This was a much-needed and enjoyed step-back week in terms of training. I did not follow the plan exactly (no surprise) and I probably took my rest days too seriously (couch potato over here). But it all fit with my “dog days of summer” state. While my training may be a walk in the park for some (or vice-versa) I can tell already that I’m challenging myself, mentally and physically. That’s what counts, right?
I feel like I need to preface this recap by saying that every day was and will continue to be 97% humidity at 6 a.m. I know it’s hot and humid all along the east coast but I want bonus points for running in Florida during the summer. Woe is me. Instead, I’ll think of it as bonus points toward a strong race when the weather cools off.
Oh, and I’m back in Miami now. Lots of thoughts going on (again, no surprise) so stay tuned for some catch-up posts this week.
Ft. Myers Marathon Training: Week 4
Sunday: Yoga with my mom at Bella Prana (our favorite studio in Tampa). During my time at home we went to a few classes a week together and I loved them all.
Monday: 6 miles @ 8:50 min/mile. Pretty average run in my book.
Tuesday: 6 miles (AM) + Mantra with Christina (PM).
I *almost* set pace goals for each interval but I’m so glad I didn’t. “Hard” effort was relative to each interval and I got slower throughout the workout. My paces for the pyramid were as followed: 1200 @ 7:30 min/mile, 800 @ 7:23 min/mile, 400 @ 7:13 min/mile, 400 @ 7:30 min/mile, 800 @ 7:57 min/mile, 1200 @ 8:05 min/mile. I liked the concept of this workout and will definitely be repeating it.
Later that night I met up with Christina to take a Megaformer class at Mantra. KILLER. After class we went to dinner and both said our legs were still shaking.
Wednesday: Off.
Thursday: 30 minutes of strength training (my mom’s group ex class!). I slept horribly and by the time I woke up naturally (7:30) it was too hot to start running. A quick weight session later in the day fit the bill.
Friday: 6.25 miles @ 8:53 min/mile. I contemplated skipping this run but, as usual, I’m glad I didn’t.
Saturday: 7 miles @ 8:52 min/mile. Before my actual breakfast I refueled with spoonfuls of Wild Friends Sunflower Butter, strawberries and Coco Libre. Weird combo?

Obsessed with this brand of coconut water.
Total: 25.25 miles. I’m very happy with that perfectly proportional number.
I always prefer waking up early to beat the heat rather than run on the treadmill, since I really am not the biggest fan of running on the treadmill and much prefer it for short intervals/ sprints rather than running. It’s been tough this summer to get up early to beat the heat, but I always much prefer it than waking up too late and dreading the heat.
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Dorm Room Approved Snacks Roundup
I prefer the treadmill for short intervals too. I did a 12 miler once on it. Never. again. (I say that now)
The past couple of weeks I have been all about the treadmill, because it is actually still pretty dark in the mornings! That is some great mileage…You go girl! Hope you are having a beautiful weekend! XOXO
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It is dark in the mornings and will probably only get darker until we set the clocks back. Hopefully this all pays off!
I just prefer to wait until it gets cooler in the evening to run! Though I can’t imagine that kind of humidity, especially so early in the morning. I seriously feel like dying when it gets over 60% here, 99% is just insane! Our weather is supposed to be a lot cooler this week, and I’m really looking forward to it.
Rebecca @ MyEagerFeet recently posted…Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon: Week 4
I just have to laugh when I look at the weather (or not look at it!)
I would Definitely rather wake up early than hop on the “dreadmill” as I like to call it – I am an outdoor runner all the way!
Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…Pond Hopping Part 4: Weekly Workouts and Running Hyde Park
I’ve been the same way lately! Rain is the only thing that will push me inside.