As mentioned in this post, I’m attempting to get my own BQ.  I am excited to be training using again the Hansons Method.  In a nutshell, this training is based on the concept of cumulative fatigue.  You train your body to run often so that you are frequently running on tired legs.  The idea is to run this way so that during the last miles of a race you are prepared to push through the final miles. These plans are 18 weeks and have you running 6 days (easy, speed/strength, tempo, and long runs) a week with one rest day.  I am not sure when I will qualify but am determined to get there.

Week #10, May 29-June 4

M Ran 4.02 Miles
T Did not run
W OFF
TH Did not run
F Did not run
S Ran 2.02 Miles
S Did not run

This week did not go as expected.  I missed way too many runs.  I only ran on Monday and Saturday – and not even the mileage I was supposed to.  I had zero motivation and was tired.  Moving is taking longer and much more difficult than I thought.  I am not done.  My goal is to finish by Tuesday morning.

Wednesday was the end of May and I am happy to say that I ended the month having run 115.45 miles. That is my highest month so far!  You can read my monthly review here.

On Friday I received a few items for my running cruise in July.

I spent part of the weekend looking into a marathon to do in the fall.  I am thinking of either the Lake Michigan Marathon on September 3rd or the Quad Cities Marathon on September 24th.  Also, I am not sure what to do training wise – hire a coach, somewhat start over with the Hansons Plans (week 6) or purchase a 16 weeks training plan from Hansons Coaching Services.  What I like about the latter one is that it is 16 weeks (I have 14 weeks till the Lake Michigan Marathon so I know I haven’t missed much) and it consists of running 5 days instead of 6 and it is also based on the number of miles a runner can and wants to do each week (I am thinking 30-40).  I need to decide soon so I can start training tomorrow.

On Wednesday I joined a new gym, Formula Fitness Club.  I checked it out about a week ago and like it a lot.  I like the variety of classes and looks and smells cleaner/nicer than my current gym.  Plus they provide towels, soap, shampoo, conditioner, and blow dryers.  The parking situation is OK (my current gym offers free parking all day).  There are various locations in Chicago and they offer free parking for 2 hours which is enough time to take a class and shower, if needed.  I checked out the two locations that I will most likely be going, South Loop and West Loop, and there is also free street parking available till 8am.  That will come in handy if for some reason I need to stay longer than 2 hours at the gym (I’ve stayed longer than 2 hours running on the treadmill during marathon training) or if I am in a rush and it is so much faster to park on the street then drive to the lot, park, and walk to the gym.

Tuesday is my last day of school and Friday morning I head out to Utah to run the Utah Valley Half Marathon.  I will admit that I did not pay too much attention to the logistics till last week and realized that the race starts at 6am.  Sigh.  That means a very early wake up call since we have to take a bus to take us to the start line.  Oh well, it will still be a fun race and it will make me happy to run in another state.

Total mileage for the week: 6.04 miles
Total mileage for this training cycle:  210.71 miles
Total mileage for the year: 258.90 miles

As mentioned in this post, I’m attempting to get my own BQ.  I am excited to be training using again the Hansons Method.  In a nutshell, this training is based on the concept of cumulative fatigue.  You train your body to run often so that you are frequently running on tired legs.  The idea is to run this way so that during the last miles of a race you are prepared to push through the final miles. These plans are 18 weeks and have you running 6 days (easy, speed/strength, tempo, and long runs) a week with one rest day.  I am not sure when I will qualify but am determined to get there.

Week #9, May 22-27

M Did not run
T Ran 5.95 Miles (5×1000)
W OFF
TH Did not run
F Did not run
S Ran 10.12 Miles
S Did not run

I took it easy this week.  I am moving classrooms (same grade but now will be on the 1st floor instead of 2nd floor) so I need to pack up all of my stuff.  I’ve been in the same room for 3 years and have so much stuff.  I did have a few moms help me pack but still have so much more to pack.

