Saturday, February 25, 2012

half marathon training [week 8]

This week was pretty unremarkable. No new PRs or distances or anything exciting like that. I just got out there and ran. This was an incredibly exhausting week at work, so it was sometimes a struggle to find my motivation.

Monday was the typical three mile run. The good thing was that Monday was a holiday, so I got to run in the morning. Love getting it done and out of the way, even though I didn't go out as quickly as I wanted. Still, thirty minutes later, I had the rest of the day ahead of me. And since Monday was Luke's fifth birthday, it was very important to have a free day!

Tuesday, I met Barb for a four mile run. It was super windy and she kept making me go uphill, but I had a great time. Even with the wind and the hills, I'm always amazed at how quickly the miles go by when you're not focusing on every footfall.

Wednesday, Tough Mudder training. I almost didn't do it, but Bari tweeted a picture of her amazing and totally sexy shoulders and upper arms and I was like, "Okay. I need to do this. I need sculpting!" Thursday was an easy two mile run. I went out a little fast and did my first mile in 9:15, which is pretty quick for my slow self. I ended up throwing in a few walk breaks after that little burst of energy but still finished in under 20 minutes.

Friday I was lazy, ahem. Actually, Tommy and I walked quite a few blocks at University of Chicago, so I'm counting that as some sort of exercise. This morning was a ten mile run. I was pretty dismayed at how windy it was. I'm not going to lie. I have a tough time with the wind. I have a tough time when the wind is FRIGID and blowing so hard that I can hardly run into it, let alone maintain a consistent pace. I finished with an average pace of 10:45. Given the distance, and I'm okay with that. I just wish it had not been so windy!

Finally, in more important running news, I've registered a team name for the Epilepsy 5k. It's May 12 in Wheaton, IL. Can you join us? We'd love to have you be a part of Team Tommy. It's a fun run and walk, so you don't have to run it. Walking is fine. Or you can run part of it! I plan on running, but Shane will be walking with the boys. I wish I could promise everyone who joins us a t-shirt, but alas, I probably don't have the money for it. So instead, I promise to bring donuts. Sound good? I can't wait!

8 comments:

Candi said...

Just reading about all that running wears me out! lol. Ten miles?! Wow! Good job!

Barb Ruess said...

You're doing such a great job with your training! You're going to have the biggest smile on your face at the finish line of your first half!!

Crooked Eyebrow said...

I just signed up! my first 5k and its with team tommy!

Mommy Mo said...

Oh Erin- why did you call yourself *slow self*? Give yourself some credit- you are ROCKING this training and you are not slow. I am so proud of you. I wish you could see the same rock star runner that I see. You are awesome with a great pace- OWN IT.

xoxoxoxo

Corrina said...

I think that's a great pace for a cold windy long run! Have you tried ice baths? If you are getting sore it will help! I do them for any run 10 miles and up. Hope life and work calm down this next week.

Bari said...

Wind really does suck so much out of you during a run. You have absolutely been ROCKING this training. For realz.

and...*blush*...thank you

Christina said...

I have never commented before, but have been reading your blog forever. You have really inspired me with all of your running posts and have given me the motivation to start with the Couch-to-5K program. I started Week 1 Workout 1 today and it did feel good to get out there and pound the pavement, even though I was totally out of breath. :) Thanks for the inspiration!

Foursons said...

IMHO- any run is good run. It may not be your best, but you still got it done.