Halfway Through Marathon Training Reflection

As many of you know, I am following a 16 week training program (The FIRST program) that emphasizes low mileage, high intensity work and cross training. The first marathon I trained for last year, I followed a very old Runner's World training plan that did not include any speed work. My dad and I added in Yass 800s once a week, but otherwise followed the plan. I thrive on the speed work, so I have mostly been enjoying this training cycle, however, I cannot help but feel a little disappointed with my low weekly mileage. I have been following the plan pretty closely, with a few exceptions. I found that I didn't like only running 3 days a week so I added a recovery run in lieu of one cross training day and upped to 4 runs per week. Instead of aerobic cross training (like you are supposed to do) I usually cross train with some type of strength training activity such as Pilates or FIT. Regardless, I feel as though the first half of marathon training went well! I feel stronger, and faster. I am not burnt out and actually look forward to the runs. It has been difficult training for an early fall marathon in the brutal heat and humidity, but overall training has been going well.

Weekly Training Totals
Week 1~22.6
Week 2~24.15
Week 3~35.37
Week 4~29.21
Week 5~28.04
Week 6~26.02
Week 7~27.10
Week 8~31.51
*Note: A week is from Sunday-Saturday. I tend to change the long run day depending on my schedule which is why some of the weeks don't look balanced.

There are 8 weeks of training left, and the last 3 are taper weeks so that leaves 5 weeks of peak training to go. Here is what the 2nd half of training looks like:



Sorry it is crooked! I can't believe there are only 2 months to go! On Monday, I completed the first track workout and today i plan to tackle Key Workout #2. Happy Wednesday!