Hot Chocolate 15K Countdown: 2 Weeks (Things Don’t Always Go As Planned)

Just two weeks until I run for chocolate! I’d say that’s running for a good cause. 🙂 In all reality, though, the official charity of the Hot Chocolate 15K, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, which benefits children with severe illnesses. What better reason to run? I can’t wait for a fun run with friends!

Thank you to Lifelong Endurance for coaching me through each of my races and continuing to help me grow as a runner. Let’s take a look at how last week went…

Monday 

Plan: 4 miles easy + functional strength

Ran: 4.00 miles/37:56/9:28 min/mile

I’d previously been dealing with a sore toe/foot, and today it didn’t hurt! (YAY!) I took it easy and really focused on a soft landing. I think cutting Saturday’s long run short and then having the entire day Sunday to rest really helped. I am hopeful that it’s nothing!

Tuesday 

Plan: 6 miles – 2 miles easy, 10 x 400m as 2 (5 x 400m) with 4 minutes between sets, 60 seconds between reps, 2 miles easy

Ran: 3.03 miles/27:40/9:09 min/mile

Sad face. I had to cut it short. I could feel the toe/foot again (Turf Toe?) and was worried it was going to be a problem, so I stopped. It hurt to walk afterwards, which was really discouraging.

Wednesday 

Plan: 5 miles easy

Ran: 0 miles

I opted to rest my foot today and not continue to “test it.”

Thursday 

Plan: 5 miles with 5 x 100m strides + cross-training

Ran: 0 miles + spin class

I rested again (hoping a few days rest now will save me in the long run) and did a spin class, which didn’t hurt at all because of the low impact.

Friday 

Plan: 6 miles – 2 miles easy, 3 @ moderate progression (8:50-8:35), 1 mile easy

Ran: 6.00 miles/52:38/8:46 min/mile

I talked to Coach and he recommended the last few days off, with this day being the determining factor in a doctor’s visit. If my foot hurt today, the plan was to get in to a foot doctor. So, I was very hopeful that today went well and… it did! IT FELT GREAT! My toe/foot didn’t hurt and it felt nice and easy as it should.

Saturday 

Plan: Long run – 10 miles – 3 miles easy, 3 miles @ 90 seconds @ 8:15, 90 seconds @ 9:15, 2 miles easy, 2 miles hard like a race!

Ran: 10.01 miles/1:30:11/9:01 min/mile

I was excited for this one! I mean, look how fun this one sounds! So, I’m really glad those few days of rest did me some good so I could get out there and run. And I DID IT! I was a little worried the foot would act up, but I got this run in with no problems! It wasn’t an easy one – especially those last two miles in the 7’s, but I felt accomplished.

Sunday 

Rest!

So! I’m hopeful that my foot doesn’t act up (EVER) again, but will be sure to update! Wish me luck so I can run for chocolate in 2 weeks!

If you register for The Hot Chocolate 5 or 15K Dallas, use code BRHCDAL18 for a free hat and be sure to check my Race Discounts page for more race promo codes!

What are your (running or non-running) goals this week?