Even with a 4 day work week, it felt like a LONG and exhausting week.  Two tests (MAP) were given this week and my kids were all tired from them.  

We got more snow on Monday so there was plenty of it still on Tuesday.  I took it slow because I did not want to fall and actually enjoyed it.  The sunset was beautiful!!

I had to do a quality session run on Wednesday (1.5 warm up and cooldown and 8×2 minute intervals at 10:02 pace).  I changed clothes at school and made my way to the airport.  I started running and then all of a sudden I got really cold and simply gave up.  I did not want to deal with the cold weather.  I did try to convince myself that it would get better and to just run.  Nope, didn’t work.  I went home.

Lola wondered why I was home early.  She was not pleased with my decision.

By Thursday most of the snow had melted.  It made the run a little easier.  I have a Nathan headlamp but cannot find it.  I have an old one I used during Ragnar a few years ago but don’t like it too much because it isn’t as bright like my other one.

I was supposed to do my long run on Sunday but asked my coach if I could do it on Saturday because it was supposed to rain on Sunday.  It was GORGEOUS on Saturday!  I wore my Oiselle Wazzie Wool top and a vest.  I was a little afraid because I thought I was going to be cold but I was actually comfortable.  The sun helped too.  

I wore shorts for Sunday’s run!  It wasn’t as warm as yesterday and cloudy but it still felt really good.  Can you tell I love my Brooks Launch 4?  🙂

I love seeing the holiday decorations.  It was nice and warm on Monday and I could have worn shorts but opted to wear a new to me pair of Oiselle Aero Tights.  Oh, and another new pair of Brooks Launch 4.  They’re on sale on Running Warehouse and at the Brooks site.  Have I told you how much I love my Oiselle Lightning Layer?  Seriously, the BEST reflective piece of gear you need when running in the dark.

Tuesday workout was the same as Monday but I added 4 strides (20 seconds) and 60 seconds recovery.  Easy.  But I was cold.  It was 31 degrees.  Lola didn’t care.

The elliptical machine bores me so this week Mary had me use the bike.  Much better.  I did get tired of sitting down and found myself moving around a little to get comfortable.  I know, I complain too much.  If it isn’t one thing, it is another.

Saturday’s run was tough.  Another cold but also WINDY day.   The first 5 miles were fine but struggled the last 5.  Well, we ran nonstop for a little over 3 miles and then I told the group that I needed to walk a little.  Not surprisingly, the last two miles were my slowest.  Overall, my average pace was 11:28 which made me very happy.  

I missed my workout on Friday because I was cold and tired.  I came home from a long day of meetings and just wanted to stay in bed.  I sent an email to Mary explaining the situation and she responded saying to get some rest and to do the workout on Sunday.  I thought for sure she was going to tell me to just skip it.  Nope.  It wasn’t as cold as on Saturday and luckily it was 45 minutes instead of 10 miles.  🙂  I think I did pretty good!

Another week of training for the Illinois Marathon.  It was colder than I wanted it to be but that is expected for December.  🙂

Total mileage for the week: 22.40
Total mileage for this training cycle: 42.31
Total mileage for the year: 736.69

Here’s how training has gone so far:
• Week 1

How was YOUR week?

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New shoes, socks, and Oiselle spandos to start off my week and my training.

The two 45 minute runs were actually fun!  I asked Mary what pace I should do these runs and she told me “easy, very easy pace”.  No problem at all.

Tuesday workout bore me.  I detest the elliptical machine.  I did get to watch 45 minutes of the “Sex and the City” movie.  I still think Carrie should have married Aidan.

December started off with running 3.33 miles in 40 minutes.  Again, easy pace.  I had planned to go in the morning but woke up very cold.  It turned out that the heat was off.  I did text the owner to let him know and it was working again later on in the day.  He didn’t explain what had happened and I did not ask.

How is it that 62 degrees feels great outside but inside a house it is very cold?

Saturday mornings I help pace the 11:00 group out of Fleet Feet.  The past couple of weeks I’ve struggled to maintain that pace.  The 11:30 group didn’t have a pacer on Saturday and I offered to pace it.  It was awesome!  I felt great!  It could have been the weather, pace or some new to me energy chews.  I requested to be moved to the 11:30 and from now on that will be my group to pace.

My first week went well.  I did all of my workouts and am pleased with my results.  Next week I have 3 days of easy run, cross training on the bike on Wednesday, and 10 miles on Saturday.

Total mileage for the week: 19.91
Total mileage for this training cycle: 19.91
Total mileage for the year: 714.30

How was YOUR week?

Link back to the host and let’s support other bloggers linking up as they train for a marathon,  half marathon, or any other event.