10k Training: Week 6

Into week 6!

So this is the week where things start to get a little off, and it went a little over an actual week... First, there's an optimized run that popped up, meaning I need to run 4x within this week. And second, I wasn't feeling great at the beginning of the week- seasons changing + stress = fatigue

Sunday

Day 1 Week 6- training app: 35 min total, 20 running = 2.67mi

Bestie and I decided to try and run this in a nearby park that has a good sidewalk loop. After about a loop and a half we decided to venture into a nearby neighborhood because the dog park smells, port-a-potty smells, and steep incline were a pretty miserable running experience combined.

The neighborhood was really nice though, and either mostly level or downhill, so it was a great swap to run that route.

Monday

No activity- rest day

Tuesday

Nothing

Wednesday

Did a dog walk, but I don't remember the distance

Thursday

"Optimized Run"- training app: 33 min total, 20 running = 2.77mi

I decided I wanted to try the route that crushed me last week again. I just don't want it to defeat me, and it's a good loop that's mostly downhill on the running portion.

I did it and felt great this time around - I definitely think this is going to be my "outdoor road track" while I build up endurance. Finding a repetitive route, especially a more downhill one, is huge for me.

Living in the foothills of the mountains is harsh on a new runner.

Friday

Rest again

Saturday

Day 2 Week 6- training app: 33 min total, 20 running = 2.83mi

I did this one at a slightly later time than I usually go for a run- about 9am. I was really second guessing myself at the start and wanted to turn around and go home, but instead, I decided to just finish it. (hard self accountability right there)

I also decided to time the first mile of it, since I hadn't done that yet and have no idea what range my pace is in currently. My mile time was 9:43! Which for someone that was struggling hard six weeks ago to even run for 30 seconds straight, I'll take it :)

I was nervous about running at a later time, but it was pretty great. Sweaty, but great.

Sunday

Rest again

Monday

Day 3 Week 6- training app: 33 min total, 20 running = 2.78 mi

I had planned to do this one on Sunday, but in an effort not to push my body too hard when I wasn't feeling great, I took Sunday to get other things done.

I ran in the morning before work, and with sunrise times happening later and later, the run was mostly in the dark. The cold was also harder to breathe in, so I think I need to switch my routine up going forward and run during lunch breaks instead of early in the morning.

I did see an owl, and a snake on this run which was pretty cool. The owl was on top of a light pole and I could feel eyes watching me, so I looked up and saw its silhouette

view on my new route:

Week 6 Down!

While I didn't get it done within a "week" I did get through the workouts. I had to walk in some stretches, but overall I am pretty happy with how my endurance is growing. This week shot up fast as far as consecutive minutes for the running intervals. I do keep reminding myself that it's all a process and I need to be consistent and patient.

Biggest Lesson this week:

It's easier to breathe when it's a little warmer out, so shifting my routine to adjust with the changing weather/sunrises is going to be big for the next few weeks.

Also, sometimes it's best to listen to your body and let it heal when it needs it.