We’ve officially entered uncharted territory.
Yesterday was my Longest. Run. Ever. 8 miles. That is more than halfway to 13.1! I remember seeing my Garmin click past the 7 mile mark and I smiled to myself. It was a gorgeous day and I felt really good heading out, which surprised me because I tweaked my calf somehow at boot camp the day before and I wasn’t sure how it was going to hold up. But I was cruising at a steady and realistic pace (in the 9:00s). Maybe it was the sunshine and the fact that it finally felt like spring, but for the first time I realized that I can really do this. Especially when I got home and realized I had negative splits!
Meal Plan
Before we get ready to start our Easter celebrations soon, I wanted to quickly share our meal plan for the week. I will preface this by saying I am making a few temporary diet tweaks in anticipation of having to wear that two-piece swimsuit that is mocking me from my closet. Basically, I am cutting out dairy and alcohol for the next little bit. Maybe it’s just me, but temporarily eliminating those particular items from my diet always makes me feel a little lighter, less bloated and cleaner, if that makes sense. And I’ll swap more veggies, healthy grains (think farro and quinoa), nuts and fruit.
Of course, this starts on Monday because there are lots of Easter yummies to enjoy today.
Sunday: Easter dinner
(New Food) Monday: Homemade Pasta e Fagioli soup (from Veganomicon cookbook)
Tuesday: Easter leftovers
Wednesday: Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Farro (sans cheese for me)
Thursday: Veggie burgers, asparagus, barley
Friday: Wild card
Saturday: Dinner out
Exercise
I’ve made a few modifications to my half marathon training plan. One is with my intervals. I was scheduled to run 1 minute on/off, but when you’re on the treadmill, I kind of find it annoying to have to keep adjusting the speed. So I went back to my own version of speedwork where I sprint with the music, and I enjoy that much better. And it probably evens out, too, since the longer sprints during the choruses are balanced out by the longer rest periods.
Also, I realized that going to Body Pump the morning after a long run is probably not going to work. Last week, after I did my 7-miler, I woke up on Monday morning and just felt sore. So rather than risk injury, I skipped class and took a rest day – and I felt MUCH better by Tuesday. Thankfully, that won’t be an issue this week (or next) because I have my long runs scheduled for Saturdays, due to weekend plans.
So here’s what I have planned this week:
Sunday: Rest
Monday: Body Pump
Tuesday: 3.5 mile tempo run
Wednesday: Body Pump
Thursday: 3.5 mile speedwork/intervals
Friday: 45 minutes on the elliptical
Saturday: 9 miles (!)
Hope you have a good week! And to those celebrating today, have a happy Easter!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
Awesome job on your 8 miler!! Yes, you can do this! I’m excited for you. And I agree about the dairy/alcohol tweaks… definitely makes a difference. Enjoy your Easter treats today!
Jen says
Great week on the runs ๐ Come link up tomorrow for training party! The menu sounds perfect!
Jill @ Fitness, Health and Happiness says
It took me forever to realize not only that a rest day is ok but absolutely necessary. Now I look forward to it ๐
Great training week!
kathy @ vodka and soda says
great training plan. i hate rest days but i know they’re needed…. that just leaves me chomping at the bit for monday to roll around so i can continue my fitness journey. great runs!