Running Past the 4th of July Slump!

I did it!  I survived the "4th of July Slump"!

Every summer my training derails the July 4th week.  The temperature and humidity soars,the excitement of starting to train has worn off, I become sore from adding mileage (or have become injured) and the long runs on the schedule get into an uncomfortable zone (over 10 miles).  I also find my training interrupted by visitors to the city. 

With a focus this year on completing the Chicago Triathlon in 2:59:59 or faster and the Chicago Marathon in a time of 4:10:00 or faster, I was determined to complete my 12 mile long run over the weekend:

 

My average pace was about 15 seconds/mile slower than my desired plan, but I was happy to get the mileage in!


Running did not consume my entire weekend. With my mom and aunt in town, we ate at one of my favorite Caribbean Restaurants, The Wild Hare, where I had the Coconut-Encrusted Tilapia:

YUMMM!!!!!

While I still have many months of training ahead, I am excited that I have remained motivated through the holiday weekend

This week, my training schedule intensifies, as I had more mileage to my biking, running, and I start to add open water swimming into the rotation:

• Monday
•  Swim 1800+ yards
• Tuesday
•  Interval Run - 1200, 1000, 800, 600, 400, (200 RI)
• Wednesday
• 45 Minute Bike (15 hard)
• Swim 25 minutes
• Thursday
• 7 Mile Tempo - 1 easy / 5 LT / 1 easy 
• Friday
• 30 Miles Bike
• Saturday
• 14 Miles - 9:15 goal pace
• Sunday 
• REST 

The Anti-Cruelty Society in the News...Dory, an Anti-Cruelty Alum, has been added to the "One World" show at Shedd Aquarium, showcasing the training similarities between dogs and aquatic animals!  See the Chicago Sun Times article. 

Please consider a donation to the Anti-Cruelty Society today!