It has been awhile since my last update. I've been managing a productive summer as far as marathon training (for the Baystate Marathon in October) goes by incorporating in a few races. About 3 weeks after the Martha's Vineyard marathon, I ran a leg in my running team's 26 x 1 mile relay. What little training I did (as in none at all) between the end of the marathon and the relay resulted in a 5-minute mile, which isn't my fastest, but I was more focused on just enjoying the event.
After the 26 x 1 mile relay.
In July, we raced a 5K that's part of the Boston Summer Series. I went into this race (my first 5K in 14 months) with a similar mentality to the relay--just to enjoy it. I ended up finishing in 16:33, which was faster than I was during my freshman year in college, so that was a pleasant surprise. It's races like these that help me understand what long-term, year-round training can do for one's fitness.
Earlier this month, we drove north to Rockport, MA to compete in the Triple Threat mile, 5K, and half-marathon back-to-back races. I only ran the 5K, looking for a PR and a good run to enhance my marathon training. The 5K course was hilly and had some great views of the New England oceanside. I was glad to have matched my time from the summer series race here because that once again provided some tangible evidence that my fitness was improving.
The 5K finished at the Triple Threat race in Rockport, MA.
I'll probably do another race or two before the marathon comes around in October.
:^)