5k: Week Six

Trying to manage the length of my runs in quarter mile increments is not easy. If I where running whole miles I wouldn't feel bad about doing an extra half mile. But, for now, in order to stick to increasing my weakly mileage by no more than 10% so I can stay healthy for the duration of my training  I have to remind my self to be careful and as close to precise distance as possible.

Mon 2.75mi- A fun run in the freezing rain/sleet/tiny hail- whatever you call it. My hamstrings are still tight. Need to keep working on that hip workout and improving my back, core, and quad strength. Running downhill on the sidewalk was interesting with a layer of slick little ice balls under foot.

Tue 22min cross+strength- I kept a slower pedaling speed but higher resistance for the whole bike ride. It was a nice change enabling my quads did most of the work. Again, I did two sets with higher reps of the small weight circuit. I need to jump on doing more core conditioning.

Wed 2mi- Passed a guy wearing galaxy pants (like these) on the run today! I am a big fan of bright pants. I did have to push the pace a little bit to hold good form but it is improving and the miles felt easy. Did a small amount of core conditioning. Maybe I should do a small amount each day just to ease into eventually having a specific core conditioning day as part of my weekly routine.

Fri 2.75mi- We drove up to Virginia for Oma's funeral/memorial service where there were several inches of beautiful ice and snow. Having grown up in Florida and then spending most of my life on the coast of North Carolina where you don't see much wintery precipitation makes snow and Ice of any amount rather magical in my mind. I am having to learn how to dress for the cold but having a daily outdoor job allows for plenty of trial and error. We got to go sledding in a relative's neighborhood and I ran on my first hilly slushy salty and icey roads. It is funny to get strange looks from people when running in "miserable" weather. Ran for 22min because I couldn't map out a running distance.

Sat 55min- Got a little ahead of myself and ran for 60min but I felt really good. My form is pulling together. I could feel my gluts and quads engaging. Imbalances between my left and right legs seemed to be working themselves out too. Ran the USNWC parkway and some gravel back roads. Again it's nice to see things that are different from usual.

Need new shoes!