I know, I know…we’re 1/3 of the way through November already, and I’m just now writing my recap for October. Sue me. And yes, I also realize that I haven’t written a running recap in months, so you’re probably wondering “why start now?”

For the first time in a long time I’m using a structured training plan. It’s nothing special, just a 6-week long 5K SmartCoach program from Runner’s World, based on my most recent 5K time (from a couple of weeks ago—a PR, by the way). Since I’m using a training plan, I thought it finally made sense to do a recap (though I didn’t start the training plan until the last few days of October).

• Total Miles: 110.1
• Total Time: 16:58:21
• Average Pace: 9:15/mile

Additional Notes

October was the 3rd 100+ mile month in a row, and the 5th in the last 6th months. This is by far the highest volume of training I’ve been able to put in during my short running career. Prior to the last 6 months, I’d only run 100+ miles in a month 3 times. The first 100+ mile month was followed by an injury and reduced mileage for 2 months, which was followed by a 2 month 100+ mile streak,  and then 6 months of reduced mileage as I dealt with my knee injury, and surgery. Yes, I’m knocking on some wood right now.

During the month, my mileage broke down as follows:

• Easy: 41 miles
• Hill: 24 miles*
• Tempo: 23 miles
• Interval: 19 miles
• Race: 3.1 miles
• Longest Run: 8 miles (once)**
• Shortest Run: 3 miles (once)
• Best Paced Run (non-race): 8:27/mile (6 miles, Intervals)
• Best Paced Run (race): 7:52/mile (5K)

* Though Hill runs might have been at an easy pace, the routes consisted of a significant number of hills, and the focus was to work on running hills. Thus these runs are listed as Hill runs, and not Easy runs.

** For those of you paying attention, you might’ve noticed that I don’t have mileage listed for Long Runs. Indeed, I didn’t run any official “Long Runs” in October. My longest run, 8 miles, was actually an interval session—7 x 1/2 mile with 1/4 mile recovery jogs.