Last week was the first week of my 16-week training cycle for the Louisville Derby Festival Marathon. Going into this training cycle I am both very excited and incredibly nervous. I spent all of 2015 injured with/recovering from ITBS, so this will be my first marathon in 1.5 years (my last marathon was Marine Corps in October 2014). Going into Marine Corps I was in the best shape of my adult life, and I worry that I won't be able to get back into that kind of shape. And since Marine Corps was such a painful struggle, I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a different kind of fear of 26.2 miles. Before, I certainly respected the distance but I never doubted I could conquer it--but Marine Corps darn near broke me, and the seed of doubt--which sprouts fear--was planted. I will be working on mind strength this training cycle as well as physical strength (more on that in a later post). But, despite my nerves and fears, I am so glad and excited to be training again and I'm looking forward to seeing how I grow and change as a runner over the next 16 weeks.
So this time around I am working with a real training plan : ) When I trained for Marine Corps I stuck to a schedule--usually 4-5 runs per week, with a speed workout and a hill workout and a long run each week, a ten-mile run in the middle, and a shorter run somewhere along the way if I could fit it in--but I didn't really have a plan. I ran all of the miles at race-pace or faster. I had no idea what I was doing, my goal was just to put the miles in and make sure I could hit the desired paces. Well, that backfired. I realize now that I way over-trained (I started training for the October race in early May!) and that I lacked structured, focused workouts. This time around I am doing a training plan that consists of just three very focused runs per week. I will be running far less miles but there will be quality over quantity. Part of the reason I chose this plan is because, coming off injury, I want to make sure I don't over-do it; and because one of my BRFs Keith used this same plan and BQed twice : ) I tagged along with several of his runs and know that this plan is challenging, but that it yields success if you stick with it.
In addition to the running plan, I am cross-training 2-3 times per week and incorporating 30 minutes of strength and core 5 times per week. I allow myself one complete day of rest.
Here's how training week #1 looked:
Monday
30 minutes strength and core in the form of Jillian Michaels's 6-Week Six Pack level 1 workout
Tuesday
Speed work
Prescribed: 3 x 1600 @ 6:51 w/ 400 RI (plus warm up and cool down)
Actual:
1 mi warm-up (8:23)
3 x 1600 @ 6:49 w/ 400 RI (@10:00)
.5 mi cool down
I did this workout on the treadmill because it was very windy outside and I did not want to fight for the paces (or not hit them at all). The treadmill pace was either 6:53 or 6:49, so I went with the faster pace. I was really nervous about this workout because it is pretty much what a 5K RACE would look like for me)--but I told myself with the 400 rest intervals it would be just fine. The first two intervals were good--I was feeling it during the second one but nothing I couldn't maintain--but by the last mile of the third interval I was just hanging on. And, as you can see, at a 10:00 rest interval pace I really needed those rests! Overall I was pleased.
I also did a 30 minute strength workout
Wednesday
Swim
2000 yards (about 50 minutes)
Thursday
Tempo run
Prescribed: 2 miles easy, 2 miles @ 7:23, 2 miles easy
Actual: 2 miles easy (8:31, 8:23), 2 tempo miles (7:11, 7:21), 2 easy miles (9:02, 8:26)
Although it was a gorgeous day out there--blue skies, sunshine, 50-some degrees--it was awfully windy and tempo miles were a bit of a struggle, especially since I ran through the park (which is always windier than everywhere else even on a good day). I will admit, I actually intended to do this workout on the treadmill so as to avoid the wind, but all the treadmills were taken so I had no choice but to do it outside. I managed to hang on to the paces despite the wind and felt good about the workout.
I also did a 30 minute strength workout
Friday
REST
I had hoped to at least do a 30-minute strength workout, but my in-laws were visiting, my husband was gone for a bit during the evening, and we'd had our new mattress delivered and had to get that all set up, so I decided not to stress about fitting in a workout
Saturday
Long run
Prescribed: 13 mi @ 8:37
Actual: 13 mi @ 8:17
It was really nice going into this run with permission to run slower than an 8:30 pace. (For some reason, I have it in my head that if I run slower than 8:30 I am not training hard enough. Normally I strive for 8:20s even on "easy" runs.) Even so, I thought 8:37 was kind of slow and decided to just run a comfortable pace--not pushing it at all, just nice and easy--and see where the paces were. The splits looked like this: 8:17, 8:22, 8:11, 8:18, 8:19, 8:15, 8:02, 8:24, 8:13, 8:24, 8:22, 8:28, 8:27. It was a good even-paced run and I came away happy.
