This was a cutback week, and it felt like I ran so much less than in other training weeks! Part of the reason was because I did my hardest workout of the week on Monday. That feels so long ago now! It was kind of nice to get it done with and then take it easy the rest of the week. This schedule won’t usually work for me, so it was nice to have the option to move things around this week.
Weekly Rundown
Monday: 6 Miles with 3 x 1 Mile Repeats + Core Work
Tuesday: Strength Training
Wednesday: Rest Day
Thursday: Yoga + 3 Miles
Friday: Spinning + Strength Training
Saturday: 7 Miles
Sunday: 3 miles + Hip and Glute Exercises
Running
Monday’s mile repeats were tough. But it felt good to run hard! Last week when was doing 400s I was thinking how I was excited to move into tempo runs where I can just settle into a pace. Tempo runs are tough too, but I feel like they require less thinking than speedwork. Mile repeats are a little bit of both I think. They are hard in that you are going at a pretty fast pace, but at least you have time to actually settle into that pace.
Even though it was cold and windy on Saturday I headed outside for my 7 miles. I actually finished this when it was light out which was nice! That won’t happen again for awhile unless I run during nap time. Even though it was really cold (felt like 27) something about being outside made me feel like spring was right around the corner.
Other workouts
I’m lumping everything else into one category because there isn’t much to say about these workouts! I got them done, and they went well. Every week I feel like I am squeezing everything in but I’ve still managed to keep up with it all somehow.
Next week I should be back to my regular schedule. I’m hoping I can continue to get most of my runs done outside! I really haven’t minded the treadmill lately, but I definitely prefer running outside when the weather cooperates.
[Tweet “Week 4 of half-marathon training is complete! This was a cutback week so it felt like I did alot less than usual. @milebymilerun #weeklyrundown #runchat #halfmarathontraining”]
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Frederick Half-Marathon Training Week 3
Frederick Half-Marathon Training Week 2
How were your workouts last week?
Do you feel like spring is around the corner?
Do you appreciate cutback weeks in your training?
I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down!
I did a training program last summer that had cutback weeks and I could see noticeable gains in my fitness each week after cutback week. I need to remember to do more of them in my training. Ouch, the time change and lack of light this morning is brutal.
I hope that the cutback week leaves me feeling fresh this week! I think today is harder than yesterday with the time change.
Well done on the cutback week! I find them to be SO valuable. The wind has been crazy but it was 67 degrees here yesterday, which is incredible. I’m calling it spring!
I hope this warmer weather sticks around for good!
great job this week!! I do like cutback weeks and also appreciate the timing of them! You’re doing great Lisa, even you you feel like you are squeezing everything in; you’re getting it done!!
Thank you so much! Yep, the timing of cutback weeks is usually perfect!
It’s funny how Monday can seem so long ago, lol. That’s how you know it was a busy week!
Awesome job on your cutback week.
Haha yes! I had to think back like “what workout did I even do on Monday??”
Well done this week! Looks like we will have some nice weather days this week hope you get outside. I guess it will be a lot darker out there though! Thanks for linking up
Yep I think I will be running in the dark for awhile now! But I’m at least hoping it will be warmer!
I totally embrace cutback weeks!!! I’m currently stalking the weather… hoping the forecast rain continues to diminish by the end of the day LOL
I hope you were able to avoid the rain!
I love cutback weeks–after all the hard work of the previous weeks, it feels almost easy to run!
Mile repeats are tough! But I agree with what you said, you do get to settle into a pace.. It’s hard to keep them even, though. Great job!
Yep, the mile repeats are definitely challenging for many reasons!
I do love cutback weeks. 🙂
I’d much rather do 400s than tempos — mainly because running fast doesn’t come naturally to me, and it’s much easier to do it for a short time with a break.
I like that about 400s too. It’s a little easier mentally to just go into it knowing the intervals won’t take very long. The only thing that intimidates me is knowing how many repeats I have to do!
I prefer tempo runs to speedwork as well. Isn’t it nice to run outside instead of on the TM? Although you don’t mind the TM too much, it’s great to run in the fresh air.
I had an unwanted cutback week because of visitors and I’m getting edgy…
Yes the fresh air felt so good this week! Hope you can get back to your regular running routine soon!
Great job! Those cutbacks always give a nice little bit of rest and I love that.
Mile repeats are my least favorite. They are just exhausting.
I really dislike doing them on a track. Doing them on the roads I didn’t think was as bad!
You’re so disciplined with your training plan. I was never good at figuring out which pace I should use for different workouts. I think I have a better handle on that now, but am not motivation to put that knowledge into action for a race. You are doing great!
It can definitely be confusing! I’ve been giving myself a range and then seeing how I feel.