Just as the grass started turning a slight shade of green, we had a snowstorm come in this weekend. I was scheduled for an 8-10K race on Saturday and 16 miles on Sunday. Unfortunately, there are no races around here this weekend. I looked at the Chicago Shamrock Shuffle - but registration was closed. Also, I knew we were supposed to get a lot of snow, so I reluctantly ran my 16 yesterday instead of trying to race on my own and run long today. Turns out that was a good idea as the roads are a mess today and it is ridiculously windy - not ideal long run conditions.

It was very windy yesterday also and I ran 7 of my 16 miles on the trail. This turned out to be not such a great idea. Since it has been so wet lately, the trail was very uneven and my ankles and thighs are feeling it today! So, I am going to log a recovery run today. No need to push anything at this stage of the game.

This was my first week of taper. As usual, I was excited to begin the taper, but since it isn't a very dramatic cut back in mileage, it felt pretty ordinary. The good news was that on Friday I had a meeting in Milwaukee and that is for the most part, all I did that day. I slept in and hung out with my boys (who had spring break this week), went to Milwaukee, then picked them up by 2:30. It was fun and it was nice to feel like I had a 3-day weekend.

I am (of course) already looking at the 15 day forecast for my marathon (which is in Champaign, IL on April 11). It is too early to tell, but I am very worried about windy conditions. I always forget how windy March and April are until they roll around. It has been pretty brutal here lately and it looks like Champaign is much worse. I am keeping my fingers crossed that given the harsh training conditions this season, I am due perfect race weather. :D

The next two weeks start backing way off on mileage and my number one goal is rest, rest, rest. I am hoping to see much less of 4:45 am. I am also starting to look to a fall marathon. My husband's band books up fast and they already have requests for every weekend in October. Since I want him to come with me, I'd like to put something on the schedule ASAP. So far, I am looking at Indianapolis. Anyone do this one? Any other suggestions?

Week 16 recap:

M: rest

T: 5.78 (8:36) in pouring rain and wind (it was actually very fun!)

W: 8 miles with 5x600 @5K; 90 sec recoveries (paces: 6:48, 6:48, 6:42, 6:33, 6:34)

R: 5.29 recovery (9:29)

F: 4 easy with 6 striders (8:45)

Sa: 16 long (9:02)

Su: 6 easy (9:24) plus shovel the driveway

Total: 45 miles