Week 2 (August 6- August 12)
Monday: 4 mile tempo at 5:57 pace, 6 miles at 7:32 pace
This workout I felt fresh and ready to go. Starting out, I stayed relaxed and over time increased my pace. All four miles I did on the track, in order to keep it flat. By the end I was hitting around 4:45 pace.
Going into my second workout for the day, I was a little tired. I ran around the neighborhood, and I got a few hills into the run. Overall, it was a solid day of training.
Tuesday: 8 miles at 7:13 pace, 4 miles at 7:16 pace
Today was a mileage day, and I didn't go into it thinking much about the pace. We ran a really hilly course for our morning run, but I was grateful it had a lot of downhill to go with it! I definitely challenged myself to keep a consistent pace throughout the hills, and this made it more difficult.
During my second workout, my legs felt really heavy from earlier. It was one of those runs that surprise you because I went out feeling really tired but good at the end. It also was super hot, so I ran during the sunset which was really pretty!
Wednesday: 30 min fartlek (2min on 1min off), 7 miles at 7:10 pace
I usually don't like fartleks, but today was actually one of my favorite workouts. I decided to stay on the track, and I'm happy I did because it was hot. If I were to have the hills and heat, it would have been worse. I got to 4.90 miles at 6:07 pace, and I really surprised myself. Don't get me wrong it was hard, but I still felt really good compared to how I thought. In the afternoon it was a solid run! I did again more during the sunset, so I guess it's not the afternoon. Overall though today was a good day!
Thursday: 7 miles at 7:36 pace, 6 miles at 7:20 pace
Honestly, the seven miles this morning were really hard! Thursdays are probably always my least favorite days, but I think they mentally prepare me the most. I took it really easy on my morning run, and my legs felt really heavy. On my second run, it was a lot cooler than earlier in the week, so I felt a lot better. I hit a good pace, and also got to run on some new trails!
Friday: 8 miles at 7:00 pace, 5 miles at 7:35
From taking it easier yesterday, I was more prepared for today. It was just another mileage day, but it still is difficult. We ended up going a faster pace on our 8 miles, and we also included some hills. It is always nice to challenge yourself a little on mileage runs, and I'm happy I did! I was more tired for my second workout, but it was just an easy five miles. I took it at a slower pace because we have a long run tomorrow morning!
Saturday: 13 miles at 7:35 pace
Today I woke up at 5:40 to run, and I always like to get my long runs done early in the morning. We ran at a park with tons of different trails, and it was nice and cool! My pace varied a lot, since the course changed a lot. I think it was a solid run, and it felt good to end the week on a good note.
Sunday: Day Off!!
I get to rest today and it feels good! I always like Sundays because I get to prepare for the next week. Also, I have time to reflect on the prior week.
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Total mileage: 73
This week was difficult, but I always like a challenge. As each week goes by I get more excited for the season!
