Strong start to the week but couldn’t build the mileage over the weekend. I skipped the long run since I was traveling to New Orleans for labor day weekend. I should’ve prepared for the trip and long run better but it happens.
The weekly volume is trending downwards but I’m not concerned. I know where I’m at but my training needs to be fluid. I alluded to it before but the reality of not running the NYC marathon is becoming very real. There is still some work logistically I need to sort out so no details yet. I’m not trying to be intentionally cryptic, but even talking about this racing opportunity to a small circle of friends and family sounds ridiculous/surreal.
Here is what I can say: I will be making my trail racing debut in November. The race distance is about ~7 miles but there will be nearly 1,500 feet of elevation gain. The Austin marathon is about 1,100 feet of elevation gain and that was by far the hilliest race I’ve completed. More elevation covered in almost a third of the race distance!
I have considered trail racing as something I wanted to do later in life. There is so much I wanted to accomplish with road racing, but I can’t pass up on this opportunity.
Week 9 Training Details:
Monday (August 29, 2022)
- Cross-training day
- One of my fastest rides on my usual route
Tuesday (August 30, 2022)
- I like alternating between track and hills in the summer
- 800s felt great and pacing felt smooth thanks to Kiran and Jodi
- Finished the workout with 200s to loosen up the stride
Wednesday (August 31, 2022)
- Talk about hills!
- Love this route Matt suggested
- This will be a staple because I need the hills (more to come on this!)
Thursday (September 1, 2022)
- I have been struggling with tempo runs throughout the block
- The road mile repeats are a good balance between speed and endurance
- Matt helped pace me for the last half mile. It was a confidence boost knowing I could still push my stride even if my fitness isn’t the same as last year
Friday (September 2, 2022)
- Relaxed recovery run
- Nothing special here but I like the route design!
Saturday (September 3, 2022)
- Rest day
- Travel anxiety got the best of me
- I didn’t sleep well and I was very nervous about finishing a long run and making my 8:00am flight
- I regret not running at all. I could’ve done a better job planning this one and I should have moved my long run up to Friday
Sunday (September 4, 2022)
- Rest day
- I got plenty of steps walking around New Orleans before the game
- Even more steps during the long walk back after a crushing loss
