Hi y’all – I finished up another week of training for the Richmond Half Marathon this fall. This was my second full week working nights, and I had lots of wedding stuff to do, so I didn’t get as much sleep this week as I probably should have.
This was a step-back week for me, so my mileage was down.
Monday: Rest Day – Mondays are always tough because I’m coming off a Sunday with little sleep. My day ends at 7:30/8:00am, so you can imagine what that feels like! I was super tired, and tried to go to sleep as soon as I got home. It was a bit of a struggle because I was so tired. (Does that ever happen to anyone else?)
Tuesday: 2.5 mile warm up with 3 miles at 8:20 pace, .5 mile cool down. This was actually my best run of the week. I did it in the morning when I got home from work. (I needed to stay up “late” for a hair appointment.) It’s amazing when 8:20 per mile starts feeling easy. I don’t think I would have thought that a year ago.
Wednesday: Easy 3 miles – As predicted, I did not get enough sleep on Tuesday, so this three miles felt like a bit of a slog. Overnight blahs.
Thursday: 4 miles + strides for a total of 4.6 miles. This run felt slightly better, although I struggled with sleep again. I woke up about 2 hours early for me. In any case, that meant I could get this run in early, but it also meant that after I felt like I needed a nap. I didn’t get that nap because I had stuff I needed to do!
Friday: [solidcore] class – At the beginning of class, the instructor reminded me that she always makes Monday and Friday classes tough. She said that on Fridays she knows what we’ll be doing over the weekend and on Mondays she knows what we did over the weekend. I tried to assure her that I wouldn’t be doing anything bad, but it was no use. The class was tough, but exactly what I needed. I’ve been neglecting strength training for too long! I also had a handful of wedding related calls, plus an appointment for a massage. We worked on my hip (OW) which has been a consistent weak point for me.
Saturday: Easy 3 miles + strides for a total of 3.5 miles. I did this midday because J and I went to Old Town Alexandria to pick up my wedding band! That was super exciting! It fits my unique (read: vintage) engagement ring perfectly. We had to go with a custom design, which I love. I can not wait to wear it. Only 41 more days! (Oh and I might have done some yarn shopping too!)
Sunday: Ran Leesburg 20K. This is one of my favorite races, even though it is always super hot! I saw Oiselle teamie Pam, who was there to support her boyfriend (she gets the ultimate girlfriend award in my book). She even snapped this photo of me at the end.
I probably haven’t run outside enough in this humidity this year, so this run was a test of mental strength for me. Also I was just feeling really, really tired. I think that a general lack of sleep throughout the week caught up to me! Still, I was proud that I finished, even if it was quite a bit slower than I normally run for an easy run. Afterwards, J and I picked up donuts for my fam and hung out with my nephew. He’s cruising all over the place and he’s really quick. I’m thinking there might be another runner in the family 😉
Total Weekly Mileage: 29.5
Miles for August: 97.7
I felt pretty good about this week’s running. One of the most important lessons I have learned working nights is that I have to cut myself some slack. I feel like I sound like a broken record when I say this, but rest is elusive! Your body just doesn’t like to sleep for more than a handful of hours at a time during the day.
Highlight of the week? Seeing Kate Grace run in the Finals of the Women’s 800m. Not only is Kate an amazing athlete, she’s also an incredibly kind and amazing human being. Not going to lie, seeing her get to semis and then finals AND running a PR made me shed more than a few tears. Oiselle ❤️Fast Kate! Also 8th in the world ain’t too shabby for anything.
I’ve had three solid weeks of running and I’m really grateful when I can get a run in. It really improves my mental outlook, and it probably makes me a less grumpy colleague!
Fit For The Finish Line 
I cried for Kate’s PR too! It was so incredible. I am so glad that I got to see you on Sunday, you looked super strong at the end. That humidity was wicked and everyone I know that ran the 20k had a tough time too. Lots of slower than expected times. I’m impressed that you’re able to work your crazy hours, train, and plan a wedding. Teach me! 🙂 I hope I see you again soon!