It’s hard to believe that March is already halfway over and my first half marathon on of the year is only 4 weeks away! It’s been nice to run outside more. In fact, I’ve think I’ve figured out that the treadmill was causing all my leg pain over the winter months – I hopped on twice this week and was in a lot of pain, but was fine when I ran outside! Now that the weather is shaping up, I’m falling back in running again! I didn’t get to share my training from the first week of the month, so lets take a look at that:

March 2 – 8: 22.5 miles

Monday: 8 mi, 1:22:50 (10:21 avg). Why was I so afraid of 8 miles? This run was fabulous. I only walked once to take my gel, and my last mile was the fastest (9:48). After this I’m no longer fearing my long runs.

Wednesday: 2.5 mi, 24:52. First run outside in my Newtons! I ventured out in capris but it wasn’t quite warm enough for them.

Saturday: 3 miles leading the weekly group run. Someone new joined this week and I ran 11:30ish miles with her. It

Sunday: 9 mi, 1:37:39, 10:51 avg. This run was a little harder than Mondays, but still felt great. I stepped in many many ice cold puddles. Only walked twice for very short spurts, once was to take my gel.

March 9 – 15: 18 miles 10 miles

Wednesday: 2 miles, 19:40. Back on the treadmill and I was hurting. Did some leg weights after.

Thursday: 2.5 miles, 25:00. Another really painful treadmill run. Also did leg and ab weights and a 1:30 plank.

Saturday: 3.6 miles, 39:47, 11:00 pace. Another group run at work. We run at an easy conversational pace. Contrary to the first two runs of the week, my legs felt great! Had a great day at work after, which reminded me why I love working at Fleet Feet!

Sunday: 10 miles (planned). I’m excited to get out for 10 miles this morning! –> It’s SNOWING now and I’m driving home after work . I’ll wait for clear sidewalks and warmer temps on Monday!

I’ve gotten to the point where I’m not really following a training plan. With school, I’m doing whatever I can manage during the week, hoping for 2-3 runs. Saturdays I always run with work and Sundays are my long run days. I plan on doing 1-2 more 10-milers before my 4/11 half, and also a 11-12 miler. I wish I could be following a training plan more to the tee, but it’s not happening with my crazy schedule!

I’m signed up for a 5K next weekend for the first race of the year! I’m going to work really hard for a PR, but I haven’t been doing much any speed work so I can’t expect it. We will see! I’m exited to do it with M.!

What’s your long run this weekend?

Are you good with following a specific training plan?