Week in Review

Stats

• Distance: 27.9 miles
• Average Pace: 10:04 minutes:seconds/mile
• 10 mile long run

Notes

I am happy to say that I managed to get in all my runs and hit my scheduled mileage for the week. Actually, I exceded my scheduled mileage by 3.9 miles. In reality, I believe I tacked on a mile here and there to "make up" for my missed run last week. I know that is not an advisable practice and could ultimately lead to injury, but I felt that since this was a step-back week, an extra mile here and there couldn't hurt. And besides, my average pace this week was definitely more manageable for picking up an extra mile or two.

The upcoming week should prove to be the most challenging yet. The longest base run bumps up to 6 miles, and the long run bumps up to 16 miles. If I hit all my runs and scheduled mileage for the week, I'll be close to topping 130 miles for the month. That would officially be my biggest month ever.

Week in Review - Runs, Concerts, and Other Awesomeness

Stats

• Distance: 27 miles
• Average Pace: 9:24 minutes:seconds/mile
• 14 mile long run

Notes

This weekend's agenda included two pretty awesome events -- The Get Up Kids and U2. That's right, two bands that are on my "must see" list.

One of them, The Get Up Kids, I didn't think I'd ever see live. Last I knew, they had broken up back in 2005, playing their last show in Kansas the same weekend I was camping at Current River.

The other band, U2, I didn't think I'd ever get a chance to see live, either. One reason is that tickets are pricy, and the other reason is that they sell out super fast. So needless to say, when our friends Mike and Carolyn offered us a chance to go (for free even!), we were ecstatic!

Needless to say, both shows were amazing. U2 is pretty much one of the most awesome rock bands ever, and the Get Up Kids played "Campfire Kansas" -- a song I officially dubbed "The Current River Song." If you are familiar with the song and have ever camped at, and floated down the Current River... well, you get it...

In other awesomeness, BJ and I managed to snag tickets to see Wilco on their upcoming fall tour. We will be seeing Wilco twice within one week during the first week of October -- once in Nashville, TN at the Ryman Auditorium and once in St. Louis at the Peabody Opera House. We were super lucky and managed to get tickets during the pre-sale. Both shows ended up selling out within minutes of going on sale. Truly lucky indeed.

In between all the crazy concert going, ticket purchasing, and BIG beers this week, I did, in fact, manage to get in some running time. This wasn't exactly the most stellar week for running, and I managed to miss my goal for the week by three miles. However, I am happy with the runs I did manage to get in this week, including that 14 miler, which is officially the farthest distance I have run at one time. My previous long distance was a half marathon.

While the 14 miler was at a slow pace, I am extremely happy with the run overall. When I was finished my run, I didn't feel completely wiped. I believe this had something to do with the fact that I practiced using mid-run gels, and monitored my hydration effectively.

This upcoming week is a step-back week, and only requires a 10 mile long run. This should allow me to be well prepared for the 16 mile long run next week. Onward and upward!

Week in Review

Stats

• Distance: 29.4 miles
• Average Pace: 10:00 minutes:seconds/mile
• 12 mile long run

Notes

Week Two of the training plan is now in the books. Since about Tuesday I've been battling some serious sinus issues that have made running rather dreadful. I think all the smoke pollution from the fireworks last weekend finally caught up with me. Nevertheless, I managed to get all my miles in this week.

On Tuesday I got in a great speed workout -- 4 miles at a 6:43 pace.

Since I do my strength training on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, I was broke up my Wednesday miles into two runs. I logged two before work, and then 3.1 during my lunch break (treadmill workouts are the pits). I believe my Wednesday runs peak at seven miles, so being able to log as many as possible before work will help greatly. Did I mention I hate running on the treadmill?

The long run was definitely a challenge this week. The sinus issue, and the lack of proper hydration Friday night didn't help either. I muddled through it, and feel better for doing so. Next week: 14 miles. Bring it.

I rounded out the week with some hill work -- I ran Murphysboro Lake with BJ. She has come so far, and I am extremely proud of her.

I'd say it was a pretty good week, after all!

Happy Fourth, Everyone!