What do you do when your big race is over? Start focusing on the next one.
A few months ago, I shared my fall racing plans. With the Tough Mudder complete, I can finally check one race off my list. The next big race is the Annapolis Half Marathon, which I will be running for the first time!
Today I’m linking up at Wild Workout Wednesday with Annmarie at The Fit Foodie Mama, Angelena Marie at Angelena Marie: Happy, Healthy & Balanced, Michelle at Fruition Fitness, and Nicole at Fitful Focus! Check out their blogs for some great workouts!
[bctt tweet=”Shifting over to training for the Annapolis Half Marathon! #runchat #wildworkoutwednesday”]
Annapolis Half Marathon Training
Fall racing season is underway and for the second time this year I’m continuously training for multiple races. In the first half of 2015, I had the Cherry Blossom Run and the 1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut Half Marathon as my big races in April and June, and it was very exciting – though a major change of pace – to train for nearly 6 months with no major period of rest.
When I ran the Zooma 10K back in June, I absolutely loved the experience and I loved Annapolis. I couldn’t wait to run there again – but with MUCH cooler weather in the fall. So I’m really excited to run a new race and see how it goes.
And I have to admit, I’d really like to have a strong finish time for the half marathon. Once upon a time, I ran a 2:10:53, and it seems each race has gotten slower and slower. I’d love to shave a few minutes off my time. We’ll see!
Workouts for the Week:
Wednesday 10/14: No workouts.
Thursday 10/15: Started the day with 10 pushups. During lunch, I went to weight training class and Elga KILLED me! I did 3 different variations of pushups – 30 total. I did plank jacks, lunges, and variations of box jumps that were pretty challenge. Last, I “attempted” 5 pullups (overhand) and 5 chinups (underhand). After work, I had a 3-mile easy run, though it was supposed to be 4 miles. Then we had a kickball game, but that ended with our first loss. I didn’t make any plays, but I was pleased with my base running!
Friday 10/16: No surprise, my shoulders and glutes were killing me after Thursday’s workouts! I still had speed work on the agenda, but I ended up not running and I was overall in a bad mood.
Saturday 10/17: Back-to-back softball games on a very chilly afternoon! I was actually signed up to the do the Blacklight Run, which is basically the Color Run at night with glowsticks, but I bailed at the last minute. The temperatures dropped down to the 40’s and 50’s and I didn’t think it was a good idea to do this event the night before Tough Mudder.
Sunday 10/18: The Tough Mudder, need I say more?! Check out my recap in case you missed it!
Monday 10/19: Much needed rest!! My left hip was hurting pretty badly, making it difficult to get in and out of the car. Otherwise, I had normal soreness and no major bruises.
Tuesday 10/20: Finally back to running. I ran an easy 3 miles but went a little faster than usual, just because it felt like I hadn’t run in an eternity! The weather was great and I felt awesome.
Week 1 Report Card:
Now that I’m shifting my focus to the Annapolis Half Marathon, I still have to put in work! Leading up to the Tough Mudder, I was a little short on my mileage, and I hate missing out on my speed work. So I’ll have to give my past week of training a B.
I was doing a daily goal of 10 pushups and 20 sit ups as part of my Tough Mudder training, but I want to keep that going beyond the event. Running, cross training, and working on my core will definitely help me reach my goals for November 21!
How do you handle training from one race to the next? Will you be running in Annapolis?
I”m glad you’re feeling ok after that Tough Mudder! Onward and Upward, right?
Oh yes – on to the next one! 🙂
I love running in Annapolis too! I’ve done the Zooma half a few times but not this one. There are more hills than you expect huh?
Running over that bridge in Annapolis was crazy! But I do love a good hill, as long as it’s a long climb!
I think you need a low key week after the tough mudder. You can really kick into gear again after a little rest. Way to keep up all the great goals!
Thanks! My runs this week were short (minus the long run), so that definitely helped!
I’m so happy that you’re running the Annapolis Half too! I’ll have to look for you! I really want to do a Tough Mudder. Those obstacle names are hilarious!
Oh Lex, it’d be great to meet you there! Tough Mudder is definitely worth doing one time!
Love that you’re continuing with your push up goal! You’ll be stronger in no time 🙂 Thanks so much for linking up!
Thanks, Annmarie! It’s been fun getting stronger week by week – gotta keep it going!
Oh man, I would love to do a Tough Mudder one day. That might have to be on my list for next year of races/obstacle courses I need to accomplish. I love how challenging they can be and that’s something I need.
