I had a really fun week of training complete with a confidence building long run. I tried a new exercise class, met up with a new running group and ended the week with an old favorite — barre. I’m so happy that y’all enjoy the training recaps — I do too. So let’s get to it! This week, I’m linking up again with Tara at Running n Reading — if you don’t know Tara, you should. She’s awesome and is a fellow Oiselle gal. I’ve enjoyed getting to know her and I definitely recommend her blog! So here’s my Richmond Marathon training recap for the week:
Monday: Monday I went to the launch of an awesome new way to take fitness classes called ClassPass. Essentially with ClassPass you may a monthly fee ($99) then get unlimited classes at a ton of awesome studios around town. Considering my beloved Pure Barre classes retail for $25/each (I know!), this is genius! You can only take 3 classes a month at each studio, but with so many studios, the options are endless. It’s pretty awesome. As a part of the launch, I got to take a Sculpt 360 class – basically a mix of yoga and strength training. It was NO JOKE and I loved it! My upper body was sore the next couple days – I really pushed myself and I love that feeling. I also got to hang out with my blogging buddies Mar and Jenny and of course that was awesome 🙂
©2014 Jackie Garcia Photography | www.jackiegarciaphotos.com
©2014 Jackie Garcia Photography | www.jackiegarciaphotos.com
Tuesday: Tuesday is the day I lead my running life group (side note: in DC and want to run with me? Come out every Tuesday night at Lincoln Park on the Hill). I had a terrible stomach cramp all day and it started raining right before the run meetup time. One by one, the group cancelled and I was fine with it since my stomach hurt. I ran about 1.5 miles to and from our meeting place.
Wednesday: 4 tempo miles with the District Running Collective, a group that runs on Wednesday evenings. I don’t like to run at night but I had early morning plans so this group run helped keep me accountable. It was a solid tempo run, about 45 seconds faster per mile than goal tempo pace, which I attribute to the group atmosphere and me having a competitive streak. 🙂
Thursday: Barre class. Because it’s what I do.
Saturday: Long run day dawned wet and dreary. I was hopeful that by the time I met up with Julie and Kristen the rain would stop. It didn’t. We were soaked to the bone by mile 1 and I alternated between feeling awesome for being out there and feeling crazy for being out there. Julie and Kristen peeled off around mile 9 (when I discover I had forgotten to unpause my watch and lost a mile – ugh) and then I did 5 more on my own. I originally wanted 16ish but was perfectly fine with 14 – especially given the conditions. I was excited to see that my slowest mile was 10:23 and most miles were at marathon goal pace (well, I don’t really have a MGP yet but I do have a range…in the 10:15-10:45 range is the goal). I was also really excited that I ran negative splits and ran the second half of this run about 15 seconds per mile faster than the first half. I averaged a 10:17 pace for the first 9 miles and averaged a 9:59 pace for the final 5 solo miles. I know that some of that is because I was hustling to get to the bathroom for a potty break, haha, but still…I’ll take it! I felt strong, both physically and mentally during this run and am becoming more and more confident about Richmond with every mile I run!
Sunday: A low key barre class to stretch it out and close out the week.
How was your week of training? Props to everyone who raced yesterday!
Looks like a good week there for you, I have to say I’m less enthusiastic about running in the rain.
I did my first half marathon race yesterday, and really enjoyed it….and already thinking of the marathon in May,
Louise @ Louises Fitness Journey recently posted…First Half Marathon … aimed for 2hr30 ……and achieved..
if it’s really really cold, i don’t like running in the rain, either. congrats on your first half marathon! so awesome 🙂
Wow, looks like you really stay busy! I would love to join your running group. Too bad I live too far away 🙁
I would love that, Meranda – anytime you are in DC, let me know! 🙂
Woot woot!! Nice job!! That Class Pass deal sounds awesome!
Rose recently posted…Reflections on my DNS
it is really really cool!
Awesome for getting your long run done in the pouring rain. I have always wanted to try a barre class. We don’t have any deals like that here, but I should look for Groupons.
Jennifer @ Running on Lentils recently posted…BCHM Training: Week 11
you definitely should try a barre class – i think you’d love it!
I’ve heard about class pass-cool concept. Looks like you’ve had another great running week!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…“Souper” Foods Soup
it’s really awesome with lots of classes – you should check it out!
Great job on the long run in the rain! Saturday morning really was dreary and I’m impressed you made it out there and had such a great pace.
