What a week! I ran my first 20-miler of the cycle this morning and I am exhausted just looking back on this week. This week was the first week in awhile that truly became excited to run Boston. I finally kicked that darn head cold and my energy level was incredibly high this week, which made for some killer workouts. There were a lot of smiles. Those goofy smiles that you try to hide when someone catches you with one. And despite dealing with some strong wind during my long run, I was able to hold the target pace nicely. Feeling strong and confident…..and sleepy. 🙂

I ran 50.8 miles this week + 2 core routines + 2 strength workouts.

Monday: Easy 6: 8:35 average pace on the treadmill at the gym. I was especially motivated to run today because Boston Bib #s were released.

Also did another Jillian Michaels 6 week 6 pack workout. Jillian and I are becoming close friends.

Tuesday: 10 mile steady state; 7:23 average pace (Splits: 7:40, 7:27, 7:25, 7:26, 7:25, 7:24, 7:28, 7:23, 7:19, 7:08)

This was one of those runs that made me smile like a BIG GOOF at the end. I looked down at my watch and just giggled for a second. Yep, I was that girl on the lakefront. The plan was to stay between 7:40-7:20 but my legs felt so good at the end that I just let them go. I thought this was going to be tougher than it was, which means I’m right where I need to be.

Wednesday: REST. Ahhh sweet rest. Had a friend over for dinner, drinks, and a chick flick tonight (doesn’t happen often.) I thought about doing some strength or core stuff but quickly nixed that idea and ended up lounging on the couch instead. I’m happy with that decision.

Thursday: 5 x 1 mi repeats (9.8 miles total; 7:37 average pace) Splits: 6:25, 6:24, 6:24, 6:25, 6:28.

These are literally the fastest mile repeats I have ever run in my entire life. The last time I ran mile repeats was July 2012 and I ran 6:40 average. This was definitely not comfortable and in no way easy but I kept telling myself I’d be proud of myself if I just kept the legs moving. That afternoon, I was thinking about what happens in the moment before you decide to quit. Feeling so good about how strong my turnover is these days!

Friday: Easy 5 shakeout; 8:37 average pace.

Easy peasy on the treadmill. + core work and form drills

Saturday: 20.03 miles in 2:38, 7:51 average pace.

BA DA BING BA DA BOOM! For some reason I woke up feeling a little less motivated to run this one than my 18 last weekend. My legs didn’t feel that fresh despite foam rolling and stretching for a bit last night. I was especially worried about hitting the pace because I knew the wind out of the north would make half of the miles tough (and I was right).  Miles 2-8 and 11-14 were against the wind. I was looking forward to the final 6 miles the entire time because I knew the wind would give me a push. Pushed through 25-30 mph wind gusts heading north along with some snow/rain/sleet = tough but accomplished run!

Highlighted splits are against the wind. Not too shabby in retrospect

After a 50-mile week with some intense workouts, I’m really ready to just sit on the couch this afternoon and relax in front of the TV (if for no other reason than to avoid the St. Paddy’s Day drunkies out there!).

Highlights o’ The Week:

• Added to my running playlist: Sun by Two Door Cinema Club
• Getting my Boston Bib # and realized I’m in the first wave was definitely a highlight. :Pinch me:
• I finally made a stop at Protein Bar this week to try their take on the Shamrock Shake, which they call the FitMint. Seriously yummy! I need to start my workday with it more often.

Pictures o’ The Week:

Picked up the pooch after our short road trip last Sunday. RAWR!

Super happy after Tuesday’s steady state workout. Lakefront=my happy place.

True Chicago. Goose Island and Al’s Beef.

Gingersnap Trainwreck from Star Lounge. Delish!

It’s not exactly the nicest medal but this was a surprise in the mail this week.

1st time I’ve ever placed as an overall finisher

-J