NYCM 2013 Training: Week 10 Recap

School started this week and I felt so much better physically this year than last. That became more evident on Sunday when I knocked 4 minutes off my half marathon PR at the Parks Half. A recap of that race will come later, but for now we'll look at last week's training.

Total Weekly Mileage: 52 Miles

Monday: 6 miles at 8:11 pace and arm workout
Last run of summer vacation. I went a little slower today after Sunday's 15 miles. This program is great - I am not too tired after a long run so I can still get a few runs in before my day off on Wednesday.

Tuesday: 4.8 miles at 8:10 pace at XC Practice.
First day of school! For whatever reason, teachers can't sleep the night before. I woke up early and had crazy energy all day. Morning runs no longer exist (I am up early enough, but to finish preparing for the day), so my first run comes at XC practice with the kids.

Second run: 4 mile tempo at 6:57 pace
I needed to get in some speed but did not expect to go that fast. I started off slower, around a 7:30 pace, but was flying for the last 1.5 miles.

Wednesday: 8.5 miles at 7:52 Pace
Knowing that the team had an XC meet on Thursday, I decided to run long today and take Thursday off. I was exhausted the entire day and took the pace a little easier.

Thursday: Day off!
Did a little running around the field and woods to cheer on kids, but no actual distance running.

Friday: 6 miles at 7:53 pace
Ran an evening run after hanging out with a few teachers. I can think of no better way to end the week than a run as the sun is going down.

Saturday: 5.7 miles at 9:30 pace
First run of the day happened at XC practice. I love Saturday runs with the kids because we have more time and can do more distance. Tom came to practice with us to run with some of the boys. .

Second run: 3.5 miles at 7:50 pace
Tom and I both needed more miles after practice, but took them slower knowing that we were both running the half on Sunday.

- source -

I look at little tired at this point - Mile 13

Sunday Race Day: 13.1 miles in 1:28:47 (6:46 pace) 
I wold never ever have imagined myself running at this pace unless I had a coach. I just did not think I was capable of maintaining a sub 6:55 pace for that long. But I felt good. And I kept convincing myself that I had the race. I went with any guys that passed me and found myself passing a ton of men during the second half. I knew I had to be risky and step up the speed to see what I was really capable of. I was shocked to turn to the finish line and see the time, as I hadn't done any calculations in my head while running. But man, I really am happy about that time, and now have to rethink the marathon goal a little.

On an unrelated note - I appreciate that the races down here often have photographers that upload photos of the runners for free. Thank you for not charging us an arm and a leg for one shot.