Back to Race Training

After the brutal Baltimore 10 miler (I actually ended up with a personal best running time, but it’s the the toughest race I’ve completed), I gave myself a little break from race training.

Like, a whole week off. In runner time, that’s super long, especially when I’ve been running every other day since January. I nearly craved running this past week, but knew it was time for a little break, especially since I’m starting up my new PiYo Strength classes, and had to gear up for Turbo Kick instructor training!

The bulk of my races for 2012 are over. Well, for now at least. I have one 5-mile race in July and a 10-mile race in August. I’m so excited for the August race in Annapolis  — I ran part of the course for the Zooma 10K earlier this month. It’s my absolute favorite course to date, hills and all!

I may have a few other races planned for the fall, but we’ll get to that soon 😉

Anyway! I broke the race training rest time today, after spending 6 hours in a car driving to and from VA (with an admissions-y stop in between, of course!). I needed a run today.

I didn’t even take a moment to think about it — I ran into the house, changed, grabbed the headphones and got started!

And then I ran my fastest 4 miles…ever? 30 minutes total. I wasn’t even going for time, just wanted to run longer than 3 miles.

I knew I was flying, but I didn’t realize how fast I was going! We’ll see how this feels tomorrow…heh. At least I have a happy PiYo Strength class for a good stretch!

It was more of a running-while-jogging-sideways photo. I felt like Zooey Deschanel in Yes Man (the whole running photographer group). ha!

After today, I’m ready for more races. I haven’t completely figured out my Annapolis 10 miler training plan, but I suspect it will look similar to the Baltimore 10 miler plan, except I’d like to add more sprint drills. I want to PR again!

In similar, and sort of related, news, I purchased my ticket for Healthy Living Summit 2012! I’ll be off to Boston for four days to meet and reconnect with healthy living blogger friends! I love when the community comes to life like this. Can’t wait.

It will actually be my second trip to Boston in August. I’ll be there for a conference earlier in the month, too. Guess I’ll get to scout out some of my favorite eateries?