Eyes on LA: Weekly Write Up 8/3-8/9

We're about 6 1/2 months out from the 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials.  From here on out, that is the sole focus.  Every other race is secondary, and every run, workout, gym session is done to prepare myself as best as humanly possible for that race.

The next 3.5 months will be spent putting together the biggest strength block that I've ever done, followed by 12 weeks of lower volume and sharper workouts to get me ready to handle 26.2 miles of running at close to 5 minute pace.


So, after years of inconsistent blogging, I had the amazing idea (that dozens of others have also had) to write a weekly blog (instead of random 6 month updates).  I wanted to chronicle the final few months of training and racing going into my first Olympic Marathon Trials.  These weekly updates will go in depth into my training, racing, and my mindset going forward as I prepare for the most important race of my life.  So without further delay, let’s get started.
 

Week 1: 8/3-8/9. 

Note that this isn’t my first week of training in this build up.  I actually began about a month ago.  It is my first week of substantial (100+) mileage, which seems like a natural place to start.  

Weekly Total: 104 

- Didn't get all my runs on my watch this week, but you can check out the Strava data that I do have HERE

First workout of the week was a 6 mile progression run at Buffalo Park.  Two mile splits: 11:02, 10:48, 10:24.  Danny Mercado and I closed it in about 5:09, definitely a nice way to end the day.  I think the progression was a good way to get back into the steady state running, and I felt pretty good about the effort.  

Workout #2 was the Dave McKay Memorial Big Brothers Big Sisters ½ Marathon up here in Flagstaff.  Happy to say I got the win in some muddy conditions, and was about 30 seconds off the course record!  Pretty solid day on the whole. 

Always fun racing this guy in the Run Flagstaff Summer Series

 

Long run this week was 18 miles, averaging 6:30 pace. Ran with a big group on Forest Road 700 in the little town of Mountainaire.  Hilly, but beautiful run.

Also hit the gym once this week.  My sessions are mainly plyometric based, with some kettle bell and body weight work included as well.  We’ll see how the gym feels once the volume starts to increase.  I haven't done this type of gym work during a big marathon bulk block, so I'll be curious to see how my body handles the specific strain of this type of work.  I think it's beneficial and it allows me to hold on to some speed, so I'm committed to keeping it in the regimen. 

 

I feel like every time I come back off of a break my baseline fitness is better than the previous time, and I’m able to get into the meat of my training a little quicker.  This time is certainly no exception. 

The first big week of training is always a bit tough, and it takes a few weeks to get into the full work day-big mileage groove.  The first few days were a bit rough, and I probably wasn’t the most pleasant person to be around (sorry Sarah!!) but I think I’m getting into the groove now, and am ready to dive head first into the good stuff! 

All I can think about on many of my runs, especially the solo ones, are the trials.  I've been in Flagstaff for almost 3 years now, and all this work is starting to pay big dividends.  I know that as long as I'm smart and can keep myself healthy, that I will line up in the best shape of my life.