This morning I went to the wonderful Candace’s vinyasa class at RYAH. I feel amazing; like I never ran 20 miles yesterday. I did lots of stretching and tiger tailing post-run and chugged some chocolate milk within a half hour of finishing. I think the combination of those things plus yoga are responsible for me feeling so good.
Anyhow, here’s how week 7 of NJ Marathon training shaped up:
MON: rest (flew back from SF)
TUE: 5 miles speed
WED: 7 miles tempo
THU: rest
FRI: 6 miles easy
SAT: 20 miles
SUN: 75 min yoga and 3 miles easy (just to put me at 41 miles for the week!)
41 miles this week. Finally. Seems like it took me forever to get to 40 miles. I’m generally happy with the FIRST training plan because I only do quality runs and my legs are fresher overall compared to previous training cycles. I just can’t shake the low mileage thing. I need to get over this. I’m happy with where I am and should focus on that. I feel stronger and faster than I did last training cycle. I need to believe in the training, believe in the training…
Wow – congratulations on an awesome week of training! I am so impressed that you were able to run and yoga the day after running 20! I always require a few days off of running after the really long runs!
Glad you’re feeling great!
Thanks Jen! Reading about how much you love yoga and how it has helped your running really inspired me to give it a go!
I haven’t read that book or heard of the training plan. So it just does quality runs? Still looks like it has you doing decent mileage each week. What was the previous training plan that you did?
Hi Cindi – yes, just quality runs. I’m modifying the plan a bit. It calls for 3 runs per week (speed, tempo, and long) with low overall mileage. The runs are hard but the thinking is since your mileage is low, your legs should be fresh, and you should be able to complete the runs. I’m adding a 4th run – an easy run – to bump up my weekly mileage (and easy runs are fun!).
I’ve followed Bart Yasso’s and Pete Pfitzinger’s plans in the past and would stay in the mid- to high-40s for most of my training cycle (maxing out around 50-52 miles). With the FIRST plan, I’ll probably max out at 45 miles. So it just feels a little different.
So glad you found my blog and now I can follow yours!! And, we are both following the FIRST plan! When is your marathon? I am running mine 5/14.
I look forward to hearing more from you!
Hi Jess! My marathon is 5/1. I thought you may be using the FIRST plan when I saw your goal long run pace! Nice job on the 20-miler! What’s your goal time for the marathon?