Hey there! How was your first weekend of 2017? Did you happen to get some snow like we did in Philly?
I’m looking forward to the start of a new week. The beginning of 2017 started off pretty well but there’s always room for improvement! I’ve started officially training for the Love Run Half Marathon, so now it’s time to get back to business and share my training recap with you!
I’m joining Courtney of Eat Pray Run DC for her Winter Training Recap linkup and HoHo and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap! These are great ways to keep accountable and share your workouts with fellow fit-minded individuals!
[bctt tweet=”Have you started training for spring races? I’m sharing my recap as I prep for the Love Run Half Marathon! #runchat ” username=”Janelle_RWNR”]
Love Run Half Marathon Training
Last year I participated in the Love Run Half Marathon Relay with Bret and my friend Mark. It was a lot of fun, even though it was a pretty cold day! This year, I thought I’d finally throw my hat in and run the entire half marathon course. The Love Run, now in its 4th year, has built a reputation in Philly as one of the most challenging half marathons in the city. It takes place on March 26, 2017, which will be here before I know it!
For this training cycle, I’m still figuring out what type of training plan I’ll use. For my first week I “winged it”, but for the next 2 weeks, I’ll be using a free customized plan from Laura from This Runner’s Recipes. I can’t wait to see how that goes and see if I can possibly reach my dream goal of a sub-2:15 half marathon!
Remember, if you’re interested in signing up for the Love Run Half Marathon or Relay, you can save $5 on registration with code JANELLELOVE!
Workouts for the Week
Sunday 1/1: It was a little bit late, but I went out for an evening 4 mile run on New Year’s Day! It was so peaceful out as hardly anyone was around, but I did feel a bit winded on this run. I took a barre class the day before, so I wonder if the class is making my legs too fatigued?
Monday 1/2: I had another day off so I took an early morning barre class. I guess the barre “hurts so good” since I keep going back! Once again, my legs were feeling fatigued and my hips had quite the workout! I had to stop a few times because it was a little too much for me, but I did my best!
Tuesday 1/3: I wanted to run at lunch but work was busy since it was my first day back since the holiday. Fortunately, I had a wonderful yoga class in the evening at my local studio! I haven’t been able to go to Darlene’s class in over a month but it was great! I was even able to do a side crow and a headstand without any assistance!
Wednesday 1/4: Lunchtime yoga class. We focused on the chakras…it was a really interesting class. I wanted to go for a run after work since the weather was warm (upper 40’s), but I got home late and by the time I finished dinner there was no way I was leaving the couch!
Thursday 1/5: I finally ran! 3 miles on the treadmill during lunch. The pace was at 11:06 with 1% incline, and I have to say that it was tough. It also didn’t help that it was hot as heck in the gym, but I’m so glad I got it done! I also entertained myself by watching Maury for another hysterical lie detector episode….no surprise, every guest was a liar and cheater!
Friday 1/6: I didn’t do any real workouts other than some 30-second planks at my desk at work. I’ve been doing 2 plank breaks a day at work and have got some coworkers to join me. Use it or lose it!
Saturday 1/7: It snowed all day on Saturday and it was so beautiful outside my window that I had to go out and run! I was pressed for time so I only ran 2.5 miles.
Sunday 1/8: I bundled up and headed to barre class. Sunday mornings are always poppin’ so it was a packed studio. The instructor tortured us with lots of resistance band work. For once, being at the barre was the easiest part of class!
Week 1 Report Card
If you’ve followed my training recaps in the past, you know that I am all about giving myself a grade for the week. Looking back on what I was able to accomplish, I’m going to give myself a B. I would have loved to run more, but I’m still easing back into routine after having such a sluggish December. I’m not going to be too hard on myself this time, but once I start using Laura’s plan, no more excuses!
How was your first week of working out for the year?
Yayyy for starting out your training for the half-marathon. I started “official” training a month back. Until Saturday, I was so sure that I will back out. But, on Saturday, bit the bullet and did my 8 mile long run in the snow. That was definitely a huge huge confidence booster. I have never run more than 5 miles non-stop. Now, I can actually finalize my travel plans for the weekend. Good luck on your training cycle. Hoping to meet you in person. Will definitely ping you for tips on the course and what to expect. Thanks!
