I debated if I was going to write Richmond Marathon training recap posts because I really only have a few weeks before the race. But I love reading training recaps, so I figured, why not? This was a great week of training. If you’ll recall, after I decided to run Richmond marathon, I decided I’d keep using the Run Less Run Faster plan since I like it so much this summer. I’m joining up with Tara at Running N Reading for the weekend update!
Here’s how the week shaped up:
Tuesday: barre in the am and hill repeats with my running group in the pm. Those hill repeats were not a game and I definitely was tired after a great workout. I don’t usually use my Tuesday evening running group runs as a workout, but since we were running hills, I definitely made an exception. It was necessary – there’s no way I could’ve run twice in one day including hills!
Thursday: 9 morning tempo miles. My planned called for the tempo miles to be run at a 10 minute mile pace — I ran slightly faster and finished with nine miles at a 9:45 pace. This was the longest I’ve ever run in the morning and by midday I was exhausted!
Saturday: I had 15 miles on the schedule and wanted to run them at about a 10:30-10:45 pace. I ran with my buddy Mar (first time we’ve run together in months!) and it was a beautiful run. My garmin was paused for about .5 mile, which is why the run is a bit short. I was pretty happy with my pace — I felt like I definitely could’ve run faster, which is really a good sign, I think. Our run was also hilly, so taking that into account this was really a great run. I revisited my old friend, the ice bath post run and my legs felt pretty good the rest of the weekend!
I spent the rest of the weekend at church and mourning Alabama’s loss to Ole Miss. Sigh.
How was your training? Did you have a good weekend?
I love reading training recaps!
I’m intrigued by the run less run faster program. I’ve thought about trying it for my next marathon since I now have a baby and therefore, less time to devote to my running hobby. I’ve heard of a lot of people having success with it, so there’s definitely something to it. It sounds like it’s going well for you!
Good luck in Richmond!
Christine @ Into the Glimmer recently posted…Race recap: IOP Connector Run 5K – The one where B was waiting at thefinish line for the first time
i really like this program for all the reasons i listed in the blog post i linked to. it’s great for me!
That’s great that you’re running the Richmond marathon! Richmond is my hometown and I have lots of friends that run that race every year – it’s apparently pretty flat 🙂 I’ve run the 8K that’s on the same day.
I also use Barre as a stretch/strength day during training and I love the deep stretching that is mixed in with the muscle burn. And it really opens up my hips.
I may have to look into the Run Less, Run Faster Program…I love the “run less” part…ha!
Good luck with the marathon!
Sarah @ Sarah’s Book Shelves recently posted…Running N Reading Weekend Update: Half Marathon Training Week 11 and Current Reading
yes, richmond is a great course — it was my first marathon last year so i’m excited to be returning to the place that got me hooked 🙂
Looks like you had another great week of running. the weather has been great here hasn’t it? I did my last long run before Army this weekend. I am excited/nervous since it will be my longest run since I came back from my injury.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Sweet Potato Muffins w/ a Surprise inside-Meatless Monday
oh, the weather. PERFECT for running. delightful. you are going to be great on sunday — can’t wait to hear all about it!
great week of training!! and GREAT seeing you on Saturday 🙂 and you’re right, it was quite the hilly course!
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…MCM Training: Lucky Number 13
it was a really good week of running 🙂 see you tonight!
Awesome! I’d like to try the RLRF method once I have another half under my belt. When exactly did you start it (e.g. how long had you been running, etc.)?
Jess recently posted…Women’s Running Night with Brooks
hi jess – i am a year around runner so i’m never really jumping into any training program without a base of some kind. the program is generally 16 weeks, but i think i had 14 weeks before my half and when i switched to marathon training, i was 8 weeks out (but trained because of my half marathon — i’d already run 14 miles before starting this plan).
Thanks, Courtney! That helps. I’m just getting back into running regularly after a six-month hiatus. I think I’ll aim for a year of regular running (with a half in the mix there) before I try it out. The tempo runs and speedwork with RLRF are pretty intense!
Jess recently posted…Women’s Running Night with Brooks
Be careful with those hill repeats, Courtney! You’re much stronger than I am, but I still don’t want you to get injured – ugh. I’m so excited to hear that you and Mar ran your long run together – that’s awesome! I’m not so excited about your team’s loss…that was a tough one; I was thinking about you. 😉 Hope you have a great day and thanks so much for linking up this week – delight!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Weekend Update!
i have been really fortunate to be injury free this training cycle, whew! 🙂 yeah the loss sucked, but on the positive side, pretty much everyone lost except for florida state!
Nice–you are right back out there in full swing with marathon training! It’s also nice that you can easily pick back up on the RFRL plan since you have a good base. Just this weekend I asked my running club coaches their thoughts on running two half marathons four weeks apart. They said if I were following a Galloway plan (I’m not) it wouldn’t be a problem. The two races I’m looking into aren’t until next March, though, so I have some time to look into it. I guess it depends on each person, too.
Jennifer @ Running on Lentils recently posted…BCHM Training: Week 10
i think if you are trained, it would be fine to run 2 halfs within 4 weeks — but that’s just my opinion 😉 it definitely depends on the person and how hard you race those half marathons!
Great job on your training this week. Especially the long run with Mar. I was reading hers today too. You guys sounded like you had a lot of fun. Wish I could find a running buddy for my long runs.
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Live From Disney
it is definitely nice to have running buddies who are up for long runs! 🙂 it was great to do a long run with mar again!
Yes! Love training recaps (well..practically any recap). It was so nice to see a Mar/Courtney run-stagram this past weekend 🙂
Jennifer recently posted…NYC Marathon Training 9/29-10/5 – Week 16
SUCH a fun surprise seeing you tonight at sculpt! yay for fun fitness events. we’ll have to coordinate classes sometime! 🙂
Congrats on a great week! I’m a big fan of training recaps, too, so write your heart out! 🙂
Lindsey recently posted…Friday 5: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
haha, thanks lindsey — not sure what i considered not writing them – i also LOVE recaps of any kind 🙂
Sounds like a great week! Definitely keep doing the recaps, I love reading them too 🙂
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…A long run and a DOUBLE race? {Clarendon Day Race Recap}
thanks sue! i can’t wait to read your 20 mile race recap 🙂