TrainingTruths: Half Marathon #9 Final Week

It was taper time last week. Nine weeks of coaching, guiding, and training with my husband for his third half marathon was winding down. Work and travel schedules prevented us from running together, but he stayed focused and IT ALL PAID OFF (recap coming soon).

Tuesday: It was a yucky four miles. As a runner I have learned that there will be days like this, but it doesn't stop the disappointment that comes with it. It was one of our first warm days, I was tired from a busy day at work, and feeling very blah and lethargic. I definitely had trouble keeping up with my running partner on this one.

Wednesday: I went to Atlanta to work on a special project with Mizuno for a couple of days. I missed my final taper run, but I did fit in my daily planks. The view out of the floor to ceiling windows was much better than my normal view of the living room or basement.

Sunday: After weeks of training together, hubs and I ran the Flying Pig Half Marathon. It was #9 for me and #3 for him. As promised, we stuck together for all 13....miles. I couldn't resist the .10 sprint to the finish line. This was a challenging course, but tons of fun.

Overall: I ate on the road a lot between Atlanta and Cincinnati, didn't follow my normal hydration routine, and only did my morning planks 4 days. I will be more focused this week while I allow some time to recover.

How was your week?

TrainingTruths: Next Up #9

After completing half marathon #8, last week was about recovery and switching gears. I've mentioned that I'll be heading home to Cincinnati to run the Flying Pig Half Marathon in May. I was going to run this race last year, but instead choose to be a blogging ambassador for the Cox Providence Half Marathon. 

So, over the next six weeks I'm going to maintain my endurance and try to stay healthy. 

#TrainingTruth: The run never ends

Tuesday: Another snow day here in NH kept me cooped up inside, but didn't keep me off the treadmill. This post NYC Half run felt pretty good considering my legs were a little sore. Easy runs are great for recovery.

Thursday: My husband was back from his trip and on running duty. He is beginning his half marathon training which worked perfectly with my recovery week. We took advantage of the gorgeous afternoon to run one of our favorite routes to the pond and back. The easy 4 miles felt awesome in the sunshine and sporting some capris. Hurry Spring!

Saturday: Still following the hubs' training schedule, we eased into the morning with a six mile run to town and back. We were virtual runners too, dedicating our miles to the Sandy Hook Run for the Families 5K. Although the sun was shining, it was a cold morning with frigid winds. 

What do you do when you reach your fitness goal?

#TrainingTruths is not just about me. We all like to see what everyone else is doing and use that information to assess ourselves. It's not judgement. It's a way to share and learn and make changes when necessary.

To participate all you have to do is share your #TrainingTruths:

1. Tag a Twitter post with the hashtag #TrainingTruths
2. Comment on the Running Escapades Facebook page 
3. Leave a link to your own blog post in the comments

I look forward to reading your #TrainingTruths!

Fitness Friday: There's No Place Like Home

The high school where I work is performing The Wizard of Oz. Last Saturday evening two of the kids, my husband and I went to see it. It was an amazing show and the student talent is out of this world!

from GHS Music on Facebook

Now, I'm not writing a musical recap, but the theme There's No Place Like Home has stayed with me since that night. It has been seven months since I was home to see my family and friends. Naturally, I miss them.

In May I will be going home to Cincinnati for a quick weekend visit and to run the Flying Pig Half Marathon. Even though I lived all those years in Ohio, I never participated in this event. My running adventures started about two years before I moved and they were small. My "big" race back then was this 10K and nothing at all like the 13.1 mile course I will be facing.

I love that I can combine running with a family visit. Unfortunately, my dad no longer lives in Cincinnati, so I have to make a trip to Florida to see him (yes, I HAVE to!). Lucky for me, that trip starts on Monday. 

Do you ever combine travel, family, and fitness?