Nikki’s Training Blog

So far I have had a pretty great summer. Work has been nice and consistent which is great especially for the summer months. Training is going really well.  Some days I enjoy it more than others, but I’ve really enjoyed being on the same program with so many people.  All of us running Chicago, Jill, Kristin, Amy and I have the same goal of 3:40, and we are actually really compatible as running partners.  It’s actually sort of freaky how almost identical Jill and my HR and pace data are.  I think it’s pretty lucky to find running buddies that are exactly your speed.  In the past I’ve been in groups that I’ve felt like I haven’t been running quite the pace I wanted to, or I’m stuck struggling to keep up.  I’m just like Goldilocks now.  This one is juuuust right!

This program has been full of tough workouts.  Take today for example.  We warmed up 10 minutes, then ran 40 minutes at a 7:30 pace, then a 5 min cool down.  Holy Crap!  That was the hardest workout I have ever done.  It was also almost 70 degrees by 5:30.  I’ve noticed the heat really does make a huge difference in our performance and HR.  That’s cardiovascular drift for you!  I’ll leave that topic for another post.  Anyway, the speed work and tempo paced workouts have been challenging, but it’s nice to be running for a purpose instead of hammering out mile after mile at the same speed.  Long runs are SO much more enjoyable now that we have slowed them down to where they should be, 9:00-9:30/mile.  I feel like I could run another 10 miles after almost every long run.  This phase, phase 4, focuses more on marathon pace running, too.  Hopefully 8:24/mile will become my favorite pace soon.

Gary’s Big Week is coming up!  Jill, Amy, Kristin and I have signed up for the Lake City Half Marathon so we will run while Gary runs the full marathon.  It’s supposed to be a flat course, and it’s a smaller race so it should be great!  I’m excited to see how we do, especially considering we will be in the middle of our toughest weeks of training.  My mom and dad are even coming, and I can’t wait to see how awesome Gary runs after competing/traveling over 400 miles.  On his 30th  Birthday!  Go Geeves!

This weekend is Ironman Louisville, and Gary and I will be working the finish line again.  It’s the best place to be!   If you in need of some inspiration, come down to 4th Street Live on Sunday evening.  Ironman does an incredible job of making the whole race, but especially the finish line, a spectacular event.  Rightfully so, I might add.  These athletes do some amazing things, and nothing feels better than seeing that finish line at the end of your 140.6 journey.  I can’t wait!  I might even get inspired to sign up for next year.  I’ve been back and forth on the issue in my head over the last few weeks, but I still can’t decide.  I guess I’ll know on Monday!

Filed under: Uncategorized