This was my first week of base building before starting to train for a spring half-marathon. I am planning to do this base building for 4 weeks before starting to train. I think I mentioned that I have 2 race options in mind that are both in May. My preference is the earlier one on May 3rd. I keep getting E-mails with a discount code if I sign up by tomorrow night. Not sure if I’m ready to fully commit yet!
More than anything this week was about getting back into a good workout routine. I’m planning to use a similar schedule to the one I used when training for the Charles St. 12. This week I only ran 3 days and my longest run was 6 miles. I have a long way to go!
Weekly Run Down
Monday: Strength Training
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: 3 miles with hills (treadmill) + core
Thursday: 20 minutes spin bike + Strength Training
Friday: Yoga
Saturday: 6 miles
Sunday: 3 miles + glute exercises
Running
Overall my runs felt pretty good this week. I did some hills on the treadmill which made the run go by faster. My intervals were only 1 minute so by the time I got the incline up it seemed like it was time for it to go back down. Next time I do hills I will probably make them 2 minutes.
Saturday was 24 degrees when I ran outside in the morning. In some directions there was no wind and I felt warm. In other directions there was a little wind and it was chilly. But overall it felt good to get outside. We were supposed to get snow on Saturday but ended up with only a few flurries and some freezing rain in the evening.
Strength Training
I started making my own strength training workouts this week. For many exercises I went back to basics to really nail down my form. I feel like there is something a little off with my deadlifts so I am going to start back with really simple exercises to get my body moving correctly before I progress to heavier weights. So far, so good.
Cross-Training
Besides the usual running and strength training I also got in some spinning and yoga! Not sure if I will be able to keep up with both as my mileage increases, but its a good way to get in more activity as I am still running low mileage. I basically used my spin session to warm up before strength training. I am hoping to do yoga on Fridays but eventually that will also be a run day so I’m not sure if I will always be able to fit it in.
Overall I am happy with how the week went. I stuck with my plan and got back into a routine. It’s a little discouraging to only be running 12 miles a week at this point but that’s why I have this base building period. I have to start somewhere!
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How were your workouts last week?
Do you specifically add a base building period into your training plan?
What kind of cross-training are you most likely to keep up with when you’re training?
I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down!
Base building is a great idea! I think you’ll be ready for the 3 May. Go straight ahead and sign up for it! You can always use it as a training session! 😊
Thanks for the encouragement! I agree that I should just go for it.
Hey Lisa, 12 miles is a great week, especially with all of the cross training and you know, life on top of that. I have two minds about early registration, on the one hand it’s cheaper and it kind of commits you to the race, but on the other hand the prices usually don’t go up that much and as you say, you may not be ready to commit. I think it’s fine either way.
Good points both ways! I am leaning towards just signing up. I just need to verify some other things we have going on that month and make sure I don’t have any conflicts!
The weather is messing with my ‘base building’. I tried valiantly to get a 6 miler done on the treadmill yesterday, but I called it at 4.5. Ugh. Hoping to get back outside this week. I need to incorporate speedwork into my training and now that I’m done with my strength cycle, that should start this week.
I actually like doing intervals on the treadmill- that might be a way to get a harder workout in when you’re stuck inside. (I can’t do true speedwork because I’m scared I’ll fall off, but playing around with faster intervals helps to pass the time!)
3rd May jumped out at me as that’s the date of my first marathon! I love the variety of your fitness schedule last week. I find myself just running now and I really need to add more strength training and go back to my pilates which I love.
What a great race day!:) I like doing a variety of workouts. It makes me really excited for the days when I do get to run.
Going back to basics with strength training is good sometimes. Looks like you are off to a great start w the base building. which half are you looking at?
Thanks! I’m looking at the Frederick half. The other option is the Naptown Half.
It’s hard to cross train when mileage picks up but I’m striving for 1 day a week of Pilates or cycling.
12 miles for the week is not a bad start. 👍🏻
That’s a great goal! I also hope to keep up with at least one other thing besides running and strength training throughout this training cycle.
Great variety for you this week! I wouldn’t feel discouraged at all with 12 miles. You’re building a base and those miles will ramp up quickly. I think I’d go ahead and pull the trigger on that May 3 race. Is there any chance it’ll sell out?
You’re right! And I actually have no idea about the race selling out…I guess that is something I should look into!
You had an awesome week! I’m a huge fan of base building and I have no doubt that you are going to rock that race on May 3 🙂
Thanks! I know I have a long way to go but I’m feeling pretty good about things!
Great week of variety! I had 13 miles last week, and that seemed a bit low for me. But, I only ran three times (because of the weather), and I don’t want the miles bad enough to squeeze in an extra run on the treadmill. That’s my rationale LOL
I don’t blame you for skipping some treadmill runs! When you’re just running 3 times, I guess we can’t expect our mileage to be super high.
Glad to hear you had a good start to your base. It’s so complicated to fit it all in, but I’m sure you’ll manage. Good luck with either May one
Thank you! It will be a challenge to fit it all in but I’m hopeful I can keep up with most of my workouts.
12 miles is still great! Hey, definitely more than what I ran. 🙂 Overall, a great base building week for you. I rarely cross training but now have been using my Peloton which I love.
Thank you! I bet the Peloton is a great option to have.
I feel like I am base-building before I start my training for my spring half marathon… but I am not really following a plan or anything. Just adding more strength training to the mix.
I also love my once a week spin class for cross-training.
I don’t think most people needs a plan for base building. I am just following one because I wanted to figure out how to structure my weeks once I actually start training.