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.

Tuesday – 

• 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.