Week 11 Half Marathon Training

Week 11


Plan miles:  19 miles running plus some cross/strength training 
Actual miles: 22.65 miles in 4:02:07, no cross training but some strength training (upper body only)


This is the last week in my training plan! Next week would be a taper week with the half marathon on the weekend. Since the half marathon isn't until May 6th, I now have 6 extra weeks to keep training. My plan is to maintain the base and just bump up my long run. I do want to run 13 miles beforehand; hopefully in a few weeks so then I can taper down. Next week should be a ramp down week; I've had 2 weeks in a row with 10 mile long runs.

Having some fun taking a picture

My long run this week was supposed to be 10 miles. I made it 10.06 miles. Our group that tends to run on the weekends met at the jail trail (Eliza Furnace trail) this week. I don't know what's been wrong with me but I've been really struggling recently and this was a bad run for me. I started out ok but my knee was hurting, my calves were hurting, and I was slowing the group down the 2nd half of the run. I thought maybe it was my shoes, but when I ran 10 miles to pace Colleen last week, I felt like I could have run more if I wanted to and I wasn't sore at all afterwards. And I wore the same shoes then.  Maybe I need a ramp down week and then I'll bounce back. That was my plan anyways, to take it easier this week.


I originally blamed my runs not being as good recently on this amazing weather! I love the weather and how unseasonably warm it has been but it definitely makes running harder. I'm used to being cold and dressing in layers and I guess I've gotten used to the running being what warms me up. Runs have been hard now and I've been sweating like crazy. Someone at the running group for my run on Thursday said that this is especially hard because it went directly from 40 to 80 without a transition in the middle. I thought he was right, but it was cooler for the run on Sunday (around 55 I think) and I still struggled a lot.  


Our winter was so mild both weather and temperature wise- is this a sign of global warming? ;) I have to say, I am worried about the summer and how HOT it's going to be. You never know, though. We'll see!


On a side note, I'm really upset about my Garmin watch. It's not working right now. I'm going to have to call today to find out what's going on (and I don't know if it's covered under warranty anymore) but I'm bummed that it's likely I won't be able to use it next weekend. I guess it's back to Cardio Trainer on my phone, hopefully temporarily. I'll miss being able to see how far I've gone and some of the extra stats (like split times).


Mileage on shoes

Teal: 362.8 miles (retired)
Purple: 65 miles
Brooks: 44.35 miles