Greetings from central Illinois, and Happy 4th of July! We arrived here on Saturday, and little man and I will be spending the week here visiting with my parents. Although Preston came out with us, he’ll be returning to Virginia later today since he needs to be back at work tomorrow.
After a three week break from half marathon training, it feels good to be back “in training” again. Although I enjoyed my short break, I often find it difficult to stay focused on my workouts when I don’t have a specific goal to focus on. Altogether, I’ll be spending 12 weeks preparing for Rock ‘n’ Roll Philly, which is on Sunday, September 18th this year. A full half marathon training cycle for me is usually 18 weeks, so 12 weeks will take a bit of modification to my usual plan, though most of the changes will only have to be made to the distance of my long training runs. However, having just run ZOOMA Annapolis a month ago, I’ve got a good running base going into this training cycle. Yesterday I completed my first long run of this training cycle – a 5 mile run on the trail in my hometown. It was a cool and rainy 60 degrees for my run, which would have been perfect for a speedy long run except that I got a bad side cramp during the second mile which slowed me down quite a bit. I had a few moments where I wanted to turn around and cut my run short, but after an extended walk break I’m glad that I pushed through and finished the run.
I completed my first long run of this training cycle yesterday on the trail in my hometown.
This past week was also my first week of summer break. It feels absolutely amazing to be able to spend full days with my little man again. We had quite a busy week, which included several doctors appointments for both of us. We also got to spend an afternoon with some fellow teachers and their babies at a local winery, as well as going shopping a couple of days. I loved spending so much extra time with him, and am looking forward to doing the same for the rest of my summer break.
Little man and I out on a walk on Wednesday
Since we had such a busy week, I didn’t get in as much cross training or strength training as I’m trying to focus on this month, but nonetheless it was a productive week of half marathon training.
Mon 6/27 – Rest day
Tues 6/28 – 3.10 mile run on the treadmill, 0.43 mile cool down walk, 30 minutes of strength training (upper body, lower body, abs)
Wed 6/29 – 2.25 mile walk
Thurs 6/30 – 3.60 mile run, 0.31 mile cool down walk
Fri 7/1 – Rest day
Sat 7/2 – Rest/travel day
Sun 7/3 – 5.00 mile run, 0.19 mile cool down walk
Total Weekly Mileage – 14.88 miles
Total RnRPhilly Mileage – 14.88 miles
QOTD: What is your training focus this summer?
I’m linking up with Holly from HoHo Runs and Tricia from MissSippiPiddlin for the Weekly Wrap link up. Be sure to check out their posts as well.
Being able to focus on little man and your other personal priorities in the summer is such a blessing with your career. Have a blast!
Thanks! I’m definitely looking forward to focusing more on him this summer.
I think you summed up how I feel when you said that it is hard to stay focused when you don’t have a specific goal to work on. That’s where I’m at right now.
Its so hard, isn’t it?
I like to have a goal to train towards as well for motivation. Hope you have a great time visiting your family and are able to find some time for yourself as well.
Thankfully my mom has been really helpful already in letting me get out for some “me” time.
Looks like a good first week! I’m the same way about needing a goal to focus on. We’ll have to plan to meet up in Philly 🙂
Yes, it would be great to meet up!
Sounds like a lovely week!! With my hubby gone, I’m not signed up for any races so my goal is just to keep on track with home work outs and good eating.
Great goals Michelle.
Thank you!!!
Sounds like a great week! Enjoy your week at your parent’s house!!!! And happy 4th!!!
Thanks Mindy!
Oh, hooray for summer break! So nice you get a week to visit family, too 🙂
Yes, its great to be there, though the time is flying by way too quickly.
I think you’ve got a fantastic running base and will do great with a 12 week plan. I started Chicago training today…with a rest day. I feel lost when I don’t have something to work toward. My recent triathlon definitely helped me cope with that in-between time and I’ll actually do another in 2 weeks. I hope you have a wonderful visit with your parents. I know they are thrilled to see the little man. Thanks for linking Kathryn.
Oh they’re so happy to be able to spend so much time with him.
Having a running base before you “begin” half marathon training is key….you won’t even miss those extra weeks that you’d usually have in a training cycle because you’re already there 😉
You’re right!
Oooh 60 degrees and rainy? That sounds like heaven!! Haha! Glad you’re having a great break so far and getting to spend time with your little guy!
The heat and humidity came back with a vengeance last night.
Great week! I love that you are just starting summer when we are about halfway through! Crazy!
I am ridiculously jealous of your cooler temps though. It’s unbearable here.
We get far too late in Virginia. It makes getting through June really difficult when it feels like everybody else is already done.
Seeing your post made me realize that it’s time to train for the RnR Philly! Glad you had a good first week. That’s awesome that you have the whole summer to spend quality time with your little one! He looks so cute with his sunglasses on!
I know, right? 😉
Sounds like a great week and so much great quality time with your little man. 🙂
There’s definitely no such thing as too much of it either.
Great week for you Kathryn! I’m swapped up my focus from running miles to more strength training. I’ve tried several classes and I’ve really enjoyed the group setting. I’ve lifted more and can see some results. I’m still running but only low mileage. I love Summer’s more relaxed weeks!
Glad to hear that the strength training is paying off.
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hahaha I love his cheeks in that photo!
Great week. I am focusing ob strength training and just walking more really.