The Road to the Georgina Spring Fling Half Marathon
This week had everything—intervals, treadmill insights, tempo grit, a powerful long run, and a missed ride that taught me just as much. I hit nearly every target, and even the bumps in the road gave me a clearer view of the journey ahead. I’m learning that every step, stride, and even stumble has value—especially when I stay curious.
🗓️ My Week 10 Training Breakdown
✅ 03/18/2025 Training Log – Spicy Eights & Slight Regrets
I was eager to tear into this one. The plan called for 800m intervals at 5K pace, and I felt up to the task. I fueled with a Maurten Solid and a Gel 100, but I misjudged the timing—I ate too close to the run. I still crushed the early reps, but by the 7th, my pace fell off. Despite the fade, I was proud of how I fought through and learned from it. Based on my paces, I believe my 5K fitness is ahead of what my training plan thinks.
❌ Missed – Cross-Training (Originally March 19)
This session was scheduled for earlier in the week, then bumped, but ultimately life got in the way. Rather than force it, I listened to my body and opted to rest. I don’t see it as a miss—just a conscious pivot in a week otherwise full of strong effort.
✅ 03/20/2025 Training Log – Tempo Grit & the Chill Factor
I almost bailed. The weather turned colder than expected, and I was mentally ready for sunshine. I got to my running spot, drove away, then turned around and parked again. I’m glad I did. I fueled with a Gel 100 before the warm-up and another after the second 15-minute interval. The third one was a struggle, but the fourth brought redemption. I kept a steady 180 BPM rhythm and learned that showing up beats perfection every time.
✅ 03/22/2025 Training Log – Treadmill Tempo & the Nose-Breathing Test
This 60-minute treadmill run was surprisingly insightful. I fueled well and broke the workout into 3 x 20-minute blocks on my Garmin. I used a drumtrack set at 145 BPM, but found myself naturally settling into 155 BPM. Here’s the kicker: even though my heart rate read above Zone 2, I could breathe through my nose the entire time. It made me wonder—are my HR zones accurate? Either way, I felt strong, steady, and in control.
✅ 03/23/2025 Training Log – Steady Beat, Strong Feet – Zone 2 Long Run
I broke this 110-minute long run into 5 x 20-minute blocks plus a final 10-minute segment. I pre-fueled with coffee, whey protein, and six pitted dates, then carried a Maurten Gel 100 for mid-run energy and Nuun hydration throughout. I ran with my Drum Buddy set at 145 BPM, though my natural cadence drifted a little faster. The 5 x 15-second strides at the end felt like a celebration. This run was smooth, steady, and powerful—my best long run yet in this block.
🧠 Weekly Reflections
- 💡 “Nose breathing suggests I was in Zone 2, even if my HR monitor disagreed. Am I due for a lab test?”
- 🎶 “Running to a metronome keeps me focused—and has become my secret training weapon.”
- ⚖️ “Balance means treating every run with equal respect—not just chasing highs or wallowing in lows.”
🔬 New HR Zone Awareness (Week 1 of Integration)
I officially began training with my recalculated heart rate zones this week, shifting my Zone 2 cap closer to 142 bpm. While I still drifted above occasionally, I stayed mindful and tuned in to breath, effort, and rhythm. I’m realizing now that effort-based training, especially on longer runs, tells me more than alerts ever could.
🧘♂️ Other Training Highlights
- 🧘 Yoga: Endurance Flow (~30 minutes on Friday)
- 🏋️♂️ Strength: Strength Session (Sunday)
🏁 Takeaway Phrase of the Week:
“Embrace the effort, learn from the lulls.”
This week wasn’t about perfection. It was about progress—and paying attention to how each workout feels. Because that’s where the growth lives.
Recap, Recover, Relax & Ready.