Post Cup Recap

I am very pleased with my time for the Corporate Cup on Saturday. My chip time was 1:51:42, which is 14:24 faster than I ran the Thunder Road half in December! Overall I felt great during the race but I can see that I really need to add hills to my regular training. I've registered for the Charlotte Race Fest half on April 10 and am going to try for 1:50:00 or better.

I ran 4 on Tuesday at 8:36 average pace and felt great. This morning's run was 3 miles at 8:00 pace sandwiched between 2 at 10:00 for a total of 5 at a 9:02 average. Tomorrow will be 4 more and will either be hills (treadmill) or an easy 9:00.

Ready for the Cup

Monday and Tuesday's runs were easy, 5 & 4 at around a 9:00 pace. I took the rest of the week off to rest some sore muscles and I'm feeling great now.

Saturday's start will be cold, but I'm looking forward to it. I think a sub 2 hour time is definitely doable.

Sticking to the Plan

Ran 3 this morning at 8:28 average pace and felt good. So far, I’m sticking to my plan for distance and will wrap up the week/month on Sunday with another 3. I need to focus on actually running slowly on my “slow” days; I’m so obsessed with speed and getting under an 8:00 min/mile average that I’m pushing my body to hard at times.

Easy, light, smooth, and fast. Guess what audio book I’m listening to this week ;)

4 at 5

Did an easy 4 today at 8:54 pace. I’m very happy that my easy pace has dropped back below the 9 min/mile mark. Now to work on adding some distance (after the upcoming half).

So far I’m sticking to my mileage schedule. I’m doing the schedule more to reign myself in than anything. I think I’ve been pushing a little too hard and if I don’t have something to guide me I think I would overdo it. I’m also dying for a pair of 5 fingers to add in some (almost) barefoot running. I gave it a try a week or so ago and loved it. Just need a little something on the soles of my feet to avoid the blisters and small bits of glass, etc.

First 5:00 AM Run

Ran 3 at 9:06 avg pace this morning at 5:00 AM and it wasn’t that bad. I’m tapering for the half on March 6 so this will be a low mileage week.

It’s also my first week at the new job. Today was great, I really like everyone I’ve met so far and I think the work will be interesting. The only down side is that I’m picking up a commute after 2 years of working from home. It wasn’t too bad, though. Really glad I bought the hybrid two years ago.

Ending the Week Strong

I did 6 at 8:32 pace on Thursday and then finished the week (outside finally!) with 3 at 7:55. The weather was perfect. Now for two days of rest.

Next week I taper a bit (down to 13 miles) since it’s the week before the Corporate Cup Half. I want to make sure I’m healthy for it.

Tuesday Lunch Run

I ran moderate 5 today at a 9:01 average. I peaked for a mile at 8:34  at mile 3 but then slowed down over the last 2. Still, not bad. Tomorrow’s a rest day and then 6 on Thursday. I’ll hit 20.3 this week as I taper for the Corp. Cup on March 6. Once that’s done I have a schedule in place for the rest of the year to take me through the Baltimore Marathon in October and the Thunder Road Half in December.

Registered for 2010 Thunder Road Half

I have finalized my running plan for 2010 and feel good about it. I think this will get me ready for Baltimore in October and I'm psyched! I also registered for the 2010 Thunder Road half marathon today; prices are discounted until Apr 1.

Monday Run

Did a total of 6.3 today at 9:18 average pace. In the middle of the run, I did 5 at 8:34 pace and felt great. Really excited about the half on March 6th!

Saturday Short Run

Ran 3 on Saturday at 9:05 average. I did the first 1.5 barefoot and loved it; will add at least one barefoot run a week I think. Sunday will be a rest day and Monday may be my long run. We’ll see how I feel.

Fast(er) Friday

Ran a short and quick (for me) 3.2 fartlek today at 8:16 min/mile average.  I was even able to push it to 7:30 min/mile for one of the miles. Legs felt great during the run, but my left calf is a little tender afterwards. I think I pushed a bit too hard. I’m going to either take tomorrow completely off or do a very slow 4-5 miles recovery run. Sunday will be a definite rest day.