Emily's training blog

I was still feeling Saturday's long run, since I tempoed the last seven miles. I normally would wait one more day for a workout, but I'm running the prestigious Cottonwood Heights 5k on Thursday. While I want to run a controlled race, I still would like fresh-ish feeling legs. So today was my last hard workout.

Treadmill fartlek: I warmed up 15 minutes and then ran 5 x 5 minutes on/ 3 minutes off. I started at 5:52 pace and increased each interval. Recovery was at 7:30 pace. So, 5:52, 5:49, 5:45, 5:42, 5:39, 5:36 for the last half of the last interval.

It was good to push out of the 6:00-6:20 range. After this marathon, I want to pick up my speed again before I start another cycle. But for now, just need to focus on 6;13's.

I cooled down ten minutes. Now two days easy.

Slow, cold run this morning. Sore legs from yesterday. I should bounce back soon. Another easy day tomorrow. 7:48 average. I'm thinking of going to Zumba thiszmorning for a little fun, and to loosen up my hips.

Easy watchless Costco loop. Gotta be prepared for that Turkey Trot!

I was so hungry on the run. It's weird that my appetite has actually increased since I started cutting back mileage. Good thing tomorrow is Thanksgiving! Nom! Nom!

That was a good confidence booster!

I didn't know what to expect from this race or course. I knew it was hilly and hard. I warmed up 3 miles and then ran another .5 with Bill. I was happy to see Bill, because I knew he had been running some fast 5ks. If I could keep up with him, I should run a good time.

The first mile climbs significantly. Two girls went put hard. I figured either they were really fast and could beat me anyway, or they went out too hard. They went out too hard. I just focused on staying with Bill the whole time. It took a while to make up for the slow first mile. I tried using my downhills, but was pleasantly surprised that my uphills were pretty strong. I could tell with about .2 left that I could break 18 if I kept turning over. I couldn't quite catch Bill, but I managed a 17:53. I was pretty stoked to run sub eighteen on a hard course on marathon trained legs. I will take it! Thanks Bill for pulling me to a good time.

I cooled down 3.4 miles with Bill and some of the East runners.

Yay for a confidence boost!

PS. 5ks hurt!

Sluggish and tight in the hamstrings this morning, due to the 5k andThanksgiving feast. Now I'm off to Family Zumba! Should be entertaining! 7:37 average.

Windy, but fun run with Jenny. My legs are feeling good. Eight days to go. I have already started stalking the weather in Sacramento. Looking good so far. It will depend on the wind. Fingers crossed for a perfect day.

After running, I took Zumba with my sister in law. It was an awesome high energy class. But, I now have to say no more Zumba until post marathon. I love to pretend that I can dance.

7:08 average for the run.