Thanks, Madhuri! That’s so exciting that you had your longest run over the weekend, especially with such tough weather! I look forward to following your training and meeting, we’ll definitely make sure that happens!
Ah that sluggish January feeling-it’s all to familiar! I love snowy runs-so much fun! My first week of the year was good but whew it was cold! My week included frozen hair after leaving the pool and lots of layers on my runs 🙂
Yeah, what’s up with this cold snap? January’s not supposed to be like this LOL…I was used to warmer weather. At least we’re getting back in the 50’s by Wednesday!
I think you had a great week–getting out there in the snow! That was the one thing (and ice) that I wouldn’t run in. Happy New Year!
Thanks a lot, Sonia! The snow was fresh so it was not too slippery out there!
I think you can DEFINITELY run a sub 2:15 half, lady! Work hard and I know you can do it!! You are pretty close already, right?
Thanks, girl! When I ran Annapolis in 2015 I finished in a little over 2:15 (thanks to your help) and I haven’t run anything faster than that since 2011…I’m really hoping I can push myself to get there this year!
Looking pretty frosty there!! I was dying to get that first run of the new done. It killed me to wait till mid week lol
All that barre should pay off this training cycle 🙂
It is still pretty cold today but thankfully warming up later this week. It was such a winter wonderland on Saturday morning!
I really hope the barre pays off, lol! I know a few runners who say it works wonders!
Oh man, that snow photo of you is crazy! I’m impressed you went out and ran in that 🙂 I hadn’t realized this was one of the tougher races in the city. Is it hillier than the others?
I’ve gotten back to cardio and PT strength training, but I haven’t been to Pure Barre in about a month. I want to get back to that this weekend, but I know it’s going to hurt after being absent that long.
That sounds great! I can see barre being really tough to jump back into, but I’m sure you’ll do great!
The first week back in is always the toughest, and the weather this week was awful. Hopefully, in your grading scale, you gave yourself extra credit for running in the snow this weekend. Looking forward to reading more about your training!
Thanks a lot, Debra! Running in the snow was a fun challenge, I just wish I had more time to do a few more miles…but I’m looking forward 🙂
Great job with your workouts and running in the snow. Girl you have icicles hanging off you. I hope you warmed up with some hot chocolate afterwards.
Thanks, and that snow was ridiculous lol! I wish I had time for hot cocoa but we had to take the kitties to the vet so I didn’t have time to relax for a while!
Hey, our halfs are actually on the same day!
I am SO impressed that you can do side crow, let alone a headstand! I don’t really work on crow, I just try every once in a while, which is probably why I still can’t do it. And I can only kick up into a headstand — but that’s progress!
I’ll be interested to see what workouts you end up with from Laura, too.
Oh nice! Seems like there are so many races that weekend!
I always seem to do better on one side vs. the other when it comes to side crow, LOL…and I try not to psyche myself out when I do it! That’s awesome that you can kick up into a headstand! I know you practice yoga regularly, I really wish I could do it more often!
I would say you had a good week! Its tough to run much when theres winter weather, and you got in some great workouts!
Planking? Woot woot!!! I’m doing 5 minutes of planking (daily) for January…care to join me? It doesn’t have to be a 5-minute plank, but any combo of five minutes 😉 Think about it!
Oh Kim, you know I have a LOT of work to do before I can do 5 full minutes straight! I’ll give the 5-minute combo a try since I’m already up to 2 minutes! 🙂
Love the snowy selfie! Great job this week!
Thanks, Gina! 🙂
Sounds like a good week without any type of plan! Love the pic of you out in the snow!! It’s cool with the snow on your eyelashes! 🙂 I’ll be running Rock’n’Roll San Francisco the same day you run the Love Run!
Thanks, Sharon! I’m glad to finally be back on a plan this week….I need the structure! I really need to keep an eye on RNR San Francisco in the future…I’ve always wanted to run the Golden Gate Bridge. I hope you have a great time and I’m sure you’ll race great!
Those lashes!
Sounds like you had a good week overall. Laura is a great coach, I’m sure you’ll love training with her!
Ive had the same slow start to training. Something always seems to get in my way! Love the snowy pic of you!