runs last year before I got injured. I guess I feel like I haven't surpassed myself yet. Thanks for the support on missing the runs! I'm kinda (not that much) nervous about it but there's nothing I can do. So maybe I'll focus on stretching more and ab exercises. Those are easy to do most anywhere.

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