Sunday
REST
Normally I would do some sort of cross-training after a long run, especially since I had just had a complete rest day two days prior and just one day of cross-training. But my husband and I were kid-free and I wanted to take full advantage of being able to spend the entire day with him, completely uninterrupted. So we went antiquing and ate junk food : )
I feel good about how the first week of training went! I really like having a plan--I don't have to think about the runs, I just do what the schedule says, which makes is easy. And going into the training cycle, doing just three runs a week makes the training seem very manageable when I'm incredibly busy at work, my husband also has to fit in several training works each week (he is training for a spring 50K), and the kids have a slew of activities going on. I'm in the middle of training week 2 now and am already having to improvise due to being out of town for two days and staying home with the kids for snow days....I'll update you next week!
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Friday, January 15, 2016
Leggings Reviews!
Until October, I owned exactly 1 pair of running tights...which meant I wore the same pair of tights for all of my runs--every.single.one of them--in the winter...which also meant that one pair of tights got washed on just a bi-weekly basis (if they were lucky. I know, I know--gross! But, it was what it was. Moving on.). So after literally years of wearing the same black leggings, back in October I finally used an Athleta gift card I had received as a birthday gift to purchase a pair of Athleta running tights, the Reflective Be Free Tight. Then, after Christmas I had a little extra spending money so I purchased a pair of tights from my favorite local clothing store. Then, last week I decided to go ahead and take advantage of Victoria's Secret's buy-a-sports-bra-get-a-free-pair-of-leggings deal. So now I am up to FOUR pairs of running tights. Cool : )
Let's start with the Athleta Reflective Be Free Tight. The main reason I got these tights is because of the reflective feature. If it's cold enough to wear long tights for running, that most likely means running in the dark (unless you can run in the middle of the day). We all know that drivers have a hard time looking out for us runners when it's bright and sunny, so making myself as visible as possible in the dark is a priority. I liked how the reflective detailing goes all the way down each side of the leg as well as along the back of the leg. After noting the "second skin" fit in the product description and reading reviews that the tights were indeed form-fitting I decided to go with a size medium, even though according to the size chart I probably needed a small. I don't like for my leggings to be skin tight and didn't want to feel uncomfortable wearing them. But when the leggings arrived, it was obvious I was going to have to send them back for a size small. They fit great in the legs, but there was actually a gap between the waistband and the small of my back--not good for something that is supposed to fit like second skin! I thought drawing the waistband would solve the problem and decided to wear them for a test run during my night leg of the Bourbon Chase. For that run, I pulled the waistband as tight as it would go and ran five or six miles. On the plus side, they were very warm (temperatures were in the low 30s that night) and very reflective (it was so dark that, when my head lamp went out about halfway through the run, I couldn't pass the runner in front of me because I couldn't see anything more than a foot in front of me; when my van passed, my husband was immediately able to tell which runner I was because the reflectivity on the leggings was so visible). On the down side, they were just too big and kept sagging in the crotch. So I exchanged them for a size small. While I love the super-soft fabric, the warmth, the breathability (there is mesh behind the knee), the awesome reflectivity, the great pockets (I was actually skeptical of the pockets at first--thought they seemed oddly placed and too low---but they are actually pretty great and situated just right), I still don't love the fit. The small fits better around the waist, but I still had the saggy-crotch issue. After wearing them a few times I finally figured out a way to wear them--pulled up just so on the thighs with the waistband sitting at a certain spot and the drawstring tied--in a way that they don't sag down too much. I actually went to the trouble to review these on the Athleta web site and gave them 3 out of 5 stars because of the fit. I think if someone has a flat stomach, the saggy crotch won't be an issue--but my stomach is not flat and I like the waistbands of my leggings to cover it, so I think that is contributing to the awkward fit. These tights have held up well through the wash so far and seem to be pretty impervious to wet weather. Despite the ill fit, I still plan to rotate them quite heavily with my other leggings.
