Hello, February! (WW # 131)

The purpose of this linkup is to
support active women.
Rules can be found HERE.

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Thank you for supporting the NEW Weekly Wrap 

and making Wendy feel welcomed.  

If you haven't read the updated rules, please do so.

There have been a few changes.

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In January, my running miles ended up higher than they have been in a long time.  I guess two half marathons in one month helps with that.  I was consistent all month with my weekly cross training; really enjoying my indoor cycling on the mag trainer while pedaling to 70's funk.  My strength sessions were consistent as well.  However, I still only run three times a week.

This was a typical training week for me.  It was pretty stressful at work coupled with a week of poor sleep, however.  Which...who am I kidding...is really is nothing out of the ordinary.   Although it was very cold, I was rewarded with a pretty sunrise on Tuesday morning's usual progressive run [10:13, 10:11, 9:53, 9:46, 9:05]. 

Another progressive four happened Thursday morning [10:01, 9:47, 9:35, 9:15].  These weekday runs I feel I could do in my sleep.  For curious minds, I don't eat anything.  I drink a few sips of water before heading out and I take nothing with me.  I do not stop unless a rare traffic issue forces me to -- like someone backing out of a driveway.   In winter's cooler temps, I am comfortable with this routine for up to 6 or 7 miles.  Anything longer and I'll eat a few bites of yogurt and stash a water bottle on my route.  Summer is drastically different. But, I'll save that for another post.

This side-tie, thumb-hole athletic top was in
my latest Stitch Fix box.  I like!

I'll be running the Mercedes Half Marathon next weekend with my ho-cost Wendy so I took one last opportunity to run a few hills on Saturday.  After one warm-up mile, I concentrated on running 7 hilly miles at a steady pace (averaging 9:40).  I've talked often about living in a hilly neighborhood and having the ability to run extra hills whenever I need.  Here is what that looks like. 

Since I've been busy building my running base for the last few months, I opted not to taper for my last two half marathons.  This time, I have decided to taper and rest in hopes that the Mercedes hills don't have me begging for mercy.

And that's a wrap!

How do you get your hill training?

Do you always eat before a run?

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