Wednesday, October 28, 2015

OMaD - Week 43 Recap

I'm still at it! The weekly update to my One Mile A Day challenge. So far, it looks like I've been averaging miles every other day. Hmmm.

October 18 - October 24

Day 285: 15.02 Miles- Whew! I ran my first ever 15 miles this day. It was good, a little achy at the end of it, but I finished really strong. I had a great to-go brunch afterwards before I headed onto work for a few hours. Then! I had a my Beef Team webinar to learn more. Very exciting and busy day!

Day 286: 0 Miles - I may have walked a mile around the mall with my friend this day, but I'm not sure. I was definitely sore from yesterday's run, that is for sure.

Day 287: 8.02 Miles - I decided to give the potentially new marathon training schedule a go. So! Instead of running 4 miles today then 4 miles on Friday, I ran 8 miles this morning. It was a good run.

Day 288: 0 Miles - I had a day off from work today, which was nice.I did some light core and arm work. Nothing big, but it's better than what I've done before (aka what I haven't done!).

Day 289: 8.02 Miles -  The miles were a little harder to run this morning than on Tuesday, but it wasn't so bad once I got the 1 mile loop that I use to easily add mileage. Plus there was a pre-rain (at some point it's coming!) wind came in an cooled some of the humidity off. 

Day 290: 0 Mile - Rain. Work. Rain. No time to walk. I did do some push ups and a bit of yoga. I tried out the Beginner Class by Rebecca Pacheco with Runners World. It was HARD! Maybe it's because I was trying to watch what she was doing. It's kind of funny. At the SeaWheeze Half Marathon there will be lots of fun yoga stuff to do. I have less than a year to get into this yoga stuff

Day 291: 0 Mile - More rain. Work. Rain. I almost was in a car accident because of some bad driving doing an illegal turn that cut right into my lane. I am soooo glad that I had paid all that money to get a tire sensor repaired so it knew when it needed to use ABS! Then I had a horribly awkward night on a date. I want to forget this day cause it makes my shudder. 

Total Miles this week: 16. 04 Mile 

Miles to Date: 671.06 Miles  




How was your week?

Sunday, October 25, 2015

OMaD - Week 42 Recap

What a week! Here's my One Mile A Day update (which is a bit late!)!

October 11 - October 17

Day 278: 13.23 Miles - Half Marathon Day! Me and my running buddy H drove to Tyler well before dawn to run the Tyler Rose Half Marathon. We ran this race last year as part of our Four Seasons Challenge. This is a good race that had plenty of perks, such as actually scheduled right around the time one's full marathon training schedule requires a half, indoor and outdoor bathrooms, portable showers and spot to hang out before and after the race! I'll have a full recap soon!

Day 279: 0 Mile - Slow, lazy day that I spent at my parents' place.

Day 280: 4.02 Mile - Well, I got four miles in before heading out to movies with a good friend. We saw "Pan." It wasn't bad at all. I can see where the reviewers were coming from, but I liked it. Plus, High Jackman was awesome, as usual, and that Garrett Hudland is very dishy! (How have I not heard or seen of him until now, seriously???). I didn't have to go to work today, which was nice in some respects, but it stung nonetheless. Long story short, a guy I started seeing was a jerk and uninvited me to a special event that I had pulled strings to get off work for. Boo.

Day 281: 0 Mile - Why I was grumpy-ish all day, I'm not sure. But I was. I didn't care that I didn't do core work at all. I went and played Cards Against Humanity again after work. I was asked a question during a break that got me thinking... what do I like to do when I'm not running. Uuuuh. I don't know any more! 

Day 282: 7.01 Mile - Finally got my butt out there to run. It wasn't bad. Just long. At some points, especially towards the end, I started thinking about how the mileage will just keep on increasing and how I'm suppose to get in all these miles in before work. I actually started thinking about how I could change my locale on some runs and just show up at work and quickly clean myself up in the bathroom. Hmmmm.

Day 283: 3.15 Mile - Got my miles in. Got clean, got coffee and breakfast, and was still 5 minutes early to work! Yay! 

Day 284: 0 Mile -No miles logged in today. I decided that I would clean my apartment! Shock!!! I got the Pandora app working on my Smart TV and I totally got some great tunes playing to keep me going. I made progress! I have floors! Haha!

Total Miles this week: 27.41 Miles 

Miles to Date: 655.02 Miles  




How was your week?

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Marathon Training Schedule Switcheroo

So, for anyone who has been around the blog knows already that I'm in the middle of my first marathon training. I started out with this training schedule, which has been going really well. However, recently I've been wondering how I'm going to pull off running 4-5 miles before I have to get to work in the morning (with the idea that I would not be running before dawn.) 

My running buddy H faces a similar dilemma, and she's a  full time working mom. The other week she found this marathon training schedule on Running with Skissors - the "Busy Mom on the Run Marathon Training Plan." This schedule has you running on three days a week with three days of cross training and a rest day (but you know me, cross training days and rest days are almost the same).




