Fartleks

Fartleks:
Not just a funny name... also an intense training workout. 

Courtney, Mallory, and I started a marathon training program.  Our target marathon is next May, so we have plenty of time to add mileage slowly.  Courtney found a 26-week training schedule online.  It takes the stance "Slow and steady finish the race".  Our first few weeks we don't run over 3 miles.  In comparison to the half marathon training I did last year, this is extremely relaxed.  After 4 months away from running, I need relaxed.  It's taken my body a while to find its stride.  But, I'm back and loving every minute. 

This morning's workout was fartleks.  Fartleks are intended to increase pace.  After a 5-minute warm-up, we did 4 cycles of 4 minute run/ 1 minute walk.  The 4 minute runs were tough.  We were grabbing our sides by the end.  The 1 minute recover felt closer to 15 seconds.  The fartleks were tough, so our 10 minute cool-down was easy in comparison.  Both Courtney and I had drenched our shirts and felt amazing.  I'm looking forward to next week when we repeat them!

This weekend Courtney and I are running a 10K.  We aren't up to 6.2 miles of running, but we'll do our best to run as much of it as possible.  Each race I run, I'm reminded how strong my competitive spirit is.  I get it from my mom!