And Now for Something Different… And a Training Log

I’ve taken this Thomas Jefferson quote to heart, with regards to my upcoming training cycle. I’ve been self-coached since I started running and, while I’ve tried a variety of training plans, the one thing I haven’t done is train with others. So last week I joined a running team – the Capital Area Runners.

I’ve really been enjoying it so far. They do two weekly workouts – track intervals and tempo runs – and a long run on the weekend. Getting back to the track was certainly intimidating and difficult, but also fun and challenging. The group is full of kind, outgoing and incredibly talented runners. Chasing them is exhilarating…even if I’m sucking wind at the end of practice 🙂

Here’s how the week broke down:

Monday: 4mi easy with Patrick

Patrick and I took a tour around our little city on Memorial Day, stopping halfway through to check out the local parade and festival. Enjoyable way to kick off the week.

Tuesday: 6.2mi with interval ladder

Ran a ladder workout with the team at the track. Started out a little fast (chasing some fast ladies!) and ended up cutting one 1200m interval to 800m, as my form was getting sloppy.  Took a little extra rest, then finished the ladder.  It was fun to get out there again!

Wednesday: 5.1mi easy

Met the team for easy miles and dinner after work.  I have a tough time running in the afternoon and it was hot and humid, but chatting with other runners helped the time pass quickly!

Thursday:  Off

Friday: 6.1mi with 2.5mi @ tempo (mile 1 – 7:04, mile 2 – 7:14, half mile – 7:25 pace)

Like Tuesday, I started out too fast and ended up paying for it by mile 3. Yikes!  Tempo runs are my least favorite and – in my opinion – the hardest workouts…but they are also the most beneficial for marathon training.

Saturday: 12mi long run / 3mi hike

I met up with the team for 12mi along the C&O Towpath.  It was hot, sunny and humid.  It was definitely tough for the last two miles, but I hung in there and finished fast(er).  Later in the day, we headed to the State Park for hiking and camping…beautiful weekend!

Sunday:  Off

TOTAL: 33.5mi running / 3mi hiking

Hello World!

Ok, the title seemed appropriate enough…and the blog name seems pretty self-explanatory.

I’m chasing that elusive BQ, the Boston Qualifying time.  I probably shouldn’t admit how many times I’ve said that (hint: a lot) and how may times I’ve achieved it (hint: zero…so far!).  And while I hesitate to share too much on the interwebs as I get older, I do enjoy blogging and talking about training.  And let’s be honest…not everyone in my life is as excited as I am about my interval workouts.  So thank goodness for the internet. 🙂

150 days until the Marine Corps Marathon…eek!