The Plan

So this was the 13th week of my training.  I had a long run and some speed work tossed in to the mix.  In full disclosure, the Thursday tempo runs cause me anxiety. Speed work is my mental kryptonite.

But there’s no ‘opt-out’ button in my training.  I mean I could skip things that I don’t like but I’m no quitter and if my plan says speed work or track workouts or whatever I do it.  I just embrace the discomfort and bust my, um sweet cheeks.  🙂

Now the long slow run I’m used to.  You put one foot in front of the other at a consistent pace.  Check.   This weekend was my 20.  What can you say about running a 20 mile run in your neighborhood?  I notice the houses that are for sale, the rentals that are looking for tenants, who’s doing landscaping, who needs to do landscaping and how many people let their dogs leave their um, droppings along the sidewalk. I also feel like my very own Neighborhood Watch – on the lookout for shenanigans.  You’re welcome.

Before I forget, I have to give a huge shout out to my friend Noel for driving up alongside me and saying Hi as I was at Mile 12 of my 20 miler on Sunday!  It was the highlight of my run.

Here’s my recap. 

The Food

Two bright spots.  1)  It’s pomegranate season and 2) our avocado tree in Petaluma is yielding some fruit.  Happy dances commence.

I wanted to do some baking this week (remember the energy bars I mentioned recently?) but didn’t get around to it.    I made a big pot of soup, a pasta dish and cooked a huge package of chicken breasts.  Having things on hand make it much easier for me but according to my kids, my culinary skills were lacking.

Yoga/Stretching and Body Work

Here’s what I’m noticing.  I’m sore after a long run but I’m recovering very quickly.  And this is without icing, Ibuprofen or alcohol!  The only thing that’s a bit rough are Monday mornings.  I teach a 5:30am class and am stiff at the outset as we move along and around the neighborhood.  But about 10 minutes in I feel fine.  I’ll credit yoga and my stretching regime for the recovery.

So coming in to Week 14 I was expecting the taper.  And nothing. In fact, I have 2 long runs this week, both with fast finishes.  Today’s went well and I’m confident for Sunday’s run, I just have to figure out where to go.

I’m into the final weeks.  The homestretch.  Looking forward to the taper.

Now go run!

Keli 🙂