VCM Training: Week 5 – Sticking To The Plan
This past week’s goal was to stick to the plan. I’ve been messing around with the days I run and I honestly don’t prefer to do that, unless it’s necessary. I love my schedule of running Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
I took this past Sunday off due to the weird butt/back pain, but also because I needed to cut back on some miles. It would’ve been too big of a jump to go from 22 to high 30s, so Sunday seemed like the right day to take a rest day instead.
Saturday: 14 miles (9:30 avg. pace) – I did this on the treadmill, for some reason it was more motivating to do it inside instead of outside in the blistery weather. Plus, I started late and the thought of traveling to Central Park was unappealing and time consuming. I tried to make the treadmill run somewhat hilly to make up for it.
Sunday: Rest
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 2x 1600, 800, 400 (7:49, 3:39, 1:47) (7:51, 3:42, 1:47) 7 miles total.
This was the hardest speedwork I have EVER done. No lie. I thought I was going to puke and die. People at the gym were probably concerned. I I made it through the second mile repeat and was almost done, I only had 1 more 800, and 400 to go, but I absolutely needed a break, if only for a minute. I went to the locker room to regroup and wipe some sweat off my face. Then, I hopped right back on and pushed through. But, yeah holy shit, hardest freaking speedwork ever! I think the 800s were the worst. I am so proud of myself for nailing this workout. Now, next week’s 3 mile-repeats look like a piece of cake! Please don’t make me do this again…
Wednesday: Easy 4 miles (9:27 avg. pace)
Thursday: 6 mile Tempo – My first tempo run of the season! Ahhh, I feel like these used to be somewhat easy, but not this time around. With a whole minute knocked off my tempo pace this training round, they are looking a little more scary. This run was probably a little harder than it should’ve been, and I blame Tuesday’s run. Anyway, 1 mile w/u and c/d and 4 miles done at a gruesome 8:20 pace.
Friday: Core Strengthening Workshop at Yoga Agora in Astoria
Total: 31 miles, 1 cross training session
No strength training sessions this week. Somewhat intentional, I feel like I needed a break physically, but I was sure to get in at least 1 good cross training session at the yoga workshop.
What is the craziest speed workout you’ve ever done? Did you feel amazing afterwards?
HAHA. Glad you stuck to the plan this week! You nailed your long run! YAY! I know the tempo and speeds suck…but they should be your toughest days of the week. You nailed them!! And they will start dropping your long run pace done on their own =)
xoxo
I JUST WROTE ABOUT THIS! I almost puked and fell off the treadmill in one workout. It was very similar to yours!!! 2x (1600, 1200, 800, 400). I ran too fast and paid the price!!
Great job though. You are putting in the work and very obviously getting faster.