Next up are the tights I bought from my favorite local clothing store, Vestiary. I'll admit, I mostly bought these simply because I thought they were cute--I love the mint-colored blocks on the legs!--and planned to used them not as go-to leggings but as a back-up pair. I almost didn't buy them at all because they aren't as soft as my other running tights, they are a little on the thin side, and I was afraid they wouldn't wick sweat. But I figured I could always just lounge in them or wear them to something like yoga, so I went ahead and bought them (at around $30 and 20% off, I couldn't beat the price, even if they don't work out for running). A few days later I did a test run in them, and was pleasantly surprised to find that they worked just fine for running. It was a windy day and I was concerned that the wind would cut through the relatively thin fabric, and/or that they would get wet with sweat and make me cold (temps were in the low 40s). But, neither of those things happened. They were perfectly warm! I wore them a few days later on a bike ride in the low 40s and they held up to that kind of wind, too. I will say that don't seem like they are water-repellant, so I wouldn't wear them in the rain; and I also have a hunch that they wouldn't be warm enough for anything below 40 degrees. Also, there is no reflectivity (which kind of reinforces my thought that these are more for indoor use) and no pockets, which is a bummer. But for a mild winter day they will be just fine. And if all else fails they are great for lounging around the house : )
Next are the Knockout by Victoria's Secret High-Rise Tights. I LOVE THESE TIGHTS!!! And I will admit, I was skeptical. I was thinking there was no way Victoria's Secret was going to have leggings that are good enough for running. I was wrong! First of all, I LOVE the high waist. It covers my biggest trouble spot--my tummy pooch--and in turn makes me feel so much better wearing these in comparison to other leggings. From here on out, I don't think I will ever buy a pair of regular- or low-waisted leggings--high waist for the win! Plus, these are super soft and very warm. I wore them on a 10-mile run in 20-degree temps with wind and snow and they were perfect. I was warm but not overheated, and while it wasn't snowing a lot I do think these would stand up to rain/wet snow. My only complaints are that there are no pockets (just a small pocket built in at the waistband in the back that isn't good for much except maybe one gel or one key) and no reflectivity. Otherwise, this is an awesome pair of leggings that will definitely be getting some heavy rotation! I'm even more stoked about these leggings because I got them for free during the buy-a-sports-bra-get-a-free-pair-of-leggings sale (huge thanks to my sister for tipping me off!). I have to admit, this particular pattern takes me out of my comfort zone--they are pretty loud!--but I was in a hurry and literally grabbed the first pair of leggings I saw (I really don't care what my running clothes look like as long as they function like they are supposed to) and they turned out to be perfect! I may actually buy another pair of these in a different pattern...maybe just solid black : )
Last but not least, I have to give a shout-out to my old trusties, plain old black cheap-o Target leggings. I think they ran me somewhere in the neighborhood of thirty bucks, and for that price they have been great. They are warm, moisture-wicking, water-repellant, and soft and comfy. For three years now I have worn them in sub-zero temperatures (my legs felt fine), in pouring rain (I stayed warm and dry), and in addition to wearing them running I frequently wear them under dresses and tunics with tall boots. So if you are looking for something that gives you plenty of bang for your buck, don't overlook the basic Target running tights : )
What are your favorite workout leggings?
Do you like patterns or stick with basic black?
Let's start with the Athleta Reflective Be Free Tight. The main reason I got these tights is because of the reflective feature. If it's cold enough to wear long tights for running, that most likely means running in the dark (unless you can run in the middle of the day). We all know that drivers have a hard time looking out for us runners when it's bright and sunny, so making myself as visible as possible in the dark is a priority. I liked how the reflective detailing goes all the way down each side of the leg as well as along the back of the leg. After noting the "second skin" fit in the product description and reading reviews that the tights were indeed form-fitting I decided to go with a size medium, even though according to the size chart I probably needed a small. I don't like for my leggings to be skin tight and didn't want to feel uncomfortable wearing them. But when the leggings arrived, it was obvious I was going to have to send them back for a size small. They fit great in the legs, but there was actually a gap between the waistband and the small of my back--not good for something that is supposed to fit like second skin! I thought drawing the waistband would solve the problem and decided to wear them for a test run during my night leg of the Bourbon Chase. For that run, I pulled the waistband as tight as it would go and ran five or six miles. On the plus side, they were very warm (temperatures were in the low 30s that night) and very reflective (it was so dark that, when my head lamp went out about halfway through the run, I couldn't pass the runner in front of me because I couldn't see anything more than a foot in front of me; when my van passed, my husband was immediately able to tell which runner I was because the reflectivity on the leggings was so visible). On the down side, they were just too big and kept sagging in the crotch. So I exchanged them for a size small. While I love the super-soft fabric, the warmth, the breathability (there is mesh behind the knee), the awesome reflectivity, the great pockets (I was actually skeptical of the pockets at first--thought they seemed oddly placed and too low---but they are actually pretty great and situated just right), I still don't love the fit. The small fits better around the waist, but I still had the saggy-crotch issue. After wearing them a few times I finally figured out a way to wear them--pulled up just so on the thighs with the waistband sitting at a certain spot and the drawstring tied--in a way that they don't sag down too much. I actually went to the trouble to review these on the Athleta web site and gave them 3 out of 5 stars because of the fit. I think if someone has a flat stomach, the saggy crotch won't be an issue--but my stomach is not flat and I like the waistbands of my leggings to cover it, so I think that is contributing to the awkward fit. These tights have held up well through the wash so far and seem to be pretty impervious to wet weather. Despite the ill fit, I still plan to rotate them quite heavily with my other leggings.
