i headed into this week of training a bit nervous, as I had been sick the week before.  I really wanted this week to go well, as I needed my confidence in my ability to run a 3:30 full marathon to be strong again.  Here’s how the week went:

Sunday

My first run in three days.  It was a 55 minute run in the coulees and felt awesome.  I was still a tad sick so I was very pleased.

Monday

5.5 miles in 46:25.  8:15, 8:35, 8:35, 8:40 and 8:19. Did my last half mile in 3:58.  Was feeling great!

Tuesday

Fartleks training today.  Did 15 of 1 minute hard and 1 minute jog.  Got 3.92 miles in and felt solid.  I had been having a stressful couple days at work so this was a great feeling. 

Wednesday

I didn’t follow Wednesday training plans exactly as I run with my track kids.   This was a great workout nonetheless, as I got the kids to do a speed workout at Chinook Lake and then I finished it with my own 3 miles at my newly prescribed pace (Coach redid my pace ranges on Tuesday night since I have been doing a lot better in races this year).  Totaled 7.64 miles over a total time of 65 minutes.

Thursday

An epic speed workout!  I was nervous as my new pace times had me needing to run 3-5 miles of intervals in 6:54-7:10 per mile.  I really didn’t know if I could do this alone, so my friend Bob joined me.  We did a mile warmup and then busted out 3 miles of intervals.   6:57, 7:02 and 7:00!  I was ecstatic!  

Friday

Rest!  

Saturday 

The week was going great, and today was the icing on the cake.  Did a 16 miler with the last six miles at my marathon goal pace.  Did the first 10 all within my easy pace requirements, and then the last six came in.  I was starting to get mentally beat and was nervous I wouldn’t be able to get pace.   But I overcame and did it.  Ran my last 6 in 8:04, 8:03, 7:57, 7:47, 7:49, and 7:54.   My goal pace is 8:00 so this was fantastic!  I ran all 16 miles in a total time of 2 hours and 12 minutes.  And most importantly, I felt strong at the finish.

I have six weeks left until I put it all out there in Vancouver and attempt my Boston Qualifying run.  I am feeling stronger and faster than ever before.  I cannot wait to!