This week was my first week of 30’s. My IT Bands on both knees were clearly not happy about putting in 11 Miles Long today after the hilly and twisty 5K yesterday, but I made it through.

Normally I will order race merchandise and save it for after the particular race before using it (kinda like Christmas). That works out since there hasn’t been any merchandise that I would consider having to use on the actual race day…until now. The Rock and Roll Half Marathon Chicago had a women’s Sugoi tank that I ordered. When it came I found that it had a pouch in the back that was the size of a portable CD player. So I definitely had to test run this tank top out to actually be my race tank for the RNR day. I used it today and stowed my Clif Blocs and have to say the pouch was perfect! I’m definitely using this tank on long runs and most races. So far it’s been the best for the job. I may have to see about picking up more of this style from Sugoi.

Today was perfect weather for a long run. I got out to our company park when it was 57 degrees and 8mph winds. I ran a couple of the miles on the grassy area where the soccer fields are to mix up the terrain. Then after lunch I headed back to the company park to enjoy the pool and relax.

This week of training:
M: 4 Mile Race (7:58 pace), Legs and Abs
T: 5 Easy (Treadmill, 1% incline, 8:56 pace)
W: 7 Miles Speedwork (Treadmill, 1% incline, 8:30 pace w/3x1600s @ 7:53)
R: Rest
F: Abs
Sa: .39 Easy Warm Up (9:37 pace), 3.1 Mile Race (7:47 pace)
Su: 11 Miles Long (9:24 pace)

Total: 30.49

I think this coming week is a recovery week before starting the Full Marathon training plan.