We’ve had a nice stretch of weather around here and I’m just enjoying fall running while it lasts. As much as I love summer, the heat and humidity this year really did me in. I know things are going to get trickier for running with the stroller as it gets colder, so this seems to be the sweet spot for running this year.
I’ve continued to build my mileage and work on my #rundestober run streak. So far it’s going well, and honestly I think the weather is playing a huge part in that. I don’t think I will want to run this much when it’s colder and it’s also going to be harder to get out every day.
Oh and this week I hit 1,000 miles for the year so far! The last time I ran that much in a year was 2015.
Weekly Run Down: Enjoying Fall Running While it Lasts
Monday: 7.3 Miles with Cruise Intervals + Core Work
Tuesday: 4.2 Stroller Miles + Strength Training
Wednesday: 7 Miles (3.3 Treadmill and 3.7 Stroller) + Hip/Glute Exercises
Thursday: 4.2 Miles With Surges + Strength Training
Friday: 1.6 Miles + Walking + Core Work
Saturday: 11.6 Miles
Sunday: 4.2 Stroller Miles
Total: 40.2 Miles
10k Preparation
I decided to push my 10k back a few weeks so I will probably do it around the last week in October. My workout on Monday was 4 x 5 minutes at 10k pace, and it didn’t feel too hard. Last week when I did 400s at 10k pace I think it was just harder to settle into the pace. I will probably try to get in one more workout before the race and then I’ll just see what happens. In case you missed it, last week I shared how to train for a 10k race!
Long Run
I was planning to do 10-12 miles on Saturday. I had my root canal the day before, so I was a little nervous that I would wake up with pain or discomfort and not want to run long. Luckily it felt fine when I woke up and I had no problem getting in my miles.
However, running in the cooler weather and the dark requires so much gear. By the time I gathered up all my lights and layers I somehow forgot to bring my gels. I had finally ordered a new box about a week ago, and this would be my first time using them since last fall.
I realized my mistake within a mile of starting my run. Since I wasn’t far from home I decided to swing past my house at mile 4 and grab them. After I started running again I realized a new problem: I didn’t have anywhere to store them! I ate one and was able to shove the other one into the pocket of my vest.
I also used my RunBottle that I got a few weeks ago from SmartShake. When you drink it you don’t tilt it and it doesn’t spill or anything. It lasted my throughout my run, but I was rationing it. I would definitely need more during a hot summer run.
Stroller Runs
It’s already been tricky dressing Grayson for stroller runs. We got the Footmuff from Thule and used that on Tuesday. He didn’t mind having it on, but he kept pulling out his hands. At this point I figure once it gets really cold maybe he will be more open to keeping his hands under the footmuff or a blanket, or will let me put gloves on him.
A 40 Mile Week
Earlier this year I decided I wanted to very slowly work on building my mileage up to 40 miles a week. A few weeks ago I ran over 40 miles across a 7 day span, but not Monday-Sunday. I’m not sure why, but I wanted to make it happen across a planned week and not when I did 2 long runs within the same 7 days.
This week I an 40.2 miles! It’s been a very slow build to get here. I used to run 40 miles a week all the time before 2016. Then I got injured for a long time, was pregnant, had Grayson, etc. It took a while to build back from all that.
I don’t necessarily plan to keep my mileage at 40 miles a week. It’s nice to know I can do it. But without training for a real race there’s no reason to be pushing to get in a few extra miles all the time when I could be doing other things. I’ll probably stick around the 30-35 mile per week range, at least for this month, and then decide what I want to work on next.
You May Also Like:
Essential Running Gear for Late Summer and Fall
Fall Blog Post Round-Up
Have you been enjoying some nice fall weather lately?
Are you focusing on any goals or upcoming races?
I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down!
Awesome work on a 40 mile week and building up to it smartly! Yes, the colder weather and the dark requires so much more gear…Summer running is so much easier 🙂
Thanks! Yes, it can be so hard to remember everything!
Wow great week of mileage!
It is kinda crazy how much more gear we need on these runs, right?!
Thanks! I know- and it will only get worse in the winter!
