BCHM Training: Week 9

This was my last step-back week before the final push and the race itself in three weeks. Three weeks! Gulp! A few notes...

What an awesome week of weather! Is this Pittsburgh? Plentiful sunshine, no humidity, no rain? I'll take it! The mornings were very chilly, which felt awesome.
I joined the Buffalo Creek Half Marathon Facebook group and saw that there is a new course ending. Last year, you exited the trail, went through a short residential street, and then up a short but steep hill before running down into the town and the finish line. I can't quite figure out the new ending on the map, but the comments say the hill is much longer. I'm not too worried about it. I'll do my best to power up, but if it's more efficient for me to walk, I won't have a problem with that.
Amanda (Crazy Cat Lady Runner) took pity on me from my plea last week about needing a running buddy, and we ran our long run together today. Wow! It is amazing how fast the run goes when you have someone to talk to! I really enjoyed it.
Per suggestions from Kim (This Runner's Fuel) and Mike, I am setting my Garmin to lap pace instead of average pace or just pace. The pace doesn't jump around, and it's been really great in helping me nail my paces.

Total weekly mileage: 21.5

On to the recap!

Monday
40 minutes Iron Strength
60 minutes Yin Yoga, hip series

Lululemon White Energy Bra & Bruised Berry Cool Racerback
Yogasmoga Spanish Grey Run Jump 'n' Play Crops

Tuesday
Morning: 5 miles, 55:39, 11:07 pace
This was a medium pace race (11:15-11:30) but I felt great and ran slightly faster and then ran the last two miles at race pace. I think the 40-degree temps helped!

Athleta Coral Striped Elite Half Zip, Amalfi Blue Chi Tank &
Asphalt Relay Capri

Wednesday
Morning: 4.5 miles, 49:06, 10:54 pace
Nailed my race pace on this run. I had no problem hitting my race pace, and I think my body is finally starting to know it. It's not a super easy pace for me, though. It's going to be a challenge to keep to this pace for the whole race, but I'm just telling myself I can do it.

Athleta Sour Apple Malibu Hike Half Zip
Lululemon Chase Me Crops

Evening: Essential Yoga video from Runner's World

Lululemon White Energy Bra, Soot Cool Racerback
Forest Green In the Flow Crops

Thursday
Morning: 3 miles, 35:56, 11:58 pace
This recovery run felt great! Forgot to take a picture of the outfit though.

Friday
40 minutes Iron Strength

Saturday
Rest day! We took Django on the Nine Mile Run and Braddock trails in Frick Park. It felt much warmer than 72 degrees.

Lululemon Bumble Berry Cook Racerback & Purple Fog Energy Bra (LOVE that combo)
Athleta Asphalt Chat Capris

Sunday
9 miles, 1:46, 11:49 pace
We ran on the Northside trail to Fort Duquesne Bridge, across the bridge and through Point State Park, back across the bridge, out to the old jail, and back. I had so much fun chatting with Amanda! After the run I did the Recovery Yoga video from Runner's World.

Lots of crazy sweaty patches!
Lululemon Jeweled Magenta Swiftly
VSX The Standout Bra
Athleta Black Relay Skort

In the afternoon we took Django to Raccoon Creek State Park and hiked the short, 1.2-mile Mineral Springs Loop Trail. We had planned to hike more trails, but we hadn't realized it was so late in the day and had to get back.