Training-Week 10 summary

Half marathon: This week was another high mileage week, at 36 miles. I did my second 12-mile long run today. We've experienced a bit of a warm-up this weekend, despite the fact that it's now officially fall. So anyway, today's long run felt a bit harder than last Sunday's long run, because it was about 15 degrees warmer this morning. Hopefully, the hot weather and the humidity will fade away soon, and I can have my cool mornings back. Of course, in about 3 months, I'm sure that I'll be talking about how cold it is!

10 weeks down, 6 to go.

In other news, my thesis proposal is a week from Tuesday. I thought that the week after comps would be a bit more relaxed, but not so! I spent a greater part of the week working on thesis revisions, as well as working on a research project for one of my professors. I kind of felt like I was back at my old research job, and it was kind of nostalgic. Anyway, my next big deadline is this coming Tuesday; I have to give copies of my thesis proposal to my committee so that they can have a week to read it.

Training-Week 9 summary

Half marathon: This week I increased both the weekly mileage and my pace. My long run today was 12 miles, the longest I've ever done. It was not a bad experience because we have recently experienced a drop in temperature. When I went out this morning at about 7:30, it was only like 55 degrees. It was so awesome.

9 weeks down, 7 to go.

Comps: Well, they're done! I took them on Friday. I am so glad it's over. Well, okay, I can't officially say they're done until I find out if I've passed or not, which won't happen for at least another month. But I can take a small rest in any case and move forward with my life, as in getting back to work on my thesis.

Training-Week 8 summary

Half marathon: I'm now halfway through my training for this event. This past week was an easy running week, as I alluded to in the week 7 update. All my runs were either 5 or 6 miles, so it was a bit of a "recovery" week. Now we are stepping up the mileage and pace once more.

8 weeks down, 8 to go.

Comps: Well, last week, I worked on several of the remaining practice questions. This week is it! Just 3 days till comps. I will be SO happy when it's done. I feel pretty well prepared; of course, there are some topics that I feel less proficient in than others, but luckily we do get some choices to pick from when answering the questions. Wish me luck!

8 and a half weeks down, 3 days to go.

Training-Week 7 summary

Half marathon: This week was my heaviest weekly mileage yet, at 34 miles. I did my long run this morning; another 11-miler. This morning was great weather, when I started my run, it was in the mid 60s and not too humid. My legs were a bit sore this afternoon, but they're feeling better now. This coming week is going to be an easy week with no long runs, so that I can get a bit of a break before I increase the mileage and running pace again.

7 weeks down, 9 to go.

Comps: Man, I am getting tired of studying. I am really looking forward to getting this thing over with, although I am glad for the remaining time. I've now pretty much gone through all my materials from last year's classes; now I am finishing the practice questions. Next, I will go into high-intensity review mode, now that I have the big picture ideas down, I need to make sure I keep all the little details straight.

7 weeks down, 2 to go.