Running Challenge Part 2

I just realized it has been almost a week since my last blog post, so here’s a quick update on how my Fall/Winter running focus is going.   I tried to do this a couple years ago, but then I got pregnant (on purpose) and underestimated the effect that first trimester fatigue would have on me.  One year ago, I was just trying to get back into shape period, so I’ll refer to this time as part 2 of my self-imposed running challenge.

After Pinehurst in early October, I took a few days of rest and then started in on consistent, slow-paced running.  I have mixed in single track, bridle trails and road running.  The mix is good for me because lots of single track makes my ankles tired and lots of other running aggravates a hip imbalance.  A little this, a little that and some rest when I need it keeps me rolling.

It seems a month of building volume, followed by rest and a hard 10k run was a fitness improver.  All my runs in week 6 were a little faster than before, including the recovery stroller jogs.  FWIW, anything faster than 6 mph with the stroller is an improvement.  The high point of the week was that Friday where I ran with a new buddy and we chatted away to a 7:20 paced 9 miler (which is really good and a minute per mile faster than I was running the same route previously). 

This past week’s high number of 47 miles was partly due to getting mis-directed during Saturday’s long trail run.  My longest prior to that day was 2:08 and that day was 2:28.  I felt those extra 20 minutes when running Sunday and that extra speed I’d found previously escaped me temporarily.  I’m still feeling fine, though and look forward to keeping my consistency and general mileage up without breaking.  No more races on the immediate horizon, which is  how I prefer it right now.

P.S.  I’m not swimming, biking is minimal but I’m working in some regular core and swim-specific strength training.

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