Instead of taking a break in between training cycles, I jumped right into training for the next race on my calendar, the Loudoun Half Marathon on April 22nd. I ran this race last year and fell only a couple of seconds short of my PR. I’m hopeful that with some hard work between now and race day that I’ll be able to PR at this year’s race. Since I want to go for a new PR, there was no time to take a break after returning home last Sunday evening from Princess Half Marathon weekend.
Monday, February 26th
Traveling and two very early race mornings in a row had caught up to me. I was absolutely exhausted all day long and wound up going to bed very shortly after little man went to bed. Sleep won out over working out.
Tuesday, February 27th
After getting the most sleep I had since prior to heading to Disney World, I felt rejuvenated. After work I headed straight to the gym and spent 30 minutes on the elliptical followed by 30 minutes of lower body and abdominal weight training.
Wednesday, February 28th
Wednesday was a very long and stressful day at school, and the best medicine for relieving the stress was going for a run. 4 miles later, I felt so much better.
Sometimes running is the best medicine
Thursday, March 1st
I kicked off the new month at the gym by running a 5k, followed by 30 minutes of full body weight training.
Friday, March 2nd
Friday was a first for me. Everything in the area, including schools and the federal government, was shut down due to wind. Windmageddon 2018 delivered the DC area with wind gusts up to 70 mph. I am very thankful that we never lost power, as it seemed like most people in the area lost power at some point during the storm. Because daycare was still open it gave Preston and I the opportunity to take care of a lot of chores around the house. I felt incredibly accomplished by the end of the day.
Saturday, March 3rd
I waited out the wind as long as I could before coming to the realization that the wind was not going to die down enough for me to run outside. Thus, I wound up at the gym late Saturday afternoon to complete my first long run this training cycle. I felt strong during the entire six miles. Hopefully that’s a good sign of what’s to come the rest of the training cycle and on race day. After my run I completed a one mile cool down walk.
I couldn’t help but smile after completing such a strong long run.
Sunday, March 4th
Cabin fever had set in and late Sunday afternoon we bundled up and headed outside for a family walk. We all needed the fresh air during our 2.58 mile walk.
Total Weekly Mileage – 20.17 miles
Total Loudoun Half Mileage – 20.17 miles
QOTD: What is your next goal race?
I’m linking up with Holly from HoHo Runs and Wendy from Taking the Long Way Home for the Weekly Wrap link up. Be sure to check out their posts as well.
From Dancing to Running 
Kudos to you for jumping right into another training plan! That’s not easy to do. I’m sure that you will get a new PR at this race in April because you are so dedicated!
The weather this weekend was really crazy. The wind did so much more damage that I could imagine.
I certainly hope so, though I’ve already gotten sidelined this week. Between a two day long migraine and now the start of a cold, I have yet to workout this week. 😦
That’s the nice thing about half marathons, you can just start training for another one! I do love that the distance isn’t as taxing on the body as a marathon. I hope you can crush last year’s finish time!
The recovery time is definitely much shorter than it is for a full marathon.
The wind really was crazy this week! I was surprised things were cancelled Friday just for wind but once I saw branches blowing around on our street, I understood. We had gone out for a bit of a walk Saturday and it was crazy how windy it still was even on Saturday.
I was initially surprised as well, especially when I found out that the federal government was closed. But it seems like it was the right decision given just how brutal the conditions were out there.
It was crazy windy here this past weekend as well. I like the shirts for this year’s Princess challenge. Cute headband! Great job jumping into another longer run shortly after completing a race. And even on the treadmill. I hate doing long runs on the Mill.
I really like this year’s challenge and half shirts. The green 10k shirt is by far my least favorite of the three.
There’s no better way to relieve stress than running. some days I only function because I know I’ll be running.
Exactly! Its always nice to have a run to look forward to on stressful days.
Great job on Week 1! The beginning of a new training plan is always so exciting! I was a bit out of the loop so I need to catch up and see how everything went in Disney for you!
You’re not too far behind since I haven’t gotten to write any of my Disney recaps yet. Hopefully I’ll be able to get my first one written for Friday. Fingers crossed!
Ooooh, I’m wishing all the best to you through this training cycle and hope you get that PR!
I had a half marathon scheduled in May, but last month had a slipped disc in my back which meant no running for weeks. I finally got to start again last week, so I’m not sure if I’ll be ready for my May race, but def my June one!
Just make sure that you take it easy with your return to running. The last thing that you want to do is re-injure yourself.
It seems like a seldom ever “train” for half marathons anymore…except for the first one of the season. I have a 10K this coming weekend, then a 13.1 on the 17th. I have another 13.1 on April 22, which I’m hoping for a sub-2:00 … I guess that would be my next “goal” race.
I have no doubt that you’ll be able to get that sub 2.
Wow good for you for diving right back into training! I remember how close you came to a PR at Loudoun last year – hopefully this time around you’ll hit it for sure! Good luck with your training!
Thanks Michelle. I’m hopeful since I’m familiar with the course going into this year’s race that I’ll be able to better pace myself in order to get that PR.
Great work! Sometimes jumping into the next training cycle is a lot easier than taking a break and coming back.
Beautiful snow, at least to this Florida girl. I hope you are staying warm and safe up there!
I agree, sometimes breaks do more harm than good.
Kudos for jumping right back! I need a whiles to mentally recover even if I’m physically ready.
I think since I ran Disney completely for fun that it made my transition into this new training cycle fairly easy.
Way to keep the motivation going! Although the storm really stunk, I actually needed an excuse to stay in most of the day. Keep up the great work!
It definitely was a good excuse to stay in the house and get lots of chores done.
I have never done the Loudon half but I’ve heard good things. We have had some crazy weather lately. Hope this week is better!
You should consider running Loudoun sometime. Like with all the other PRR races, its a well run race.
Why is it we need vacations after returning home from Disney? LOL. I’m usually exhausted! How exciting to be jumping right back in and training for your next half (sounds like me!). I hope you have a better weather week. Thanks for linking!
Oh goodness, I’m still trying to recover from Disney, lol.
Nice job getting back into it! I don’t have a goal race on my calendar right now but I’m majorly itching to get one scheduled!
I’m so excited for you to have your twins and to be able to get back to racing. How exciting that you’ll have 3 little kids there to cheer you on!
I love the half marathon distance because you can recover fairly easily from them! Great job hopping back into training!!
Yes, exactly!
Wow, I did not realize the wind was that crazy! My dad is just outside DC but didn’t mention it.
Great job on your runs this week! I have a feeling you will PR your race!
I am just easing back into running after 2+ years away so I am looking for a late spring 5k to get my mojo back 🙂
Starting back out with a 5k sounds like a great plan.
So sorry about the crazy wind but I’m glad you were able to make the most of it and get your miles in anyway! Congrats on another great week! I know you’re going to do amazing at this half!!
Thanks for the support, Karen.
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