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It’s been a hot minute since I was actually talking about my running training…and darn, it feels great.

So – quick rewind. Last time I blogged, I walked through how things were going/feeling since building up running postpartum. In short: the journey back was rough and rocky, with my history of back issues causing pain since mid-pregnancy (and even worse after). 

But thanks to an incredible doctor who really urged me to keep seeking strength – I’ve been working hard in the gym for almost a year…and I feel the strongest and fittest of my life. 

And the running? That’s the icing on the cake. 

Yesterday, I PRed in my 5k with a 35-second personal best, breaking 19 for the first time. It still feels completely surreal to say that I can run an 18:xx 5k…the 5k has always been my weakest distance and there’s just something about it that I’ve always struggled with. 

BUT NOT ANYMORE. 

So what made all the difference? Yes, we had a perfect morning to do it and it was my first time executing a 5k on a track (which I LOVED). But the training has made all the difference. So what am I doing differently? 

Strength

Well this is obvious. I’ve talked a lot about how I’ve committed to the weight room in a big way this year, and it’s paying off in dividends, from an injury and speed perspective. I’ve been working under Mike Ranfone at Ranfone Training Systems since 2015 and last year was the first time I actually gathered enough courage to ask Mike to help me. I was sick of being in pain and figured if Mike couldn’t help me…no one could. 

Happiness

Maybe not the first thing you’d think about when assessing a training plan. But this is huge. I am so happy and feeling so grateful that I GET to run. Don’t get me wrong – I definitely don’t leave for my daily runs skipping…but after years of wondering whether running would be in my life long term, I truly view the sport as a gift that I’m so thankful to do.

Workouts

The crazy thing about this 5k PR is that my training hasn’t been specific to ANYTHING – I would really call it “long term base training” with some strides sprinkled in. 

I started working with David Roche of SWAP in the summer of 2018…but this season is the first time I’m actually doing any sort of running with him because:

1) broke my toe as soon as we started working together 2 years ago

2) then got pregnant, and he provided daily positivity + weekly bike interval workouts, to keep me sane

3) then had to rehab my SI joint

4) SO NOW, IN 2020, WE GET TO PARTY

Since January, David has built me up from scratch – going from 10 minute runs, to now – consistent 45 mile weeks (with last week coming in at a how 58 miles, which is the most I’ve run since 2016). I’m running 5 days per week, 1 of which is a longer day, 2 of which have strides or power hills, and 1 is an effort-based fartlek day (like 10 x 1 on 1 off…8 x 2 on, 2 off…etc). 

Here’s the most mind-blowing thing about this training: I HAVE RUN 3 TEMPOS (15-min, 25-min, and a 5k, in August).

So, as a result, I’m feeling fresh and happy and optimistic that I have a lot more to give…which is really freaking cool.

It also goes without saying that I really resonate with the SWAP (Some Work, All Play) mentality. David has a gift of building his athletes up through empowerment and love…and his (and Megan’s) genuine positivity truly resonates in everything they do and say. I feel really lucky to train under his tutelage.