Next up are the tights I bought from my favorite local clothing store, Vestiary. I'll admit, I mostly bought these simply because I thought they were cute--I love the mint-colored blocks on the legs!--and planned to used them not as go-to leggings but as a back-up pair. I almost didn't buy them at all because they aren't as soft as my other running tights, they are a little on the thin side, and I was afraid they wouldn't wick sweat. But I figured I could always just lounge in them or wear them to something like yoga, so I went ahead and bought them (at around $30 and 20% off, I couldn't beat the price, even if they don't work out for running). A few days later I did a test run in them, and was pleasantly surprised to find that they worked just fine for running. It was a windy day and I was concerned that the wind would cut through the relatively thin fabric, and/or that they would get wet with sweat and make me cold (temps were in the low 40s). But, neither of those things happened. They were perfectly warm! I wore them a few days later on a bike ride in the low 40s and they held up to that kind of wind, too. I will say that don't seem like they are water-repellant, so I wouldn't wear them in the rain; and I also have a hunch that they wouldn't be warm enough for anything below 40 degrees. Also, there is no reflectivity (which kind of reinforces my thought that these are more for indoor use) and no pockets, which is a bummer. But for a mild winter day they will be just fine. And if all else fails they are great for lounging around the house : )
Next are the Knockout by Victoria's Secret High-Rise Tights. I LOVE THESE TIGHTS!!! And I will admit, I was skeptical. I was thinking there was no way Victoria's Secret was going to have leggings that are good enough for running. I was wrong! First of all, I LOVE the high waist. It covers my biggest trouble spot--my tummy pooch--and in turn makes me feel so much better wearing these in comparison to other leggings. From here on out, I don't think I will ever buy a pair of regular- or low-waisted leggings--high waist for the win! Plus, these are super soft and very warm. I wore them on a 10-mile run in 20-degree temps with wind and snow and they were perfect. I was warm but not overheated, and while it wasn't snowing a lot I do think these would stand up to rain/wet snow. My only complaints are that there are no pockets (just a small pocket built in at the waistband in the back that isn't good for much except maybe one gel or one key) and no reflectivity. Otherwise, this is an awesome pair of leggings that will definitely be getting some heavy rotation! I'm even more stoked about these leggings because I got them for free during the buy-a-sports-bra-get-a-free-pair-of-leggings sale (huge thanks to my sister for tipping me off!). I have to admit, this particular pattern takes me out of my comfort zone--they are pretty loud!--but I was in a hurry and literally grabbed the first pair of leggings I saw (I really don't care what my running clothes look like as long as they function like they are supposed to) and they turned out to be perfect! I may actually buy another pair of these in a different pattern...maybe just solid black : )
Last but not least, I have to give a shout-out to my old trusties, plain old black cheap-o Target leggings. I think they ran me somewhere in the neighborhood of thirty bucks, and for that price they have been great. They are warm, moisture-wicking, water-repellant, and soft and comfy. For three years now I have worn them in sub-zero temperatures (my legs felt fine), in pouring rain (I stayed warm and dry), and in addition to wearing them running I frequently wear them under dresses and tunics with tall boots. So if you are looking for something that gives you plenty of bang for your buck, don't overlook the basic Target running tights : )
What are your favorite workout leggings?
Do you like patterns or stick with basic black?
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