CrossFit Endurance Half Marathon Training – Check In

First off – Thank you for all the congrats on yesterday’s post… I still can’t believe I now have a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certificate. Who woulda thunk it?!

Last month I posted about my CrossFit Endurance Half Marathon Training Plan. I figured I should check in with you and let you know how it’s going!

One thing I did want to clarify from my original post is that along with the running schedule I originally posted, I’m also doing regular CrossFit classes 4-5x a week. That includes a strength/skill focus and a WOD. The training plan by Brian Mackenzie that I based mine off of has specific strength and WODs included, but I am just following the programing at my box for the Strength Focus and the WOD and adding in the running at another time of day.

Brooks Glycerin 10 – Lunatik Athletics Compression Socks

When I first started this program back in the beginning of January I had no idea about what my pace for repeats were – I was averaging 13-14 minute miles but had no clue what my 200, 400, 800… etc were. One of the things I can say about this program is that it is great to go out knowing I just have to go hard for a short time and be done. I started with 200m repeats and have topped out at 1000m repeats (which I did with a stroller and toddler… killer). Each time I feel like I’m able to push myself a little more.

My first 5k Time Trial. The pace felt comfortable and it was close to my 5k PR from December

The most important thing that I have learned throughout the last month of running is how to get comfortable being uncomfortable. When I first started running I would push myself, but I really just didn’t know my body. I was afraid of getting hurt so anytime I felt any “pain” I would back down. Let’s be real – It was painful to watch me run. I was in constant Slow Motion. Since starting CrossFit last year I have become more aware of my body and its limits. I trust myself more now. I know what it feels like to push myself to the limits. Applying the mental stamina I’ve accrued from CrossFit to my running has radically changed my pace. That would be why I PRd my 10k by 10 minutes last week.

I have pushed myself in my running more in the last month than I have in the last few years. I feel confident that by continuing

I did miss one week of training while I was in Costa Rica but I picked right back up and felt great about it, and I’m a few days behind from traveling to TN for my CrossFit Level 1, but I’ll be able to make that up pretty easily. I love that the runs aren’t crazy long during the week and build up on mileage during the weekends. So far, I’m a big fan of this program. I absolutely love that it lets me keep up with CrossFit and improve my speed in running. Of course, the proof will be in the pudding when April 7th rolls around. I have no doubts that I will PR – the question is just by how much!

Are you training for any races or have you set any PRs lately?