Let's run a marathon (Recap Week 5 of 16)

Guess what I *didn’t* do today? Run. Yep, I skipped my first day in week 5. More on that later. But, as I approach 6 weeks, here’s the recap of this past week.
{That picture above are my new kicks from my trip to Elite Runners and Walkers the other day. They’re the latest New Balances in my collection, which I am prone to.}
How I’m feeling this week:
My energy from last week seemed to just go away. Was feeling a bit more lethargic this week. Perhaps it’s from not working. I had two weeks off (woohoo!) and in week two it hit me a bit, not being out and about as I am normally in a routine. Also, my runs felt a little harder than usual. But that’s to be expected. I can’t have a perfect week each week.
I broke in my new kicks yesterday since it was a short run. Love them. New Balances are just a comfortable shoe. I highly recommend Elite Runners and Walkers for my Pittsburgh friends since they really took the time to watch me walk and run, and talk to me about different options. I also picked up some Gu and a fancy new running belt, which reminds me of 90s fanny packs. HOT.
What I ran this week:

• Tuesday 2/14: 4.02 miles, 42:39 (10:37 average pace), treadmill (including 2×3:00 AIs)
  
• Thursday 2/16: 4.07 miles, 48:24 (11:53 average pace), road (lots of hills; a little walking)
  
• Saturday 2/18: 3.10 miles (5K), 29:17 (9:25 average pace), paved trail; mostly flat but hilly in parts
• Sunday 2/19: None (Supposed to do 6-8 miles)

TOTAL: 11.19 miles, 2:00:20  (slightly behind my training schedule)

The  3×2:00 AI (aerobic intervals) went well on Tuesday’s run. I did mine on the treadmill and just randomly sped up 3 times for 2 minutes to about a 9-9:30ish pace each time. Also, since the schedule called for a 5K race on Saturday, I got real speedy. My pace for a lot of it was 8:30ish. By the end of it, I felt a little sick. I think I went too fast. But since it was only 3.1 miles, it was necessary for me to put the pedal to the medal.

How I cross-trained this week:
60 minutes body works + abs class. I had time to do 1 or 2 yoga classes, but blew those off as well.

What I ate this week:
My diet was a little wonky this week as well. Given that I didn’t work, I slept a little later each morning. I’d get up, have coffee and a bowl of cereal, then not eat until dinner. I ate less this week which probably contributed to not having as much energy to run and cross-train. I also had movie popcorn for dinner one night. Delicious, but not exactly nutritious. And then last night I went out with friends and had a giant cheeseburger and split nachos at Fat Heads (one of my faves), and then drank some beers. It was good.
Roadblocks this week:
Not having the energy to run, I’d say. Plus I was very dehydrated today from drinking last night which also contributes to not wanting to run.
Goals for the week ahead:
Get back at it. I start my new job (!!) tomorrow, which means I’m back to the grind. It also means less time to run. On top of that, I have a mile-heavy week and hit double digits this weekend (!!). I must get the energy back to do it all. I also want to get up early on Tuesdays to do my miles pre-work. Thursday runs are longer so those will be after work. Let’s hope I have time to get my 7 in this Thursday. Soon enough, I can start running outside after work again when daylight savings begins (March 11 baby). Also looking forward to doing my 10 miles at the Spring Thaw this Saturday. Doing my run race-style will really be great with the energy of others plus aide stations.
This week’s running topic: Getting off track 
So as I said above, I completely bailed on my running today. I just felt so tired and dehyrdrated from going out last night. I wasn’t necessarily hungover this morning, but eating and drinking badly directly affects my ability to be active the next day. But you know what? I don’t feel bad about it. I was able to eat and drink delicious food and beer, and see a lot of my friends. You just need that sometimes! So if you’re training for a race (whether it be a 5K or marathon or anything else) and get off track, don’t sweat it. Because I missed 7 today, doesn’t mean I won’t be able to run a marathon on May 6. LIFE happens. So I’m going to get back on the saddle (stupid saying) this week, get my mileage in, and get back in the game. What you shouldn’t do is overdo it this week and add extra miles on. That will just be more hurtful on your body. Plus, since I’ve been dealing with shin splints, I am looking at week 5 as rest for my legs (also, getting a massage during a pedicure helps).
When have you gotten off track? Leave a comment or tweet me using the hashtag #LRAM.
For fun: What kind of runner are you? I’m the “I’m Sexy and I Know It” – The Fitness Runner.”
Past recaps:
Week 4
Week 3
Week 2
Week 1
Pre-training post with my training schedule