January 4th, 2015, officially marked the start of my 16 week training cycle for London. Coming back after my short break wasn't the most motivating, speed is lost quickly, but I did as Coach Mike instructed and worked my way back up. The downside so far is the fact that this winter has SUCKED!!! We've gotten so much snow, the temperatures and wind have been brutal. I've become "friends" with the treadmill, which I really detest. I have tried the indoor track for workouts, which left me with stiff ankles from the turns. Despite all this, things have progressed pretty well so far (at least I think). It's hard to know where you really stand when you haven't raced. There are times I feel scared for the marathon and upcoming half marathon, what if I run ridiculously slow?! I haven't raced since CIM. My workouts this cycle have been completely new. I am usually do 3 x 2 miles, 3 x 3 miles, etc. This cycle has been about speed and quick turnover. My first workout back was 200 and 400 meter repeats. This last week I had 20 x 400 meters and tomorrow 15 x 1k. Totally new for me! I have gotten in lots of miles though. This cycle I have run the most miles despite the weather. The other week I hit 90 miles, last week was 85, and I will stay at 85 this week before going back up. This weekend I am going to try DH Jones 10 miler. I feel very unprepared to "race" that long. I have no problem doing 20 miles at 6:45 pace, but to run 10 miles 30-40 seconds faster per mile seems distant right now. BUT, this is essentially what I need to do for 26.2 miles in a couple months, so I better get ready... Hopefully this race doesn't knock my confidence down the gutter, but we shall see. It is suppose to be above 20 degrees after all, major heat wave :)
Aside from following my training plan, it's been a lot of eating, foam rolling, and massages this winter. The cold beats you up and makes you hungry! And naps. Lots of naps!
I'm going to Colorado next week to try to escape the cold, get on some trails and run.
