This marathon training is go quickly by and even though I’m only three weeks in, with each passing week I’m feeling more and more confident as the mileage increases and I get stronger- mentally and physically. Running is a funny thing, because I feel like running is 80% mental, 10% skill and 10% sheer determination to just ‘do it.’ < to borrow Nike’s phrase.

When our minds get stronger as runners, (i.e. we start saying ‘I can’t’ less and we imagine finishing strong more…) I’ve found our bodies will naturally follow in line with our strong thinking.

I am not one to say that if you think it, you can do it for each and every single situation, but I do believe that when we focus on having a strong mental game to bring to the running table our runs normally will go a lot better and we feel like champions!

So, moving on to training last week. This past week has been a cut back week. The training plan I am following incorporates cut-back weeks every three weeks in order to let the legs have a little reprieve before demanding larger performances from them the following weeks.

For example, my long run of 7 miles last weekend drops to 5 miles this week in order to prep my mind and body for 9 miles next week. After this break, I will run 9 miles, 10 miles, and then cut back down to 7.

Although this week’s mileage has been a little less intense than other week’s, I’ve felt strong and refreshed on each run and have enjoyed a little break before this next big week!

Friday

off day (since I ran 7 miles on Thursday.) I honestly don’t even remember what I did for a workout that day. #mombrain

Saturday

3 miles with negative splits. Landon and I ran together at my parent’s house, while Benaiah was being watched by grandma and grandpa. I forgot how fun it is to run together and loved running negative splits together with my favorite running partner!

Sunday

REST. Not much moving, except going for a walk to the park.

Monday

Monday morning (Memorial Day) I ran three stroller miles (almost with negavtive splits) while Landon played soccer with his pick-up soccer team. I love running the route along the river and Benaiah did really well.

Tuesday

Honestly, this was a run I considered pushing back into a different day. But instead of thinking too much and convincing myself not to run, I threw on my shoes and headed out the door with Benaiah. We ran a slow, four stroller miles together and it felt great. Although I was tired afterwards, I felt strong throughout and enjoyed the run.

Wednesday

3 early morning miles with negative splits. I woke up early enough with time to get in a fast three mile tempo run with negative splits! Nothing like starting off the morning sweaty and riding high on endorphins. 

Thursday

Thursday morning was all about strength training! I did these fast and furious videos and felt some serious burn in my abs and glutes!

Friday

• 5 miles