Well, this week was my last week training for the Frederick Half-Marathon. I found out on Monday afternoon, after a strong workout that morning, that it was cancelled. I figured it would happen, but it was still a let down. The rest of the week I was kind of in a funk for my workouts. For today’s post I figured I would share the end of Frederick Half-Marathon Training including my workouts at the end of the week.
The End of Frederick Half-Marathon Training (Week 6)
Monday: 5.7 miles with 3 at tempo pace (7:30-7:40) + Core Work
Tuesday: Strength Training
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: 3 Miles + 20 Minutes Yoga
Friday: 20 Minutes Spinning + Strength Training
Saturday: 8 miles
Sunday: 4 miles + Hip and Glute Exercises
Tempo Run
Let’s talk about Monday’s tempo run because it was my last workout while officially “training”. (I may continue to follow my training plan, but I’m not sure.) Last week I ran 2 x 15 minutes at a similar pace but this week felt much better. For the first time throughout my training cycle, I started to feel confident about my race goals. Oh the irony of having a race get cancelled the same day that happens! I’m kind of glad that I moved around my workouts this week and did this on Monday. If I stuck to my usual plan this was supposed to happen on Wednesday. I don’t know if I would have done the workout and if I did I probably wouldn’t have pushed myself very hard.
I’m glad I ended my training with this workout. I hope it brings me confidence whenever I do train again.
Long Run
Instead of running 11 miles as originally planned, I did 8 on Saturday. It was super windy and colder than forecasted. (I wore shorts thinking it was in the 50s, but it definitely felt more like low 40s). This run was a struggle and I was glad to not be doing more than 8. But the miles helped me to clear my head and I felt better when it was done.
Silver Livings
With COVID 19 causing so much turmoil in our lives, I have seen so many people really trying to focus on the positives, or pointing out the silver linings of different situations. We may be stuck at home, but we get extra time with family. Many of us are trying to work from home while caring for kids, but at least we can do so in our sweats. Our races may be cancelled but many of them will be rescheduled for the fall, which is a great season for running. I don’t think we have any other choice but to try to cling to those positive things.
I’ve been trying to think about being home more. Going for walks every day. Not having to commute. Getting to be creative in my work by creating mechanisms for virtual learning. And of course I feel gratitude for all that I have right now like a stable job, food to eat, and toilet paper (lol). Sometimes when we are outside playing I find it hard to believe that all of this is actually going on.
Running Plans
At this point I am not sure exactly what my running plans are for the foreseeable future. My race is supposed to be rescheduled but they have not yet announced a date. I bet they are trying to find a time that doesn’t interfere with other local races. There are alot of events that people can buy in “packages” so you could do this race and 2 others and save money and get a special medal. So I’m sure alot of people are signed up for multiple races and the race organizers are trying to spread them out as much as possible.
These are the 3 options I will have when they announce a new date: 1) Running the rescheduled race date, 2) Deferment to 2021, 3) A Virtual Run.
What now?
There are a lot of other virtual race options going on and one that caught my attention is the Rambling Runner’s Virtual Race series. I might do the 5k and/or 10k options which are coming up. Then depending on I feel I would consider the half. If I did any of those races I could also do the Coronavirus virtual run which doesn’t have a set distance. I’ll probably just see how things go and sign up if/when I get the urge to run hard again.
These are some crazy times right now. There’s no best way to handle this (other than staying home unless you are essential!) so I think we are all just figuring it out as we go. My emotions are all over the place and I definitely think its impacted my running. But I also know that running helps me to cope, so it’s all about finding a good balance.
Has your training looked different if an upcoming race was cancelled?
Are you running more, less, or the same amount as before?
Are you doing any virtual races?
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Sorry about your race! But your training was not for nothing – you built up endurance, strength and confidence.
One of my races has also been postponed to a date that hasn’t been announced yet. It must be a very difficult time for the race organizers. Keep up your training and above all, keep healthy!
Totally agree about it being tough for the race organizers! At this point they might as well wait until they know for sure when a good alternative date would be.
These are crazy times for sure. Your runs will sure help you keep your sanity through all of this. I am going to check out some of the virtual runs too. Take care and stay safe
Running definitely helps with all the stress!
In theory I’d like to run more but my body is happy where it is so my workouts look about the same. I’m doing the virtual races as a challenge to see how close I can come to racing speed on my own.
It’s good that you found the right amount of running for your body! The virtual races are a good option to have right now.
I’m just “maintaining without excessive training” (that’s also a blog post-in-draft LOL). I do wonder how the fall will play out with all the already scheduled races AND the re-scheduled ones competing for the same race dates. If nothing else, we’ll have plenty of options 😉
Yes for sure! Its definitely going to be a busy fall for runners.
So sorry to hear about your race 🙁 You were having such a great training cycle. Earlier this morning I was thinking about when races might be “safe” again. I was thinking early summer (June/July) but who knows. It seems like things are changing day to day.
Stay safe!
I know, its so hard to say! And I bet race organizers are nervous to pick new dates without knowing when it will be safe.
I’ve got a few virtual races lined up–I just did that 19 miler. Next up is a 10k, “Bigfoot”, which I’m going to do on the trails on Weds. Then there’s the CARA Social Distancing virtual race, which is any distance. I’ll do that on Saturday. I’m glad to have them to keep me motivated. It’s really tough right now for everyone. Hang in there…we’re lucky to have such a wonderful community of bloggers, aren’t we?
Sounds like you will be keeping yourself busy! We sure are lucky to have such a great community!
As an essential employee, I’m just wishing they would send me home! I am looking forward to being able to hang out at my house, and not have to spend the time to get ready for work. Sigh. It really is a great time for you to be home with your little one. Enjoy it!
I am very grateful to be able to stay home! It’s such an “easy” thing to do whereas so many people in healthcare and other professions are making so many more sacrifices.
No virtual races here. Running pretty much the same, although beginning to increase runs, fingers crossed for end of June half, although I have a feeling it may not happen. We’ll see.
Definitely new territory for everyone! Sounds like you’re handling it well.
It’s so hard to know what will happen in June. Hopefully things will improve and your race can go on!