Hey runners!  Ready for a peek into my latest week of half marathon training? It’s been a mix of pushing myself and giving my body the TLC it deserves. Here’s an update on the the ups, downs, and everything in between from my training plan for the upcoming Run Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon in November. Lace up those shoes, and let’s goooooooo…

Monday – Easy Run for Recovery

After a challenging 15-mile run over the weekend, I decided to switch things up. Originally, it was speed run day, but my body had other ideas. Since my foot still occasionally feels a bit achy from an old injury (broken foot, I opted for an easy run instead. It’s all about listening to your body and erring on the side of caution, right? A smooth and relaxed run was just what I needed to kick off the week.

Notes from this week of training: Monday was supposed to be a speed run, but I swapped it for an easy run because…
3 years ago I broke my foot and every now and then I feel a slight ache in it. I’ve talked with my doctor and it could be scar tissue from the injury (and nothing to worry about).

But, there’s also a chance it’s a weak spot that’s vulnerable to reinjury. That makes me nervous and STRESS IS THE WORST THING FOR YOU. So, I try to err on the side of caution when I feel lil squeaks from that area.
This is an example of ‘Listen to your body’ irl. That phrase is like white noise because it’s thrown around so much, but it’s still very important (especially while training for a half or full marathon).

So, this is your lil reminder to Listen to Your Body. Push yourself when you can. Take it easy or get extra rest when you need it. And have the wisdom to know the difference.

Tuesday – Building Strength

No pounding the pavement today – it’s strength training day! While running is the star of the show, strength training plays a crucial supporting role. It helps prevent injuries, boosts overall performance, and makes us feel like unstoppable warriors. Squats, lunges, and a dash of core work had me feeling the burn in the best way possible.

Wednesday – Embracing the Tempo Run

Hump day meant tempo run day! A tempo run is like adding a spicy kick to your training plan. It challenges your pace, improves your aerobic capacity, and builds mental toughness. I was aiming to find that sweet spot around an effort level of 7 (instead of using pace per mile to measure the run)..

Thursday – Another Strength Training Session

Back to the weights we go! Strength training is like a superhero outfit for our muscles. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about building a strong foundation to power through those miles. I hit the weights I have at home once again, focusing on different muscle groups and keeping that balance between cardio and strength work.

Friday – Easy Breezy Easy Run (without a breeze, because… summer)

As the weekend drew near, I opted for another easy run. It’s essential to give your body some breathing room after those intense workouts. I soaked up the scenery, enjoyed the rhythm of my breath, and let my mind wander as I covered the miles at a comfortable pace.

Saturday – Conquering the Long Run

Ah, the long run – my favorite run of the week. This time, I logged 13 miles, getting a taste of the distance I’ll run at the Run Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon. I listened to the end of my latest Audible book – “Lethal Defense” by Michael Stagg. It was a lil uneventful, but still good writing kept me interested. I think this was another book that was included with an Audible membership

Sunday – Rest Day Bliss

Rest days are like a gift you need, but don’t want sometimes. It’s important to recharge, recover, and revel in the progress made during the week. Whether it’s catching up on my favorite shows, reading a book, or indulging in some well-deserved self-care, Sundays are my secret to maintaining a healthy balance in training.

And there you have it, a snapshot of my week in training for the Run Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon. It’s all about finding that equilibrium between pushing boundaries and respecting your body’s signals. Remember, fellow runners, every step you take brings you closer to your goals – and every rest day is a step towards a stronger you. Until next time, keep those feet moving and those smiles shining!

YOU GOT THIS.

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