Jan 28, 2010

The Standard

This week set the standard of how I want my training to go for the next month or so. Sixty miles on four runs. I did a 20, a 15, a 10 of speedwork and another 15. Hopefully I can do that for the next month or so to build a base and then I'll begin a couple months where I cut back on the mileage but speed up the pace and build back up to that mileage again at the faster pace. That's the plan anyway.

So the nitty gritty for the week went like this: I already blogged about the 20 miler on Monday and then I did 15 on Wednesday. I tell you what, that one really beat me up and I don't know why. I'm suspecting it was my shoes which have about 450 miles on them. I ran in the evening and then all night long my legs were sore and it even woke me up during the night a few times. The next day I was wiped out and had to nap even. Then on Thursday evening I planned to do 10 with 6 one mile repeats. I honestly didn't know how I'd do them and didn't really think I would but I guess I just kept plugging away. My active recovery (walking/jogging) between miles was closer to 3:30-3:40 than the usual 3:00 but I don't mind that. So 6x1 mile at around 6:18 (going to try to speed that up some). Finally today, Saturday, I did 15 easy miles at 8:27 and was feeling much better.

Weight update: Okay, since you've been along for the ride this far I'll give you the full update. Marathon morning, Jan. 9th I can only assume I weighed 157. I was at a hotel so didn't actually weigh myself but that is about where I was for the week. So, marathon that day, nothing the next day, 12.4 the next and sick the 4th day. Next morning I was 150.8. That was about 2.5 weeks ago and now I'm still only back up to 153 as of this morning. Maybe that's the new baseline.

All in: Wednesday 15 at 8:14
Thursday 10 at 8:36 with 6x1 at 6:17
Saturday 15 at 8:27

10 comments:

Glenn Jones said...

Wow. I would love to be able to do the miles in the combination that you do. Maybe when I grow up. These days I can hit about 45 miles conformatbly - after that I start breaking down. But I've only been at this a couple years. I now have something to look forward to!

Unknown said...

It seems like you did two long runs, back to back. Is that maybe why you felt beat up? I hope you're doing well now!

Beth said...

Boy, I'm just struggling to get 25 miles a week, and I don't always hit that. You have really found your rythm and are doing a great job. Yeah!

TokyoRacer said...

Thinner is better! Seriously....
As for your workouts, how about switching the Wednesday and Thursday workouts? Do the speed work first, then do a long run the next day at a comfortable pace.
Also, 6 x 1 mile (1.6k) is a very tough workout. As you know, our Wed. night workouts are always about 6,000m. I have read several times that that is the ideal distance, and I agree. Maybe 8,000m, but not 9,600.

AZ said...

Bob, thanks for the comments. I know thinner is better and I don't mind the weight loss, just want to be sure it is the right kind of weight loss.

As far as the workouts, I like the idea of switching Wed and Thurs around. Might try that this week. A number of articles from runners world suggest 6 mile repeats although probably at a pace slower than mine.

Meg- I'm not considering 15 miles a long run anymore.

Jill said...

Wow, great mileage! I agree with Meg, maybe your legs were just tired from the long run before your longer run. Just a thought. When I changed shoes a couple weeks ago, wow - what a world of difference! Have a great running week!

Lindsay said...

wow, 60 miles on 4 days! i'm impressed. i wish i could do 2 long(er) runs a week but i just don't know... i think i need to suck it up more instead of whine about how late i have to eat dinner...

men, never struggling to lose weight ;) i have 7 lbs i can send you, no problem! :)

San said...

60 miles for training. Well, that's nothing I can do a lot more. On my bike. LOL. Amazing Az.

On the weight issue, building up muscles takes time....

Tony said...

AZ you've sounded pretty nervous about this weight loss for a while. It might not be a bad idea and just go to a check up. Just to ease your mind. I'm sure it's no big deal and your probably right and it's just your new baseline.

AZ said...

Thanks for the comments everyone. I really don't care about the weight loss, just find it interesting and assuming it is running related I think it is blogworthy.