I was skeptical of this marathon training cycle. It was the first 26.2 where I created my own training cycle. I utilized what I learned from my previous races and tailored this one (shorter build-up of 12 weeks) to my needs. I added in cut-back weeks that included 5 days of running and 1 day of cross training, along with 2 speed sessions every-other week. I knew that my general fitness for a PR marathon was within me, I just needed to bring back some of my speed that I built from Eugene and maintain it for my upcoming race. This last week I finally hit a few breakthroughs.

I had some killer speedwork on the track on Monday and then followed that up with a negative-split 18 mile long run on Thursday. I felt mentally (& physically) strong come Sunday (and tired ofcourse). I’m focusing on keeping my mind “in the run” and being really smart on my easy days (I don’t mind walking if I need to in order to keep my heart rate lower). I’m checking my ego at the door and trying to push my boundaries on my speed days. I’ve got my first half marathon of this training cycle on Saturday and while I don’t have any expectations, it would obviously be great to finish the race feeling strong and confident. You never know what race day will bring, so I’m lowering my expectations and being smart that my big goal is still 5 more weeks out!

Let’s look back on my runs last week!

Monday, 9/9: 6.02 miles with 4 x 1200 (.25mile recovery between sets) & strength

Tuesday, 9/10: 5.07 miles easy at 9:40min/mi

Wednesday, 9/11: Rest Day!

Thursday, 9/12: 18 miles at 9:26 min/mi avg pace and post-run stretching/recovery

Friday, 9/13: 3 miles in the AM, strength, 4 trail miles in the PM. 11:00 min/mi avg pace

Saturday, 9/14: 6.01 miles easy at 10:46 min/mi avg pace

Sunday, 9/15: 6 miles easy at 10:38 avg pace

Total Miles: 48.1 miles

Total elevation: 2, 057’ up

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Ever made your own training cycle? How’d it go?

Number of days you prefer to run per week? Any cross training you love to do?