Weekly Review May 23-29

The brown dots are bison from Sunday's run

I'm linking up with Hoho Runs and MissSippiPiddlin for my last weekly review of this endless training cycle (it began in November!). I have one more race on my calendar (Clear Creek Trail 10k this Saturday), then it's time to relax and recharge! 

Week of May 23-29
Monday: 3 miles + walk to work
Tuesday: 3 miles + walk to work
Wednesday: 2 mile hill repeats + walk to work
Thursday: rest + walk to work
Friday: 2 miles
Saturday: 13.1, Medina Half Marathon (recap coming)
Sunday: 4 miles, Lisa & Jeff's Wedding Run

Weekly Total: 27 miles
2016 Total: 450.56 miles

After the past few weeks of too much beer/food and burnout, I rediscovered my love of running! I stuck to my training plan, but since I was in taper I didn't have to run more than 3 miles at a time. It was ridiculously hot on my runs, but I tried to take it easy. If I needed a break to catch my breath in the heat I didn't agonize over stopping. It wasn't a perfect week and I'm definitely slower than I was a few months ago, but it's nice to know I get a break during most of June as I start my training plan for fall (more to come on my plan later this week).

Random objects found on my runs this week

I got a jump start on the week by waking up early Monday and running 3 miles before work. It was a solid run and I had negative splits (9:27, 9:12, 9:10). I started listening to a new podcast (Running on Om) and the Devon Yanko episode got me through a few workouts this week. You can tell she's packed full of energy. No wonder she can run 100k and 100 milers!

Tuesday was another bright and early 3 miler. It truly feels amazing to be done with my run before work. I'm going to try and keep it up and I think the earlier sunrise helps. I ran another negative split (9:25, 9;06, 8:58) even though it was pretty steamy. Because I ran before work, Alex and I were able to take advantage of $2 Taco Tuesday for dinner.

My weekly sky shot

For some reason I didn't get up early on Wednesday (boo), so I saved my run for after work with Alex. We didn't stick together because I didn't feel like trying to keep up in the heat (81 degrees!). Instead, I made my prescribed 2 miler a hill workout: .5 mile warm up, 5x hill sprints on a hill that has a 6-12% grade, then a .5 mile cool down. I maintained a good pace on the uphills and felt strong. It was a short workout, but I made the most of it.

Thursday was a rest day, but Friday was another early morning run. It was a 2 miler, but -ughhhh- it was so hot and humid. I ran pretty fast (8:41 pace), but felt icky. I knew Medina was going to be a tough race if conditions were similar. After work, we drove to Medina for packet pickup, then relaxed at the hotel until it was time for bed...

Medina medals are the best medals

Saturday was SO HOT and the Medina Half was a tough one. I'll have all the details in my recap (up as soon as they post race photos). Spoiler alert: I walked due to the heat, but still managed to finish 4 minutes faster than last year. After the race we found a brewery with food (of course!), then drove home to see the dog.

The bride and groom pre-race

On Sunday two friends from my training group hosted a run and picnic to celebrate their wedding. The leaders of the race (including Alex!) got lost and added a mile to the run. Some smart folks turned around at 1.5, but my running buddy Andrea and I kept trucking to the official turn around... in full sun... Needless to say, it was a slow 4 miles, but it was a nice way to shakeout my legs post half marathon and celebrate friends!

Since I won't have a weekly review next week, I'll brag about my amazing Memorial Day Monday. We went over to a friend's house to help them yank out bushes, had a cookout, sat outside (and I got a great tan line), and then we moved the party inside and watched Deadpool and Despicable Me. It was such a relaxing day and exactly how I wanted to spend the holiday after so much travel and activity on Saturday and Sunday.

When does your fall training plan start? (Has it already begun?) 
Is the warm weather affecting your pace?
Are you going to do the Runner's World summer run streak? (I forgot about it and missed Monday. Can I still join...?)