Well, knowing all to well that I need to try to get my cross training back on track all the while still be being rested (and a life, hopefully) I thought that this may be worth a try!

 What I found interesting though is that Hal Higdon approved this training plan too, which is what sold H on this schedule (she really likes him). Perhaps I'm a lemming in some way, but I'm trying it out.

So far I followed this schedule for Week #11 and it wasn't bad. Granted I haven't done a lot of the cross training portion yet, but I'll get back to it (I know, I know I say that all the time).

We'll see what happens in the coming week. I have an appointment or two and there is RAIN right now in North Texas, which may mess up my running next week. Hmmm. It can't be too easy right?

Have you ever changed your training plan half way through?



Wednesday, October 21, 2015

2015 Tyler Rose Half Marathon Race Recap

I am a badass. I know I said that before, in my last half marathon recap, but seriously! I did kick butt during this year's Tyler Rose Half Marathon!

I ran this race last year as part of my Four Seasons Challenge with Mellew Productions. For the second year in a row this race has proven to be rather nice. I wish I had taken some pictures throughout the morning, but I didn't. Oh, well. I can't win at being an awesome blogger all the time!

It all started out with leaving town at 5am with the hopes that my phone GPS won't get us lost in the dark, in the middle of nowhere (I did print out a map just in case). When we eventually found our way to Hwy 20 outside of Terrell we had to stop at Buc-ee's to get a muffin (we were hungry and didn't know what to expect at the race). Food in hand then tummy we continued on our way. We arrived with about 45 minutes to spare (whew!).

We got our packets and our cozy feeling hoodies (it's going to be yummy during the cooler weather!). The pickup up was really simple and quick, which was awesome, especially after going through the worry of race day pickup at an out of town race. Then it was on to join the indoor bathroom line before gear check. After all said and done, we had 15 minutes to join the back of the group at the Start line.

The weather was nice - around 65 degrees or so by the time we were there. I knew that once the sun came out it would be warmer regardless. It was a little rough deciding if I should change into a running tee instead of my tank top. But, in the end I was glad I decided to keep the tank on.

THE COURSE
The course is definitely hilly, but nothing that I could not handle this time around. This was definitely not like the Badass Brazos Half Marathon course with its mountains! For the most part I ran up every single hill (See I told you I was a badass and killed it!).

Course support was minimal, but nice nonetheless. The first water station wasn't until after Mile 3, which was a little rough for H, who was planning on only walking at the water stations. I had played along with that idea, but after Mile 4 I decided that I would pick up a 2 mile interval plan instead. I followed that idea for the most part, but I did pause to stretch or walk through a water station/crest of a hill or two when I needed. I did see numerous medics around, which was nice. I didn't see very many porta potties (perhaps 3 all together), which felt like not enough. Thankfully I had no GI problems this time around, and I didn't have to worry about it. But I would've been up shit creek (haha!) if I did because of the minimal amount of potties.

Since Heather and I had 1.5 hrs to kill in the car that morning, we didn't talk much during the race. However, for the most part we stayed together. It wasn't until the last few miles did I leave her in my dust. She had an achy knee, and I finally did all the number crunching and figured if I dug deep enough and make it up the last hill OK I could possibly PR.

At the end, as you are finishing off Mile 13 there is one big hill you have to get up with oncoming traffic to your right. It's a little rough when you're tired, but it's totally do able. Then you, after turning left to head back to the Rose Garden, there are smaller rolling hills to get up. It totally reminds me of the Austin Half Marathon (Enflield Hill at 12 and the little monster of a hill at 13). But I did it and ran up it all!

The finish is a bit tricky in the fact that once you enter the garden and pass under one timing chip sensor you still have to turn right and run down the perfectly green lawn to the real finish line. The first sensor is great in the fact that they know who you are and they will announce your name as you come running in (I love that!). You have to slow down quickly after you cross the finish so that you don't run into other runners, medal givers, water givers or trip into the fountain behind everyone.


FUELING
Well, since I'm marathon training right now and thinking about fuel I thought I'd mention my fueling. I can't take certain fuels one would find at a running store because of my thyroid pill (no calcium, no vitamin C, no iron for a few hours after taking it). So! I obviously went with what I've been trying out on my training runs - blueberry Eggo waffles with peanut butter. I tore the waffles into pieces and made little sandwiches. It was kept in a ziploc baggy and McGyvered to my belt. It worked out well. No tummy troubles, as I mentioned earlier. At around Mile 5 I took a bite. During the later miles though I eat a bite or two. I did notice that I would get a hunger cramp because I didn't eat enough and the water made it a little worse. I would have to walk a little, but after I got some more fuel in I felt better. Whew!

