Peak week of this training cycle! Wowza, this was a lot of running. I’m definitely getting a bit worn down and I felt that especially early in the week. But a little yoga, a day off, and a break in the weather contributed to an awesome 20 miler. I’m really happy with how things are going and I am feeling excited about the upcoming race!
Monday, 1/15, Afternoon Crew – 10 easy miles with surges (9:37 pace)
I moved my “long” run to Monday this week because of my daughter’s birthday on Sunday. That put this run pretty close to tomorrow’s tempo workout and just piled things up generally speaking, so my coach trimmed the long run back pretty seriously. Even this fairly short long run really took it out of me. I probably didn’t eat enough before running. I’m sick of the cold. I’m just getting a bit worn out. Not really surprising this late in a marathon training cycle. I opted out of evening parental responsibilities in favor of a hot bath and an early bedtime. I’m not kidding when I say my husband is the most important member of my support team.
Tuesday, 1/16, Afternoon Crew – Progression run, 2 miles easy, 2 miles at marathon pace w/.25 recovery, 2 miles at half marathon pace w/.25 recovery, 1 mile at 10K pace, 1 mile easy (8.5 total)
Oof, so this was a hell of a workout, especially after 10 yesterday! But once I got going, I felt pretty good. Ended up averaging 8:52 for the marathon pace miles, 8:38 for the half marathon pace ones, and 8:15 for the 10k mile, which I am thrilled with. I ran on the same 2 mile stretch where I’ve been doing all my tempo runs and midway through, I just started hating the road itself. Even though it’s beautiful up there! So, perhaps that is enough tempo for that particular spot. I told my coach I was feeling a bit tired to which he more or less said, good, it’s about time. Ha!
Wednesday, 1/17, Lunch Time Crew – 4 easy miles on the gym treadmill, plus strength training
Super boring treadmill run. I’ve really been on the ‘mill maybe only three or four times this training cycle and I just didn’t want to deal with the slippery roads created by the “wintry mix” falling out of the sky. Lifting was great, as usual. I didn’t even mind Tough Guy Trainer fetching a lighter kettlebell after he saw my shaky squats. Yeah, I’m tired. I went for a massage today too.
Thursday, 1/18, Morning Crew – 9 easy miles, (9:21 pace)
The sun came out, the weather warmed up, and Snarky Girl joined me for part of the run. Things are looking up!
Friday, 1/19, Lunch Time Crew – 6 easy miles (9:22 pace), then strength training
I did my usual run from the gym, but went a little further. The weather has warmed up just a little and the streets are clear of ice and snow. AMAZING what a difference that makes!
Saturday, 1/20, Morning Crew – yoga
I spent all day Saturday at a women’s retreat with my church. I wish I could have offered to teach a yoga class, but I am totally unqualified to do that. Instead, I set up my laptop with my yoga DVD by the fireplace and some of the church women got up early to join me. Fun!
Sunday, 1/21, Morning Crew – 20 miles, first 8 easy, last 12 at goal marathon pace
This run went spectacularly well! Rashi joined me for the first 6 miles and then I was on my own. I had been aiming for about 9:00 for a goal marathon pace, but kept speeding up to closer to 8:45 and finally just said screw it and quit looking at my watch. I felt great the whole time and even picked it up for my final mile. I also tried out a new caffeine regimen for this run that I’ll write more about later. A huge confidence boost with three weeks to the race. This left me smiling the rest of the day.
Total: 57.5 miles!! Highest weekly mileage EVER!