I ran less than I would have liked the past two weeks. This was mainly because of the combination of a long July 4th weekend and a nasty bruise from a tackle during one of my soccer games. I am glad I rested up though and still got in one long run. I bought new shoes as well and that reenergized me. In total I ran 5 times and I also played 5 soccer games over the last two weeks.
I ran only once before July 4th weekend – a solid 5.6 mile run at a good pace. I was a slacker and didn’t run once while at Wintergreen for the 4th, and I was especially looking forward to the challenge of the hills. I ran two times early in Week 3, then got a bad bruise on my shin in my game Wednesday and took 2 days off. I bought new running shoes on Friday and went for a quick 3.5 mile run to break in the shoes and loosen up.
My long run of the week(s) was a 9 mile run through Richmond. I ran down Forest Hill Ave to the Manchester Bridge/9th street, then west on Main street to Byrd Park and over the Boulevard Bridge. It was a beautiful Saturday – a bit hot for a run – but I never realized how many hills there are in Richmond. It’s ridiculous! I think hills are great for training, but they really take some energy out of you. I’m not that disappointed with my pace time given the heat, slacking off on training, and soreness. I’m just happy I completed the run. The final stretch was over the Boulevard Bridge and up the steep hill to New Kent Dr, which is great training for the final stretch of the Marine Corp Marathon…
I ran on Sunday with Kate. This was great for my legs and we did some (more) hill training.
Week 4 and 5 are looking to be my favorite for training, as I will be running in Oahu and Maui, Hawaii..
Week 2 & 3 Training (click on Run # for more detailed information)
| Run # | Distance | Pace | Location |
| 4 | 5.6 Miles | 7:16 | Richmond – Westover Hills |
| 5 | 4 Miles | 7:15 | Richmond – Westover Hills |
| 6 | 3.5 Miles | 7:12 | Richmond – Westover Hills/Blvd Bridge |
| 7 | 9 Miles | 7:44 | Richmond – Westover Hills/Downtown/Fan |
| 8 | 3.5 Miles | 9:45 | Richmond – Westover Hills/Blvd Bridge |