Congrats on all those miles. My goal for the year is 1000 but I’m pretty sure that I will fall short – thanks to several injuries.
Our weather has been great for running. If only I didn’t work lol.
I have a virtual half scheduled for next Sat but I may push it off a few weeks. I have a real one on Nov 15. This year i am not focusing on any goals…just staying active. I’ve been enjoying my walks and hikes even more than my runs.
It still seems like you have had a very strong year despite your injuries! Hopefully your upcoming races go well.
wow congrats on another great mileage week! This past week was the best week of weather in a long time. Have a great week and thanks for linking
Thanks! I know, I just want to bottle up this weather!
Nice work Lisa! After you said you hit 1000 miles, I checked my mileage for this year and I’m not too far behind you–I hit 915 this week. It’s crazy. The last time I ran this much was… probably 2015. I guess it’s a silver lining of the pandemic. Glad my body is letting me do it.
It hasn’t been too cold here, but the forecast is showing that is going to change. Looks like you’re prepared for it!
Oh wow you are getting close to that 1,000 mile mark! Totally agree about it being a silver lining of the pandemic.
((sigh)) I wish I had some upcoming races, but it’s just as well that I don’t so I can focus on my stress fracture recovery. I know, that’s a nice #FirstWorldProb LOL Wow, 40 miles is pretty incredible! Even though I’m not running right now, I still need the layers and lights for my early morning rides…and I STILL forget to have it all ready. Thankfully, I don’t have to worry about gets/fuel 😉
It is definitely smart to just focus on your recovery right now! I think right now its confusing because some days its warm and I don’t need much, especially when I run when it’s light out, and other days it feels like I need everything.
Congrats on a great week, especially knocking out 40 miles!
Thanks Kim!
It’s always hard to remember what gear you need when the season changes. One morning this week I headed out without my headlamp, even though I’d thought of it while I was getting ready. There are just enough street lights in my neighborhood to make it possible, but it’s still dangerous!
Nice on working up to 40 miles. I can’t imagine running that much!
I could make do without a headlamp where I run, but its nice to have something to help me see better, and to make me more visible!
That is great mileage for the week! No races and no training yet you hit 1,000 miles. Way to go!!
I know what you mean about layering up and forgetting something. Once I forgot my keys but luckily my sister was home and she opened the door for me.
Thanks! Oh, good thing she was home! I have to lock my door with a key so I don’t think I can lock myself out when I leave from the front door. Being out on in the back makes me nervous though because that door can be locked without a key.
Congrats on your 40 mile week! I love spring and fall running so much. The peek running weather doesn’t last long but it’s so nice while it’s here.
I know! I feel like I’m always complaining about the weather, so its nice to have a few weeks that are enjoyable.
You’ve had a great year of running so far! We’ve had amazing fall weather but I am noticing all the gear and all the laundry. Kind of not looking forward to winter running for those reasons. Ugh.
I know, right?! It takes me so much longer to get ready, and the laundry definitely multiplies.
Fabulous! And I’m so glad the Footmuff is working out. If it makes you feel better, none of the kids ever seem to feel the cold. To this day, I have to beg A to take a jacket (unless it’s 90 degrees, and then he will be in hoodie and jeans.)
That’s good to know! Grayson’s hands feel so cold when I take him out of the stroller, but I think he would put them under the blanket if they were really bothering him.
Seriously, who doesn’t love Fall running? At least, if you’re not living in the South. 🙂 Even the colorful trees are cheerful! We’ve been lucky with not too much rain, either. Today was supposed to be rainy but so far nada here. Later. . . .
Congrats on reaching your 40 mile goal! I have no real goals. Although I do have a virtual 5k in about a month. After a 2 week+ break though I’m not sure I really want to push that hard, not to mention I’m just really enjoying exploring while walking right now!
It’s good that you are enjoying your break! At least the 5k is the kind of distance that you can run hard or just do for fun.
Congrats on a great week of training!
The weather has been delightful here as well! I am focusing on getting back to running without walk intervals by the time I run the Thanksgiving Day 5K virtually with my family!
That’s so exciting! Sounds like a great goal for you.