Hope your race goes well and I hope you have fun!!
Kyanna, I definitely think it’s worth giving a try. With the right team, it’s an awesome experience! And thanks!
I think it is important to have a MENTAL break as well as a physical one between training for events. It can be so stressful! Good for you to get that done.
Indeed, a mental break is so necessary! Just being done with Mudder is such a relief!
Great list! This is the record of a lady who has moved from good intentions to great accomplishments. Keep it up, Janelle.
I am following your blog and social media now too.
Oh thank you! Followed you back!
Good luck at the Annapolis Half! It sounds like you have had a tough week of training & racing, especially with the Tough Mudder!
I’m glad things are getting back in my regular training groove with no more fears of Tough Mudder!
Sounds like a great week. Great job on the tough mudder once again awesome.
Thanks, Ivanna!
congrats on Tough Mudder! Haven’t registered yet, but may be doing the 10k in Annapolis – we’ll see!
Thanks – I literally just registered last week, but had it in my plan for months! Would be great to meet you!
Glad the Mudder went well….and that you’re keeping up with the push-ups! I’d LOVE to run Annapolis…if it wasn’t half a country away ;-(
Thanks, Kim! I need to do some races out in your area! 🙂
You had a killer week of training!!!
🙂 Thanks!
Way to go on Tough Mudder. i am so over mud races but have heard good things about tough mudder! Congrats again!
What I missed you at Zooma -I ran the half. it was super hilly and the pacer for 2:15..was awful. Anywhoo-cool that you are running the Annapolis Half-I have heard great things about it. Enjoy!
Looks like you are right on track in terms of your training-keep up the good work!!
Thanks, Tamieka! Ooh that half course looked so brutal! I didn’t hear that the pacers weren’t good, that stinks!
What a great week! I’m jealous of people who can work out during lunch. I have 27 minutes to eat! I could probably fit in a couple pushups if I wanted to lol!
We only get a half hour for lunch technically, but thankfully my job is flexible enough where we can take fitness classes or go to the gym!
I’ve never run Annapolis before; it sounds fun. After a tough race, I usually give myself a week of relaxation. That helps me to recover and then I get excited about ramping things up and training for the next big race!
A week of relaxing sounds so good! I’m just glad Tough Mudder didn’t beat me up too bad, I was only sore for a couple of days!
Wow you’re moving right along! All the best with your Annapolis training! Yay for pushups! I keep 30 of those on tap every single day.
Thanks, Marcia! 30 a day is so badass – I wish I could get there!
Great job on tough mudder! I love the idea continuing your push ups and sit ups everyday! You keep going! No slowing down now! Best training wishes for your half!
Thank you, Autumn! I definitely want to keep the positive momentum!
Great training week! Feel free to link up this post on the MotivateMe Monday linky on my blog as well. I have been a lot like you for years, going from one training plan to the next while getting progressively slower. Stay tuned to my post tomorrow where I share why that might be! Have a great week!
Thanks, Janice – I will definitely check out your link up! Have a great weekend!
Yes to pushups! They are the easiest and best thing you can do for your body. I’ve never done a Tough Mudder. The thought of live electrical wires hitting me does not sound like fun! 🙂
Yeah, the electroshock therapy isn’t a lot of fun, but thankfully I didn’t get it as bad as some others!
It can sometimes be difficult to give your body enough rest when you have back to back races. That is always the toughest part for me. Make sure you take care of that hip and keep crushing your training!
Thanks, Sandra – my hip is feeling much, much better! Just gotta keep working on it!
I hear Annapolis is beautiful! You are going to have such a great race! I love how you are being smart and working on all the supplemental aspects – core and pushups = awesome!!
Thanks, Natalie I appreciate that! I definitely need to work harder on my core!
Great week! Also totally jealous of your running photos, you look awesome in them! Sheesh =)
Aw, thanks Becki! I made sure to smile when I was near the camera, lol!
I am dying to try a run in Annapolis! Congrats on all of your hard work and keep it up!
Thanks, Jessica! I”m hoping the weather will be nice – it’s too hot to do it in June!
You’ve inspired me to make more of an effort at cross training! Love that you do so much in addition to running.
I try to do as much as I can, because I’ve learned that just running will get you on a one-way ticket to injury!
Love that you are focusing on some strength. It’s such a good idea!
I think in the long run it will bring huge dividends!
I know you will do great with your next race. Thanks for sharing how you prepare. All runners are amazing to me. I like seeing what goes into your training.
Thank you, Arlett! I appreciate the kind words!