February just blew by, didn’t it? Training has kicked in and I’m really enjoying running and preparing for my fourth marathon.

Training Summary

I managed a total of 110 miles, most of them very easy, but with a couple of decent workouts thrown in. (Break down of paces below.)

Sleep has been sporadic–the baby is still not consistent; sometimes she sleeps through the night, sometimes not, but she is now completely weaned (she’s 10.5 months old), and that should help with sleep. (I pray!)

I’m following a different training plan than I normally do. I found it in a training book I have called, Run Faster from the 5k to the Marathon: How to Be Your Own Best Coach by Brad Hudson and Matt Fitzgerald, and it’s going to be a tough challenge. With this plan I have more weekly mileage and longer workouts. Paces don’t get faster than about an 8-8:15/mile for reps, but the mileage is a little higher than I’m typically use to.

I have had to switch around days to fit my schedule (or my husband’s schedule) or adjust to weather and fatigue, but overall I’ve stayed on track.

Sample Week

Here’s what the last week of February looked like:
(Since I’m doing a run streak right now, my rest days usually have at least 1 mile at a really easy pace around 12:00/mile.)

Sunday: 1 mile
Monday: 7 easy with 6×40 sec at 3k pace
Tuesday: 5 easy
Wednesday: 1 easy and weights
Thursday: 7 easy w/ 4 x 8 sec hill sprints
Friday: 1 easy
Saturday: 7easy w/ last 20 minutes moderate

I had to guess a bit at my paces since my last race was before baby. I used this calculator and gave my best guess at what I could run.

Easy pace: 10:30-11:30
Marathon goal pace: 9:34
Half Marathon goal pace: 9:17
10k: 8:50
5k: 8:30
3k: 8:16
Mile: 7:51

Cross Training

I’ve been keep up with weight training at least 2 times per week, and am trying to add in more yoga or Pilates to the mix. I’ve notice some tightness and tenderness in my IT band, so I’ve been paying special attention to strengthening my hips and glutes, and stretching and foam rolling to prevent any major injuries.

Fuel

So far I’ve just been fueling with real food and a little bit of UCAN. I haven’t had a run longer than 8 miles, so a little UCAN pre-run is all I need. As the miles increase, so will my fuel. Besides UCAN I plan on using Honey Stinger. I am an ambassador for Honey Stinger, but their stuff is legit. These are my personal favorite.

Upcoming

March looks pretty intense with higher mileage and some tough-looking workouts, but I’m excited to push myself. We also have quite a few other things like birthdays, Lent, and spring break which will play into my training.

How about you? Are you training for something? How’s it going for you?

-Cathryn

Related:

How to Train for a Marathon when You’re a Busy Mom
How to Run a Sub-2 hour Half Marathon
How to Fuel for Runs: Before, During, and After
Review of Generation UCAN