A Solid Week

This week I passed some milestones in training for the marathon in May. On Thursday, I completed my 25th day of training which means I was 100 days out from the race and 20% complete. Sunday’s recovery run marked the fourth completed week of training.

The week started with a three-mile recovery run. I am falling into the groove of these slow runs and starting to get closer to the prescribed 13:11 min/mile pace. My first recovery run of the training cycle, on January 16, was completed at an 11:03 pace. Tuesday’s pace was 12:49. I never thought I could run that slow (from the beginning of a run), but by staying in Z1 and breathing through the nose, I am slowing down the pace of my recovery runs and reaping the benefits.

Wednesday’s speed workout was hill repeats. I don’t know why I avoided the Hal Higdon plans with hill repeats in the past. They have been a good addition and allow me to get run fast during the week.

Thursday’s six-mile base run in Z2 was another consistent effort to add to the training bank. Friday’s six-mile marathon pace run was paced more evenly albeit a little fast. It was nice to feel what my marathon pace feels like and to not worry as much about my heart rate.

Saturday’s 13-mile long run felt good. I felt strong and reflected on the last three weeks of training. As the long run distance has increased, the pace has increased while staying in Z2. Although I physically felt good after the long run, Sunday’s three-mile recovery run was exactly what I needed for slightly sore quads and calves. 

Various coaches on the internet talk about consistency; this week that message rang loud and clear. By putting the work in each day, all the pieces of the training puzzle are working together in harmony. I am in a much better place compared to four weeks into my first marathon training plan.

What lessons about training have you learned this week? Share below in the comments.