This week we had a ‘recovery’ week with only 3 days of runs(though one day had 3 runs in that day!) We are only on week 4, but it was time for a little rest. Emphasis on LITTLE! 🙂 We are running hard, quality runs…so a little recovery and rest was in order. As I am typing this I just realized we are almost 1/3 of the way through our training…WOW! Only 9 weeks left! Can I say it again? WOW!
Here is out it all panned out:
Run 1 – 8 x 400s – Tuesday
1:31
1:37
1:41
1:43
1:39
1:31
1:40
1:36
Felt pretty good. I still need to work on consistency. I was able to start faster than I have in the past couple of weeks. I did correct that…now to keep them closer to each other time wise. We have a great space to run early in the morning. It is even better now that they have repaved it. It always helps knowing Yoli is meeting me and suffering with me. 😉 In fact, all four of us who are training for Chicago were running together, separately…virtual partners. It sure does help knowing they are out there! Iron Sharpens Iron! i2
Proverbs 27.17
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
Run 1 – done early a.m. – We like to get it over with!
Run 2 – scheduled 5 mile run – Saturday – substituted with 8k Missionary Ridge Road Race – 37:15 – average pace 7:51 (on Garmin)
1 – 7:34
2 – 7:43
3 – 7:46
4 – 8:21
.74 – 5:51 (7:55 pace)
This was my first time running this race. I am so glad I did. It was a tough rolling hill course. I was thankful for my training 400/800 meter repeats because that is what I felt like I was doing…struggling up hill and recovery down hill – repeat. It paid off! I did not PR this distance but I did come in 2nd in my age group. I didn’t look at my watch throughout the whole race and just ran on feel. Race day is magic. I produce so much better on race day than in training…that gives me hope. I also had the awesome privilege of running in a newer running friend I met through another running friend. She calls us running family! I am so thankful for my running family…they get me through when I don’t want to do it myself. Great run Jessica! It was fun spending my Saturday with you!
Run 2– Missionary Ridge Road Race – It was a beautiful morning for a run. Cooler temperatures and gorgeous views.
Run 3 – 3 5ks – Sunday
1st 5k: 25:29 (6:45a.m.)
8:22
8:18
8:00
:47
Rested 10 minutes…
2nd 5k: 25:13
7:56
8:17
8:11
:47
3rd 5k : 24:44 (1:30p.m.) HOT but best. 🙂
7:54
8:04
8:00
:45
The first two 5ks were done early in the cooler weather. Yoli was kind enough to come support me and run some with me so I would not be out there alone. She is SO good! I couldn’t ask for better. I was a little nervous about these runs. I tweaked my back on Thursday and rested Thursday and Friday. I was registered for the race yesterday and made myself do it…I am glad I did. 🙂 So today I was worried it might be too much…but it wasn’t. It was the confidence builder run I needed for the week. My first run was okay. My second run was better and the 3rd was the best. I was thrilled with my negative splits and SHOCKED I could do it in the heat. I so needed this day…the one I dreaded…to be so good.
Run 5k x 3 in one day
God continues to remind me that He is in this and I can do it with His strength. Rebecca St. James song Shine Your Glory Down came on as I was running the last one…she starts with “When I run, lead me!” This is so my prayer! Here’s to another successful week…
Week 5 I am ready…When I run, lead me!
Psalm 25.5
Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.
thenextmailboxboston 
I continue to be proud and amazed!!!