This last week FLEW BY. It was crazy. I sometimes feel like my cut-back weeks (this past week I did 55 miles) are actually tougher than when I've got a 60+ mile week on the schedule. Is this just me? Maybe it's because I'm just still recovering from the high mileage week the week before? Or maybe it's because I'm mentally still exhausted and in my 60+ weeks, I'm mentally ready/ prepped for the challenge. I'm trying to stay mentally 'present' and 'thankful' in my runs- whether I'm on the treadmill, in a hard workout, or just getting in some easy miles outside in the sunshine (or snow). I recently listened to Kelly's BQ or BUST vlog with Dr. Bob (sports psychologist) and it is really inspiring. You can check it out HERE: 

MONDAY: 1.5 mile warm-up; 9 miles @ tempo @ 8:20; 1.5 (actual: 1.0 cool down- short on time!). 11 miles total. It was an icy/snowy cold mess outside, so I was forced to do this on the treadmill and it really could've been better. I wanted to do this outside and it was my first of 3 9 mile goal marathon paced workout, so with the extra mile it was extra challenging. Not the best, not the complete worst. 

TUESDAY: 6 miles easy @ 9:41 (bit too fast) 308' gain + 15 minutes strength arms/legs/abs

WEDNESDAY: 1.5 warm-up; 4 x 1.5 mile @ 8:00-8:10 (8:06 @ .5% incline; 8:06 @ .5%-1% varied incline; 8:02 @ 1% incline; 8:03 @0% incline); 1.5 cool-down; 11 miles total. The treadmill annoyingly got stuck on 1% incline on my 3rd repeat (I guess it's great hill/ butt work right?), but I powered through and felt really strong (even felt recovered afterwards). I really love strength work

THURSDAY: 10 miles easy @ 10:00 pace + 15 minutes strength arms/legs/abs (6 miles in the morning felt super exhausted/ calves tight/ 10* out & 4 miles in the afternoon sunshine went MUCH better). Recovered with an epsom salt bath.

FRIDAY: 10 miles easy @ 9:45. I slept in and did this run in the afternoon in the SUNSHINE! I definitely went too fast, but the beautiful weather (and not wearing a headlamp) really made a big difference. 

SATURDAY: 6 miles easy @ 10:42. This turned out to be a hilly run (even though I didn't plan for it to be that way)- I guess that's what happens when I run from home (we live in a VERY hilly area)! I also did this run less than 13 hours after I finished my 10-miler, so that could explain why my pace was slower (also taught skiing after my Friday afternoon run) besides the hills. Recovery is meant to be slow!

SUNDAY: Rest day

Positive Splits:

• Strength workout felt amazing
• Kept hydrated throughout the week
• Fit in 2 x strength training sessions
• Fit in an epsom salt bath

Negative Splits:

• Tempo workout was rough
• Easy paced runs were kinda all-over the place
• Sleep was not the best
• Nutrition could have been better (but it wasn't terrible either)!

I hope you have a great hump day! We're only 2 days away from the weekend!