Half Marathon Training Week #1 Recap

 

We are calling this Week #1 of half marathon training but I can’t really say that I did anything different from normal.

I am not focused on hitting a certain number of miles each week. I never am and won’t be for this half marathon training either.

I’m just focused on making my miles count. My long runs and speed runs will have meaning and effort while my easy/recovery runs will be just that.

I am noticing from writing this workout recap that I didn’t get in any yoga this week but at least I made it to the elliptical machine. As  I said last week, the elliptical was part of my plan to ensure that I cross train as well as useful in terms of strengthening the muscles for hills when incorporating lots of work with the resistance levels.

Two things before getting to my workouts from the week:

I really liked Laura’s post regarding The Benefits of Pilates for Runners and How To Get Started. Although I have only taken one pilates class in my life, Pure Barre does incorporate lots of the same technique.

I am considering this new Flex Series: Tone in 10 set of workouts from Pure Barre. You get online access for a year to six different 10 minute workouts. I realize I can skip around the DVD’s and online workout that I already have to shorten them if I need a quick workout but this Flex Series may be a better way to go.

Monday – Pure Barre Mile High DVD & 4 Easy Miles

I really love the Mile High series, do I not say that really often? It’s 35 minutes and still burns my legs as much as the first time I started with this workout well over a year ago.

Tuesday – 8 Miles

The plan: 2 mile warm up, 4 miles increased effort, 2 miles easy.

I didn’t feel as though I had much to give for those 4 middle miles but did okay considering. As usual, during the cool down, I found myself raring to go in the last half mile of the run and was sorry it was time to go home.

Wednesday – Pure Barre Studio Series DVD (45 minutes) & 30 Minutes Elliptical

I made to sure to give a real good effort in those 30 minutes on the elliptical with a focus on resistance so when I felt my heart pounding, I knew I was getting the job done.

Thursday – 8 Miles (7 treadmill, 1 outside)

I ran on the treadmill mainly because I realized I hadn’t done so in over two months. I was kind of getting nervous that the longer I go without running indoors, the harder it will be when the weather forces the return.

I can’t complain, it went really well!

7 miles in 59:40

1 mile warm up at 6.3 – 6.5

6 miles ranging between speeds of 6.8 – 8.0

1 mile cool down outside

Friday – Pure Barre Mile High DVD & 4 Easy Miles

Why does running only a few miles always seem so daunting? I knew I was only running 3 or 4 miles yet it felt like forever!

Saturday – 13.1 Miles

This run was interesting. It started out mild-mannered (weird way to describe a run, I know, but these are the words that come to mind) and then half way through, things got draining.

Just when I thought about picking up the pace (mile 7), my phone rang and I took the call because I felt like catching up with my friend. I figured I could pick up the pace when we hung up but that never happened. In fact, I just focused on finishing the run out because my legs were tired and I was starting to feel cranky. I don’t normally get cranky while running < – Hi, PMS thanks for nothing.

Sunday – I don’t know?

I figured today would be a rest day but since I have these new Pure Barre workouts on my mind, I may order them and give something a try!

In case you missed my running related posts from the week:

A Peak in the Life of a Long Run

Winter Weather Workout Gear Favorites 2015

Fred Lebow Half Marathon Training Recap Week #1 #running #halfmarathon #FLHM #FitFluential @Pure_Barre #purebarre Click To Tweet

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How was your long run this weekend?

Pilates or Yoga?

Best thing you ate so far this weekend?