Chaitali recently posted…Weekly review
thanks – it wasn’t the easiest but it was kinda fun to be a crazy runner 🙂
I was supposed to run the Steamtown Marathon this weekend – but then we got O’s ALCS tickets! Needless to say I didn’t run, but I’m okay with my decision. Life happens. Did 11 on Sunday with my husband and it was a great run. Have the Baltimore Half this weekend, Richmond half in a few weeks and maybe trying to find another full marathon sometime this fall/early winter!
Heidi recently posted…Made in USA Moto Jackets
good luck — both to your team (since the nats are out!) and on the half this weekend! i thought about adding it and adding on miles to make the bmore half my 20 miler but the stress w/getting to bmore made me pass. have a great race!
I just did a 10 mile this weekend and the weather was beautiful! Sucks you got rained on but that will make you stronger!! We never know what to be prepared for come race day!!! It’s awesome you are running so many miles in your MGP range and still have a lot of time before race day!!!! Big things are coming your way!!!
Staci @ hoosier running mom recently posted…In less than one week!
yeah the rain was not amazing but i ran strong regardless and that definitely helped my confidence 🙂
you’re doing great!!! woohoo 5 weeks – wow 🙂
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Week 14: Taper Town
thanks, friend! it’s been my best training cycle yet! 🙂
Getting it done!!! Great job!
Helly recently posted…Marathon Training Recap Week 16 and some other thoughts
thanks lady! and yes, i will be spectating MCM 🙂
Well, at least we were out there in the rain together, Courtney – ha! We had quite a few crazies out with the training group, so I didn’t feel TOO bad! Having someone to run with definitely made a difference for me, though, so I’m happy you were able to run the first 9 with Julie & Kristen. That Class Pass is a great idea! Wish someone would do that around here; may have to see what I can find out. Thanks so much for the shout-out and for linking up again this week; always so delighted to have you! 🙂
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Weekend Update!
yeah, i know – it makes a difference to know that other runner friends are out there putting in work as well 🙂 class pass is awesome – i know it’s just in a few cities right now, but you should convince them to come to you! such a cool concept!
Great job, and I love the new website design! I wonder if they have ClassPass in Philly….sounds perfect for a fitness junkie like me! I’m going to be signing up for a 10K that’s in a couple of weeks, but otherwise out of training mode, even though I miss it!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Life After the Half Marathon: What’s Next?
i’m not sure if they are in philly yet but i bet they will be if they aren’t soon! and thanks for the compliment on the new design!
Sounds like you had a great training week! I need to find out if there is a similar deal for unlimited classes in New Orleans! Classes are so expensive here, twice as much as I paid when I lived in NC! Thanks for the tip. I hope you have a great week!
Stephanie recently posted…Weekend Update
omg classes are SO expensive in DC that classpass has really taken off! hope there is something similar in your neck of the woods!
You talk about barre a lot…I really want to try it now. Sounds like a great way to stretch. Definitely something I need to do more of!
Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner recently posted…Everyone Needs a Relaxing Weekend!
it’s great — but be warned – it is TOUGH. you do stretch out a lot towards the end but it’s a realllll workout, not just stretching!
Classpass is brilliant! I have so many friends that pay so much money per class at various studios…I’ll mention this to them…hopefully it exists outside of DC. I go to Equinox and love their wide variety of classes, so I don’t normally do individual studios.
Sarah @ Sarah’s Book Shelves recently posted…Running N Reading Weekend Update: Half Marathon Race Week and Current Reading
it really is genius! i’m loving it already 🙂
1) Looks like my weekly Tuesday appointments are being moved.. I’ll be joining the Tuesday run group soon!
2) Tried Pure Barre Dupont tonight – totally kicked my butt, but loved it! Signed up for next week 🙂
3) Awesome job on trucking through Saturday – rain was not pretty!
Jennifer recently posted…NYC Marathon Training 10/6-10/12 – Week 17
1) YAY! So excited to hear this 🙂 2) It’s so great, right? Super hard but man does it get you strong. My class this morning KICKED MY BUTT! 3) Thanks – it was gross but so great to run with Julie after about a week of no runs with her 🙂 And as a bonus her sister Kristen and nephew were visiting and so they joined our run as well!
You are seriously doing great! I love the idea of the class pass, but these kiddos hold me back. I would love the variety for sure, I get bored pretty easily! And I just got the Gilt City deal for 10 barre classes at Pure Barre but I think I can only use them at the Alexandria location :/
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…MCM Training Recap– Week 15