Tuesday’s run went very well.  I went to the gym for this run.  Goal for each interval was between 6:15-6:31 and I managed to do them in those times.  However, during my last interval I accidentally hit the lap button (did not realize till I was done) and only ran .22 miles.  I remember that when my watch vibrated to signal the end of the interval, I thought it was weird because I felt like it has just vibrated.

On Thursday I stayed at school till 6pm packing and moving boxes and had zero energy to run.  

Friday was a trip to the zoo.  The weather was perfect.  The kids had fun but I was TIRED.  We were supposed to leave the zoo at 1pm but by 12:30 the kids were also tired and we headed back to the front to meet the rest of the groups and wait for the bus.  I walked over 12,000 steps while at the zoo.

Saturday was the Soldier Field 10 Mile Race.  It is one of my favorite races in Chicago.  I felt great for 6 miles and then my legs were very tired.  I was happy that breathing-wise and energy-wise I was feeling really good but the legs were not happy.

In the morning I had coffee with a Clif Bar.  About 45 minutes before the race I had one serving of UCAN with water.  I have not used this in a long time and am excited to used it for my training.  I did struggle towards the end of the race but don’t know if it was because of the heat, that I was tired, or because I needed more fuel. << I only drank water on the course but with less than 2 miles to go I did have Nuun (because #nuunlife) that was offered on the course.  Overall, I am pleased with my results because my goal was to finish under 2 hours.  

Total mileage for the week: 16.07 miles
Total mileage for this training cycle:  204.67 miles
Total mileage for the year: 256.88 miles

As mentioned in this post, I’m attempting to get my own BQ.  I am excited to be training using again the Hansons Method.  In a nutshell, this training is based on the concept of cumulative fatigue.  You train your body to run often so that you are frequently running on tired legs.  The idea is to run this way so that during the last miles of a race you are prepared to push through the final miles. These plans are 18 weeks and have you running 6 days (easy, speed/strength, tempo, and long runs) a week with one rest day.  I am not sure when I will qualify but am determined to get there.

Week #7, May 8-14

M Ran 4.02 Miles
T Ran 7.02 Miles (8 x 600)
W OFF
TH Ran 7.02 Miles
F Ran 4.02 Miles
S Ran 6.02 Miles
S Ran 10.02 Miles

Monday run was faster than I was supposed to.  My easy runs are supposed to be between 12:57-13:57. As you can see below, each mile was completed under 12 minutes.

Tuesday was at the track for 8×600 with 1 mile warmup and cool down and 400m recovery after each 400.  Total was 7.02 miles.  It wasn’t easy.  Goal for each interval was between 3:45-3:54.  A few were done faster which I am surprised but at the same time happy about it.

Thursday’s tempo run did not go as I wanted to but it was better than last week.  I actually did run the 5 tempo miles but unfortunately slower than tempo pace (11:27).  I was frustrated because at one point not only was I able to run that pace (and felt comfortable) but last year during marathon training I was running tempo miles in the 9s.  

Friday’s run was 4 miles at an easy pace.  I was tired.  It was nice and sunny but still windy which I did not like.

Saturday’s run was hot.  I waited till about 10 and underestimated how hot it was going to be.  I did not wear a hat and did not take any water.  Big mistake.  I was very thirsty and stopped at a gym to get some water.  I wore a new Oiselle top that pretty much kept me dry. <<See picture below – only two wet spots in the boob area.

Sunday’s run was my longest – 10 miles @11:57-13:27 pace.  I did hit those paces (slowest was 13:07 and fastest was 11:30).  I have a race (10 miles) in two weeks and it is making me wonder how I can run the miles at a faster pace.  I know I probably won’t PR (1:41:56) but I would like to finish under 2 hours.

Total mileage for the week: 38.12 miles
Total mileage for this training cycle:  157.89 miles
Total mileage for the year: 206.08 miles

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the AMAZING MOMS out there!  You are seriously all beautiful!!