September Recap

Miles: 220.45 (+ ~13 miles in the pool)

X-Training: 9 (2 pool runs, 3 swims, 4 yoga classes)

Rest Days: 4

Race(s): Philadelphia Rock n' Roll Half Marathon - 1:45:49

Workout goals:
Keep going to yoga - I kept going to yoga once a week. The first week I went to a new studio in my neighborhood and then signed up for a four week workshop at another new to me studio that focused on hips and low back. It has been a great learning experience and has reinforced how important it is for me to keep stretching and strengthening my hips and core.

Focus on progression in long runs - I did alright with this during my 18 miler earlier in the month, but totally died in the last two miles. With the half marathon and long run with marathon pace segments, the only other progression long run was my first 20 miler. I must say that I totally nailed the progression on that one, perhaps even going a bit too fast at the end (added by a long downhill). I'm hoping that I can do the same thing for my next two 20s.

Smart recovery - I finished September feeling good, but this could still use improvement. I'm just not as regular about the foam rolling and stretching as I should be.
September was a great running month and I can only hope that October goes just as well. I not only completed my first ever 200 mile month, but I blew past that total. I also had my highest mileage week ever (56) and my first ever back to back 50 mile weeks. I can feel my solid summer of running paying off now. That base I laid down in July and August is definitely making these high mileage weeks much more manageable. Yes, I'm tired, but I've been surprised at how decent I've felt. (Hopefully I haven't just jinxed myself by saying that with 2.5 big weeks left to go)  Throw a big half marathon PR into the September mix and I really couldn't ask for much more. I made it to yoga every Tuesday and almost fit in a swim every week. And if not swimming quite enough was the only negative to training this month, I'll take it. I know swimming is a good break for my legs, but missed pool time is not going to kill this training cycle.

October Preview

Workout goals:
Run a lot - After I get through this weekend, there are only two big weeks left. I'm not planning anything crazy like doubling my weekly mileage, but I do want to keep trying to get in as many easy miles outside of workouts as I can.

 

Recover well - Include in here all the stuff that I should be doing to get through all of that running and come out healthy in November. Foam rolling, stretching, swimming and yoga, eating healthy foods, hydrating and getting enough sleep.
Races: None (I might try to do a short race at the end of the month, but I haven't decided yet. My main focus is these last big training weeks before taper.)