Happy Happy Sunday! Anyone else loving the weather this week, especially this weekend? I really feel like we had a heatwave since we hit 50 degrees on Saturday and today. It was picture-perfect weather for running, that’s for sure.
This was my first cut back week and it was much appreciated! Week #4 of training is in the books, let’s discuss!
Monday 1/15
4 mile run.
Started off my cutback week with a 4 mile run! My legs felt a little heavy but I was still able to hit all of my paces.
Tuesday 1/16
2 mile run.
Strength training (30 minutes).
Nice short run and for strength training I did a lot of bodyweight exercises, core work and free weights.
Wednesday 1/17
Boot Camp (60 minutes).
After a quick warm up, we did a bunch of different circuits and then lots of exercises with free weights and planks/sit ups.
Thursday 1/18
5 mile tempo run.
This was a tempo run turned progression run. I missed my first tempo pace on mile 2 so then I just turned it into a progression run. It felt good to run a little faster.
Friday 1/19
Rest days are the best days! I also received this awesome package from the Shamrock Marathon. I love everything, especially the long sleeve “in training” shirt – it will be perfect for training runs!
Thank you Shamrock Marathon!
Saturday 1/20
10 mile long run.
I was happy that I “only” had 10 miles to run yesterday. Once I say “only”, I know that means I’m fully into marathon mode lol. This run was better than last week’s run – no back pain – but I did have some foot pain. I’ve had issues with my left foot on and off for a while and it’s starting to get annoying! It feels better today so I’m happy about that. I think that my sneakers might be part of the issue so I may have to go back to my Mizunos and see how it feels.
Sunday 1/21
Boot Camp (35 minutes)
Sundays are usually my spinning days but I decided to mix things up today. I took part in a Boot Camp, Brunch and Well-Bring event and it was a ton of fun. Started off with boot camp, followed by an awesome brunch and then a tour of a local spa/sauna.
Total Weekly Mileage: 21
Total Training Cycle Miles – 105
Grade – B+
Overall this week was good – a cut back week is always a good week, am I right?! For some reason I was tired this week. It was a busy week at work so I think that contributed to it. I’m hoping that I’ll have some more energy going into this week.
I’m continuing with my meat-free eating and feeling good about that choice. After doing some more research, I’ve decided to become pescatarian because I still eat and enjoy seafood. I’m finding that I’m not craving any type of meat except for chicken. I know it’s going to be a while before that craving goes away though, but that’s okay! I haven’t lost any weight yet and I don’t feel different, but I know all those changes will happen in due time.
Did you participate in the Strava/Lululemon 40/80 Challenge? As I mentioned last week, I did but only hot the 50K mark. Well all participants were emailed about the “prize” on Friday and boy oh boy, people were pissed! I didn’t do the challenge last year but apparently runners either got a shirt or a shirt and shorts. This year the prize was 25% off their full price items.
Before I forget, sorry for the lack of post this week. As I mentioned, work was hectic this week so after I came home and completed my workouts, I didn’t have a lot of energy to blog. Also, I don’t really have any tips to write about and I hate to throw a blog post up “just to write something”. I’ll do better this week!
How were your workouts this week?
I’m linking up with Holly and Wendy for the Weekly Wrap.
Sounds like a solid week! I think you can be tired during cut back weeks because your body is recovering and needs that rest. I love the Shamrock training shirt! I’m sure I’m partial to the Virginia state design. 😉 I didn’t do the LuLu challenge but understand why folks would be miffed. I’m not a huge privacy fanatic, but from their perspective they got a lot of runners’ data out of it.
I love the short too and the Virginia design is awesome! I never thought about the privacy issues with the Lululemon challenge but you’re absolutely right – they got a lot of data from all the runners for free!
That Strava challenge really had people angry, and with good reason! I was tempted to give it a try, but quickly remembered how much I really needed my off-season. If I had done the challenge, and risked injury, only to get nothing substantial, well….I’d be really miffed as well. Congrats on a good week of training! I agree, the cutback weeks are awesome!
Yeah I was actually happy that I didn’t push and try hit 80K. It was just way too cold and icy to do all of my runs outside!
Great week of training! I don’t think I could go meatless. I’ve thought about it but like you I do like chicken. And Fish!
I don’t think I could give up fish either so that’s why I decided pescatarian vs vegetarian!
Great job this week! It was so nice to have some warmer weather. Hope you can figure out the shoe/foot issue! I don’t think I realized you were going meatless. I would find that really hard since I eat a lot of meat!
Thanks so much Lisa! I’m hoping that my foot issue fixes itself (wishful thinking)!
Yikes on the strava challenge! I remember last year that the participants got gear. Now I’m not so sad that I missed it.
Great job with your training this week! You’re killing it. And I’m totally loving this heat wave! It’s even going to stay around for next weekend!!
