Sunday, February 24, 2013

Much better!

"We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities." Ralph Waldo Emerson

My own voyage included a little extra recovery over the last few weeks, but all important workouts are getting done. I'm also continuing with the cross-training...spinning and yoga! I also went snowshoeing again, it was beautiful out and I did more climbing than running. Plus, I got a new strength program at the gym. I like changing things up every once in a while and I look forward to officially trying it this week. 

Today, I set out to test myself...I had 26km on the program and I am no longer in the Aerobic base training phase, but have entered the Aerobic capacity phase. This phase is designed to help me increase the pace at which I can run aerobically. So I'm expected to run at the high end of my aerobic zone. I was aiming for 6m40s/km (which is 10 to 15 seconds faster than during aerobic base training). The roads and sidewalks were slushy and there were lots of puddles (I felt like I was running the steeplechase)...along with some wet snow. Let's just say that, despite the fact that I wore my Kinvara trail shoes, which at least don't have holes in the sole like my A5's...my feet were soaking wet within a few kilometers!

Regardless, I had slept well and although I didn't eat lots of carbs last night, I felt good and managed to run my 26K at a 6m39s/km pace! That felt really good...I was very proud of myself!

Next Sunday is our Pentathlon...the weather is supposed to be really nice! We're all getting pretty excited and I'm looking forward to this experience as a family :) I'll tell you all about it when we return!

Cheers!


12 comments:

Char said...

I'm very impressed with your progress. That coach of yours really knows what he's doing.

Kate Geisen said...

Hurray for confidence building runs! :) I'm impressed that you're pushing yourself on not great road conditions, too...they've been sending me inside to the TM.

Johann said...

You are unbelievable Anne! Well done with your great training! It is fantastic to read about your progress. Awesome!

Tina @GottaRunNow said...

It's good to hear that your training is going so well! Have fun at the Pentathlon!

Robin said...

Nicely done! You are doing great. Love watching your progress.

ajh said...

Good luck in the pentathalon. Can't wait to read about it.

Jill said...

And I am very proud of you, too!! You are ROCKING these long runs, woohoo!

Do you like your Kinvara Trail shoes? I wear the road shoe and love it.

Have a blast at the Pentahlon - that sounds like so much fun with your family!

Paul said...

Oh have a GREAT day!
Wonderful to be doing it together.

Two Wordy said...

Good luck to you and your family next week! Take pictures! :)

Caroline said...

Good luck in the pentathalon!!! I expect a lot of pictures ok!!!

Cinthia said...

Good luck int he Pentathalon, Anne! I've been cross training like mad and it's really helped my running. My legs are so much stronger. Bet yours are, too.
Cheers and happy running.
P.S. If I calculated right, you ran 16 miles last weekend. Or would it be 14? (We Americans are so lame when it comes to kilometers). Whatever the case, awesome job!

Black Knight said...

Very good job. The cross training is very important and helps a lot.
Good luck in the pentathlon.