Hello again everyone! I hope you've had an amazing week. Well, this week I bit the bullet and began a new training cycle. My reverse taper and rest period post 50k has come to an end — the time has come to hit the "play" button and start my mileage build-up! Actually, I'm pretty excited because the hubby wants to join me for my target 50k race in August. (Yep, I'm talking about you... so no pressure)! He even ran 13.1 miles with me on Earth Day!
Lately I've had a chance to review my new training plan and assess any mistakes I made during my last training period.
It's time to set some attainable goals for my current training cycle. For instance, I plan to increase my functional mobility by including additional strength training sessions. I need all the leg strength I can muster, um... build!
What I'm currently doing, in a nutshell. So, about that additional mobility and strength work. I decided to power up my mobility routine by adding in barre workouts 2-3 times per week. Barre workouts are completely new to me, but the combined benefits of functional lower body training and core work seem like a win-win. Trust me, it's a good thing I'm doing these workouts at home because my dance form and skills are laughable... think proverbial fish out of water — yep, I'm a runner, not a dancer? Sorry Jumanji... no dance fighting!
I also decided to do a virtual challenge to keep me motivated during my long runs. It's called the Rhino Races, Rhino Challenge. The challenge runs 10 weeks and you are required to complete 10 half marathons in under 3 hours. Once you complete the runs you upload your finish times and get a belt buckle! Yes!! I'm also wrapping up my sports nutrition certification, which has caused me to reevaluate my eating habits. Yep, I was still eating large quantities of food like when I was running 20-mile days, (even after a significant decrease in mileage). Now, I'm checking macros, making sure my vitamin and mineral intake is adequate, and enjoying some new recipes. Gotta fuel this gal's tank with nutritious goodies... you know!
Lately, I find that writing down my weekly training helps me gauge where I am. It also allows me to tweak things on order to reach my goals. If you remember from my previous mileage buildup, I ran most of my long runs much too fast. Resulting in niggles and pain. My musculoskeletal system and tendons needed time to adapt to the workload. This time I'm training with more of an 80/20 mentality. With 80 percent of my runs at an easy pace and 20 percent with added difficulty. Here is the rundown of the last 7 days:
Saturday- 10-mile run. Sunday- Leg day and abs. Monday- 4-mile run and upper body. Tuesday- Rest Wednesday- Rest. Apparently, I needed rest. Thursday- 15-mile run. 13.1 miles counted toward my 10-week 10 half marathons challenge. Friday- 1-hour walk. Mileage = ?
Total weekly mileage= 30+ miles.
This week I plan to add in additional barre workouts, and at least 1 day of cycling. I'll run one long run with the hubby and I'll include one speed/hill day. There you have it folks. What keeps you motivated while training? Do you enjoy virtual challenges? How do you prepare for a new training cycle?
Check back for more on Mental Health Awareness Month in May! I'll be streaking to help bring awareness and stop the stigma!
Thanks for reading and have a great week of training!
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