Yeah I heard that they were getting a lot of negative feedback on Facebook – yikes!
Love a cutback week 🙂 Great job! That event sounds fun!
I’m often more tired when running less, i.e. the taper or a cutback. I think your body is using the energy to recover.
I think you’re right – that totally makes sense!
I hope by returning to your Mizunos, your foot will feel OK. I’m curious, where is it hurting? I only did 55k for the challenge and after getting our prize (which was the same for either distance) I’m glad I didn’t push it. But, there were so many people in that challenge — how in the heck could they give away free clothing to everyone? I’m chuckling over the only 10 miles comment. Thanks for linking!
I hope so. Mizunos have always been my go-tos, but their newer versions aren’t great for me. I’m hoping maybe I can still find some older versions of the 10s or I might have to switch over to the 11s for my long runs – we’ll see!
Ha! I love when 10 seems like a short run. However, I am so not there. Hooray for a cutback week. Those are the best. The Shamrock gear is cute! I find myself eating less and less meat, however I do enjoy chicken and fish occasionally.
LOL yeah, that’s how i know I have crossed over into crazy marathon training territory!
Another great week of training and it’s fabulous how you are working on your diet changes as well. I hope that gives you an extra boost of energy. I will be getting back to you soon with some other veggie ideas
Thanks so much Deborah!
I love your Shamrock training gear! Nice training week too. A cutback week is always welcome. I’ve got one coming this week!
Thanks! I love that it’s long sleeved so I can actually do some training runs in it this winter!
Sounds like a great week! That Shamrock shirt is really cute 🙂
Thanks! I love that the Shamrock shirt is long sleeved!
Sounds like an awesome week of training with running and boot camps! I love the Shamrock in training swag. Meat free living is great! If I could, I’d eat seafood now and then for the protein but I hate the smell/taste so vegetarian it is.
Yes, it was definitely a great week of workouts but I’m still pretty sore from them!
I eat a lot of chicken, but I eat seafood too. I just don’t eat that much red meat anymore. It hasn’t been a conscience choice either, it just happened.
I’ve never been a huge fan of red meat, but I really do love chicken so I miss it!
There are times I think I could go meatless, but then there are times when I just could die for a big fat juicy hamburger!! Lol
Oh the foot issues. I know just how you feel. I’m beginning to wonder if my shoes are the issue with my foot pain but it’s too late to experiment now. Just gotta go with it!!
Great week Kim!!
LOL! I’ve never been a huge fan of red meat, but I really do love chicken so that’s why I miss it!
I’m starting to think that the foot issue is related to the snekers I started running in a few weeks ago. I’m going to stop doing long runs in them.
You’re doing great!
Definitely stay on top of that foot pain! You don’t want that to become an insurmountable issue! I hope a shoe change will do the trick!
Cute Shamrock gear!
Thanks so much Jenn! I’m starting to think that the foot issue is related to the snekers I started running in a few weeks ago. I’m going to stop doing long runs in them.
Sounds like a pretty good week. I didn’t take part in the Lulu challenge (obvs) but I saw people were so mad! #lulufail
Yeah, that’s a good hashtag because I do think it was a #lulufail LOL
sounds like a great week and you got some great swag too! Touring the fitness center and spa sounds like fun. I find even the tours to be so relaxing..haha
I agree! During the tour I was like wow I feel so calm now haha
It sounds like it was a good training week! That is some awesome gear you got from Shamrock!
Thanks Vanessa! I agree – I’m loving all the Shamrock gear.
This weather has been absolutely wonderful, and has definitely helped with my motivation to run. I love how you were happy to only have to run 10 miles. That’s definitely a sign that you’re in the thick of marathon training!
Same here! Better weather and not having to wear 3 layers to run is a great feeling.
Running in cool weather is one of my favorites. Feeling the wind against your skin– so refreshing! You’re making some great progress, as well 🙂
I always love running in the Fall – just cold enough to enjoy the run, but not cold enough for tons of layers!
“Only” 10 miles, haha. I’m sure after so many longer runs those 10 miles go by in a flash!
LoL, definitely! It’s funny how our minds adapt to the long runs.
Nice week! I enjoy cutback weeks as well! I was disappointed with the Lululemon/Strava challenge too! It was a good motivator to get out but still 25% off was pretty low.
Cutback weeks are so amazing!
I hope that they make some changes to the Lululemon/Strava challenge next year!
great cutback week Kim! did you still kind of miss spinning though on Sunday?
last week was crazy hectic for me. this week has been nuts so far. stop the world, I want to get off!!
I did miss spin on Sunday, but it was nice to try something new!
Wow! Such a great week of training, Kim! That package is so excellent and the T-shirt is awesome. 😉
Thanks so much Agness!