I'm back and in the midst of Dopey Training thanks to our fearless
@DopeyBadger! It's been a really productive three weeks getting back in the saddle after a quick break post-Santa Rosa Half Marathon but I'm glad to be back on the routine and heading towards MW in January.
I'll really just focus on this past week as I get back in the swing of posting weekly, but I am digging the alternating 5 day weeks to 4 day weeks so far - plus the mix of easy runs, long runs, and interval-based pace runs. The variety really helps me mentally not feel like I'm just slogging through miles all week long.
Oh! And I decided to give a running water backpack a try for training and MW. I've previously carried water bottles filled with my magic Gatorade Endurance Formula during races - but during the past HM I dropped it and left it behind, and just figured having an easier pack situation might be best. We'll see if any issues pop up, but I've been running with it for two weeks now (using just water rather than the Gatorade) and it's been a fine change. Definitely feels like it's there, but so did my waist band and holding a water bottle! I sweat so much and my first marathon where I didn't keep a handheld bottle and relied on water stops was.... bleak and I got really dehydrated and the cramps really hurt me. So... trying something new during training to see if it sticks!
Otherwise - I discovered the podcast "Normal Gossip" thanks to some friends' recommendations and I've found myself laughing out loud during some runs (maybe not the best for my breathing!) but it again has helped me through the longer runs and will be great during tomorrow's 9.5 miler.
Tuesday - 3.5 miles easy pace (11:12/mile avg) - This one ended up being a hair faster than I should have gone out, but it was an easy run after the previous weekend's interval/speed run.
Wednesday - 1 mile WU + 5 x 3 min @ CV w/ 1:15 min RI @ WU + 4 x 100m @ R w/90secRI+1mileCD - I love these interval-based workouts like I've mentioned before. I do them on the treadmill at the gym and it feels like a Barry's or OrangeTheory class which I love when I'm not training for a race. Feels like a real treat despite those last 400m at R pace making me SWEAT.
Thursday - 3.5 miles easy pace (11:27/mile avg) - Another easy 3.5 miler in the books. I've finally found a route that is easy for weekday 3-5 mile runs near my place, so it's been my go-to. They're slightly hillier than I like but... I figure those light hills will be helpful in the long run. I can already feel them getting easier.
Saturday - 5 miles easy pace (11:32/mile avg) - Like I said above, I really found a 5 mile loop nearby I love which is a gamechanger. I used to run in a snake/zig-zag pattern that made my Strava maps seem truly crazy, but now I feel more confident about the loop and running through some of the hillier parts of the neighborhood.
Overall, not too bad of a week and I'm proud of myself for getting out for these runs despite some busy days at work. My fiancé is running the Long Beach Half Marathon tomorrow so I'll be up early rooting for him, then coming home to run 9.5 miles myself pre-sunset! A running-filled day in our home!