Running and Training (Tuesdays on the Run Edition)

I know I haven't posted much, especially about my running in training.  I have been saying the last few months how much I have disliked running.  After two marathons last fall and not really taking any time off, running seemed more like a chore then the fun it should be.


I pushed through in December because I had a half marathon in January.  By the beginning of January I only got a couple of short runs in.  Mid-January I went to Disneyland and made it through the three races.  I was really nervous about the half but it was the most fun I have had running in a long time.

I knew that I had to take a couple of weeks off from running after the races which was good for me.  I enjoyed sleeping in and not forcing myself to run.  I told myself at least two weeks of no running, and if I needed more time then I would take more time off.

After the two weeks I started to get the itch to run.  I knew it was time to get back into the swing of things and get into a good routine.  I still wasn't loving running, but I wasn't hating every minute I was out there.

I took the first week slowly.  I hadn't run much in the last few months and I didn't want to hurt myself.  I tried not to look at my time and just run by feel.  I wasn't any slower or faster then I was last fall, so that was good.  But man I was winded by the end of each run for the first few runs.

I've been in a good routine for the last three weeks.  I've only had a chance to run twice during the week and one long run.  I've been trying to get three weekly runs during the week, but something always seem to get in my way.  But I've been happy with what I have been doing.  This warmer weather we have been having has really helped too.  I really hope it stays this way for awhile.  Mostly springs around here last a few weeks and then it just gets hot.

Over the last week my runs have been getting faster and stronger.  My last long run was 8 miles and it was about as fast as my shorter runs.  Yesterday I had my first run that averaged in the 12 minute mile.  I haven't done a run that fast in over a year.  I've been working on progressive runs in the last week and can feel myself pushing while I'm running.  It feels good that I'm starting to get my speed back.  It's been too long.

I have another half in April.  I'll keep training for that and hopefully keep feeling strong.  I'm still not sure what I want to do for the rest of the year, but I am thinking shorter races.  I have missed the shorter miles.  My fast 10k time for Disney has expired and I'd like to try to get a good one again.  Maybe.  It will take a lot of work though.

That's how my training has been going.  Nothing exciting.  I'm not 100% back in love with running yet, but I'm getting there.

How has your training been going?  Has the warmer weather helped?

I’m linking up with with MCM Mama Runs, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and My No Guilt Life for the Tuesdays on the Run linkup.