Half Marathon Training: Race week and a Healthy Heart!

Where to even begin! As I write this, I’ve already run the Portland Marathon Half and I have so much to tell you! But first, let’s cover week 9 of training – RACE WEEK! 

Again I want to thank Lifelong Endurance for being there every step of the way in prepping me for the “big day!”

Before I get too excited and start covering race day, let’s dig in and see how the week leading up went!

Monday

Plan: 6 miles easy/58:17/9:43 min/mile

Ran: 6.02/57:26/9:33 min/mile

I found out my heart is healthy today! At my most recent annual exam, my doctor heard a heart murmur. She said it was probably “normal” but recommended I get an Ultrasound to be sure. I was really (really, really) nervous. I mean your heart is kind of a big deal. So, today was the day! And the heart specialist said my heart is 100% healthy, strong, and normal! (This is called a “functioning heart murmur” – murmur just means sound, so my sound was very audible to my doctor)

SO! I mention this because it effected my mood greatly! Seriously. HELL YES to a healthy heart!!! I was beyond excited and thankful for my health. It is interesting how sometimes we take our basic health for granted until something “scary” happens before we truly appreciate it.

This being said, I was so overjoyed and relieved that it took everything I had not to just sprint around like a freakin’ maniac during this run! I ran extra happy today – my run felt good, and it was a warm yet gorgeous day.

Beautiful, happy day!

Tuesday

Plan: “Pre-race!”/2 miles easy, 2 x 1 mile @ 7:45, 7:35, 3:00 rest, 4 x 400m @ 7:15, 90 sec rest, 2 miles easy/7.5 miles/1:07:38/9:01 min/mile

Ran: 7.5 miles/1:05:26/8:43 min/mile

It was POURING rain. But I do ANYTHING to avoid treadmills (have only used a dreadmill maybe 5 times in my life) and I don’t make excuses. So I got out there! I was worried about doing a speed workout in the rain, but I nailed all my paces!!! Happy runner right here! In fact, in contrast to yesterday, today was one of “those” days – dropping things all day, just nothing going my way. But I didn’t let the rain bring me down. In fact I felt pretty bad ass for getting out there and working hard.

Right before the downpour – you can see the clouds rolling in!

Wednesday

Race week rest day!

Thursday

Plan: 4 easy miles/39:00/9:45 min/mile + Crosstraining

Ran: 4.01/38:00/9:28 min/mile + Spin class

This run felt good! I was so excited today because my next run would be in PORTLAND! I was starting to pack all my running gear and getting excited for really my first race in such cool weather! Excited to travel to my race destination TOMORROW!

Hope I remember to pack all the things!

Friday

Rest + travel! Flew from Dallas to Portland today! The weather in Portland was perfect – highs in the 60’s, lows in the 40’s! Great for running and pretty COLD for this Texan!

Portland, here I come!

Saturday

Plan: 3 miles easy/29:15/9:45 min/mile + 3 x 100m strides

Ran: 3.2 miles/30:52/9:39 min/mile

This run was in PORTLAND! It was only 54 degrees and I really enjoyed exploring the city. There’s nothing better than running in a new place! There were people, shops, and restaurants everywhere and a friendly vibe. I really enjoy this city. Tomorrow is race day!

So many pointy trees!

Sunday

RACE DAY! Stay tuned for a race recap!!!

Sneak peak: fun times in Portland!

What are your race day rituals or “pre” race day rituals? Certain meals, workouts, routines?