I wasn’t accurate when I called last week’s post Week 1 of Richmond Marathon training. I wasn’t following a plan, I was just testing the waters and seeing if I could run. And I can!

This past week was my official first week of training according to the training plan my coach gave me. Oh — did I mention I hired a running coach? I hired elite runner Stephanie Rothstein Bruce after seeing how much my friend Ashley Runningbun improved with her coaching. I also wanted a coach because I want to train properly and want the personal attention that comes with someone familiar with my history, injuries and abilities.

Also, Steph is one of the founders of Picky Bars and anyone who invented those HAS to be great. Seriously – try them.

So remember how I was so disheartened last week after a tough interval run at marathon goal pace? Turns out I wasn’t even supposed to do that run. I did the wrong run! I was looking at my old week of July 8 on the training calendar, the one based on me starting my training on June 17. I should have looked at my new week of July 8, the one based on me starting on July 8.

However it would have still been a really tough interval run in the heat and humidity, so it is what it is.

Stephanie Rothstein Bruce is awesome

This week, even though it was still humid, my runs really picked up — especially towards the end of the week. Here’s how it went:

• Tuesday -  3 miles at MGP = marathon goal pace (4.25 mi)
• Wednesday – REST
• Thursday – 42 min easy run (3.75 mi)
• Friday – 37 minutes with 4×100 meter strides (3.46 mi)
• Saturday – 73 minutes (7.02 mi)
• Sunday – REST
• Monday – 12 x 1 min on, 2 minutes off (5.9 mi)

Total miles: 24.38
*Technically my weeks go from Monday to Sunday, but for blog purposes let’s do it this way

 Some thoughts on the week:

• I really enjoy running for time rather than distance. I have my watch show me time elapsed instead of pace. It’s nice to not obsess.
• I used to always have to end my runs on an exact mile. It is freeing being able to stop at 5.9 and 3.46 and not care.
• I LOVE strides. On Friday, I looked forward to the end of my run when I knew I could do my strides. It definitely let me finish on a high note. More strides please!
• While intervals are always tough, I really, really loved Monday’s format. The one minute on, two minutes off is perfect for me. I can really push for that minute since it’s only a minute, and the two minutes recovery jog give me time to catch my breath and get myself together. That would be a really great treadmill workout too if any of us are ever stuck on that disgusting machine. It made the run fly by! My quickest minute was 6:50 and I know I can do better if I ever have this format again since I ran a mile in a 5k race at 6:53 once.
• Saturday’s and Monday’s runs really boosted my confidence. On Saturday I ran in Central Park with my friend Z and I forgot how much better it is running with a friend. Even though it was incredibly humid and poured on us a little, I was able to keep a faster pace for the seven miles than I seem to on my own for three. It helps to get out of my own head and I hope to do every weekend long run with friends whenever possible.
• I’m so happy with my decision to hire a coach. I love opening my Google spreadsheet multiple times a day to review my upcoming runs — I’ve been getting excited for every run, especially the new ones like Monday’s interval run. I love learning about things like strides. I feel like a real runner with all my new knowledge. Andy even noted how happy my training plan makes me.
• The last time I trained for a marathon, my plan was simple and based solely on mileage. I’m really enjoying attempting the different types of runs that will hopefully make me a stronger runner.
• Warming up and cooling down is new to me. It’s strange to have a run that isn’t part of the run, but is.
• Even when I am alone and it is humid, I’m so happy to be out there running. I’m excited for my upcoming races, especially the Falmouth Road Race in Cape Cod next month.
• I wish I had access to a track. How could there be no tracks in downtown Jersey City?
• While I’m still not as fast as I used to be, I feel slightly better about my ability to improve. I think.

Also, I have a weekday run next week over “hilly terrain.” There are no hills in Jersey City, so it looks like I will be embarking on my first weekday Central Park run.

I’m strangely excited for this inconvenience.

How is your training going? Have you ever worked with a coach and do you feel like it’s helped you? Do you want to run with me?

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