Week 12

The name of the game this week was run hard and recover. I have found that at 70 mpw, my body is having a bit more trouble feeling sharp each day as it did at 60 or 65. Because my recovery days are now always hour long runs instead of 45 minutes, or 90 minutes split into a double, my legs don't have the same pop on a daily basis as they have for most of this base period. On each of my workouts this week, both longer aerobic sessions (nothing even remotely anaerobic!), it has taken me two days to feel fully recovered.

Running a few weeks at this mileage and getting used to the load is definitely necessary to be ready for the increased workout intensity and race schedule I have planned for the spring. That being said, when I did plan to run hard this week I felt great. My pacing, day-to-day recovery, strides, and diet have been as close to ideal this week as I could hope for and I'm glad I've been smart about my running, and the success I had this week definitely shows.

Despite two great workouts this week, the highlight has to be from my run today on Beach Drive. As I was doing my strides, a woman from a large marathon training group came over to me and told me "all the ladies think you have beautiful legs." Can't resist a man in tights!

I have my first race tomorrow, and I can't wait to see where I'm at. Hopefully, I'll run fast but in any case it will be a good test of fitness! Results to come.

Totals:
Week 12: 70
February: 262
Season: 636