Ahhhh (enter huge sigh of relief). Half-marathon #7 is over. My body feels as if it were hit by a semi truck from yesterday’s race run, and as though there is cement immobilizing my hip joints. I just finished popping the six ripe blisters on my feet, and I have a painfully purple toenail for proof of said accomplishment — the joys of long distance running.
Yesterday’s run was fulfilling and thoroughly enjoyable despite finishing far from my personal best time. This was not a surprise to me as my training efforts lacked significantly in the latter half of my 11-week training plan (darn summer cold!). I only completed a handful of long runs (my longest at 11 miles); in other words, this was the farthest distance I had run since 2012 (!) — how’s that for smart training!?
I forgot my patella support strap at home, so I was forced to put my previously injured knee to the test during the race. The endorphins surely helped, but my knee held up adequately.
My watch recorded an 8:10 average pace for 13.20 miles, but according to the chipped results, I finished in 1:47:54 (8:15 pace) — my third slowest half.
- Overall: 20/185 half-marathoners
- Female: 8/118
- Age Group: 3/16
Dad & I just before the start…
Started off (too) fast and focused.
Almost to the finish…
Two thumbs up!
Half-Marathon Training | Week of July 27
Monday –
55 minute treadmill walk
(3x)
- 10 squat + ball throws, 12lb.
- 10 uneven med ball push-ups
- 10 sit-ups, 12lb.
- 8 x 15 KB swings + 4 x 20 KB swings (25lb.)
- 8 x 10 deadlift + high-pull
- 8 x 10 squats
- 8 x 10 figure 8 + hold
(3x)
- 10 step-ups
- 10 elevated lunges
- 10 bent lateral raises
(3x)
- 10 flys
- 10 glute bridges
Wednesday –
25 minute Stair Master
(3x)
- 10 overhead lunges, 25lb.
- 10 thrusters, 40lb.
- 10 single leg deadlifts, 20lb.
- 5 burpees
30 single arm snatches, 20lb.
Thursday –
- 6 mile treadmill run
- 1 mile treadmill walk
(3x)
- 12 curtsy lunge + “serve the platter”, 10lb.
- 12 bosu jump squats
- 12 front/lateral raises, 10lb.
(3x)
- 10 plie squats, 20lb.
- 10 jump squats
Friday – 60 minute yoga class/Rest
Saturday – 3.75+ mile beach run
Sunday – Rest
Half-Marathon Training | Week of August 3
Monday –
3 mile treadmill run + 1 mile treadmill walk
(3x)
- 6 row + push-up + pull across, 15lb.
- 8 jump lunge + jump squat combo
- 10 (each side), 15lb.
(3x)
- 10 sumo squats + high pull, 15lb. dumbbells
- 5 burpees
Tuesday –
- 30 minute Stair Master
- 15 minute treadmill intervals (5 x 1 min. @ 7.0 / 1 min. @ 8.0 / 1 min. @ 9.0)
(2x)
- 10 bosu jump squats
- 10 single arm snatch (each side), 20lb.
- 10 side bends (each side), 20lb.
- 10 mountain climbers
bosu planks!
Wednesday –
- outdoor run + walk with Grace/Rest
Thursday –
1 mile treadmill run + treadmill walk (30 minutes total)
(3x)
- 10 bosu squats, 20lb.
- 10 bosu jump squats
- 10 squats, 40lb.
- 10 plie jump squats
(3x)
- 4 x 10 calf raises, 40lb.
- 5 bosu push-up + renegade row, 10lb.
Friday –
- 15 minute Stair Master
- 10 minute interval treadmill run + 5 minute treadmill walk
10 / 8 / 6 / 4 / 2 reps:
- curtsy lunge + “serve the platter”, 10lb.
- squat + curl + press, 10lb.
- static lunge + hammer curl, 10lb.
Saturday – Rest
Sunday – Race Day!
All smiles in Home Sweet Humboldt.
Awesome job! My half is next weekend but I just started experiencing slight pain in my IT band/knee. I bought a patella knee strap and an IT band strap. Do you have any recommendations for running with one? (Or any advice for prevention in the future :) )
I’ve never used an IT band strap, but I do find that the patella strap provides support. Foam rolling and cross-training would be my advice… good luck, Kellen!
Congratulations! An 8:15/mile pace is amazing – you should feel very proud, even without a PR. Nice work!
You did awesome, Hillary! Even with all of the setbacks, placing 3rd in your age group is not an easy task. Nice job! Oh, and I hope your feet heal up soon! Ouch. :/
You look WAYYY too good in those race photos. Mine are all atrocious. HA. Awesome job!
Great job! You look so good in those running photos. Super cute outfit too :)
Congrats!! I remember that day after the race feeling all to well from the half I did in November. Hope you’re fully recovered soon!
Even though this wasn’t your fastest race, WAY TO GO lady because it sounds like you did an awesome job! Congrats!