POST RACE
After H crossed the finish line we headed indoors. We both loved smelling the heavy rose scent that the Center had (which was probably a good thing because there were lots of runners this year!). We grabbed some food - Kellogg Nutri-Grain bars and a egg, potato and cheese tacos. Yum! We got our bags for gear check. Then we headed out to the showers! Yes, showers! Thanks to the Green Acres Baptist church for bringing their shower truck! Inside the trailer (sectioned off Men's/Women's) were three shower stalls. There was a little stool in front of each stall. In the stall, behind the curtain, was the shower head and a soap dispenser with body soap/shampoo combo. The knob was a bit high above your head, if you were short (which I'm not). I brought a camping towel to use, but apparently I you could ask for a towel. I also brought some face soap in my hopeful attempt to not break out again! There wasn't any air circulating in the showers, so you were still a little sweaty when you get dressed, but it was totally worth it all. I loved the moment we stepped out and the cooler air hit us and cooled us down. Aaaaaah!

We found my car, and we headed straight to Chuy's Tex-Mex! One of my most favorite places to go after a race. I asked for a big ol' cup of unsweet tea (a rare thing for me) and a big ol' cup of water. So good. Then chips and salsa. Then chicken fajitas! So good! Yum!

Then it was off back to Dallas.

OVERALL THOUGHTS 
Thinking back on it now, this is such a good race. The course is nice with lots of pretty houses to look at. Mile 10 - 11 are flat, which helps when you're trying to pick up momentum at the end (which I totally took advantage of!). There were hills to make to challenging just enough, but nothing too hard. The spectators on the course were nice and cheered for you even if you were a stranger (just like Austin). The start/finish venue is nice. It had indoor pluming, tables and chairs to sit at, indoor gear check, a rose garden to take pictures in (gah! I can't believe we did the whole thing without taking a picture. That's so unlike us!). There was plenty of parking. There was a shower truck. Nice.

WOULD I RUN THIS RACE AGAIN
Yes, definitely!

FINISH TIME
02:34:38 - that's a PR, baby! 



Did you race this weekend?






Image(s) found here.

Monday, October 19, 2015

Marathon Training Monday - Week #9 and Week #10

Week #9 and #10 finished in my marathon training! This recap is in addition to my weekly One Mile a Day challenge updates.

R = Rest*
# = Miles
CT = Cross Training

*Rest days I don't do anything other than chill/work/walk 1 mile. I may do light core workouts, especially if I missed it on CT day.


WEEK #9
10/R/4/7/3/R/CT

Sunday: 10.01 Miles - A good LSD (It feels a little weird saying that still!). Great weather (hello, capris and tee shirt!). The lake wasn't too crowded. I didn't get momentarily stuck in the porta-potty like last week  (did I mention that in the last recap? The door was stuck in the bottom corner. Umm. Yeah!). My hips were getting tired, which makes me think I really need to get back to cross-training and work on my core and hips! Oh! When I was hitting the last few miles, and I was at Mile 7.3 I passed a golf course with a club house. I swear to God I smelled the glorious smell of BACON! Wow! What a motivating smell! I really wanted a good breakfast afterwards.

Tuesday: 4.02 Miles - I switched my miles as to where I will run 4 on Tuesday for a couple of weeks so that I'm not going crazy on Friday morning trying to get the miles in before leaving for work at 8:30am! I only have a couple of weeks of this until I have no choice.

Wednesday: Nothing. I'm not sorry. But I know I need to force myself to get back into it.

Thursday: 7.01 Miles - I. Did. Not. Want. To. Run. This. Morning. It took me forever to get my butt off the couch and dress in my running gear. My stomach was a little achy. I might have been dehydrated (when am I not?). I had no motivation. But I knew I had to run. So I forced myself up. For a change in scenery (technically) I drove to White Rock Lake during rush hour traffic (smart, right?). Then I forced myself to run. I was so slow. At least 30secs to a 1 minute slower in pace per mile. Yeah. Awesome. Oh, and it was humid and warmer than it has been. Awesome. Not. I did see a beautiful Great Dane doggy named Titan (awesomely perfect name for such a big dog!). Well. The run was done and over with, and I didn't wimp out. 

Friday: 3.11 Miles - Surprisingly, this run was normal. Whah?! My speed was back to normal for a Friday run. My cadence was up. Huh! Well. I'll take it! 

WEEK #10
13/R/4/7/3/R/CT 

Sunday: 13.23 Miles - I mixed up my training schedule again. My running buddy H and I drove to Tyler to run in the Tyler Rose Half Marathon. It was a really good race, and I killed it! I'll have more to share in my race recap. But I have to share (again!)... I PR'ed! Wasn't planning on it (even though I said it would be nice) and pretty much ran a pace that was between 11:30 - 12:30/mile up until Mile 12 or so. That was definitely when I knew a PR was possible (if I could make it up the last hill), and I pushed it. Anyway! Read the recap when I get it posted.

Tuesday: 4.02 Miles - Ran around my parents' neighborhood, which was nice cause it was a change of scenery. I also ran with my replacement Saucony Omni 12s that I bought a while ago on sale. At first I was worried about the arch support in one of the shoes, but mid run it felt better. Hopefully they'll work out great for the second half my training.

Wednesday: You know the drill by now. No cross training. I'm a slacker!

Thursday: 7.01 Miles - Got my butt out the door and ran the 7 at a park closer to the house. It wasn't bad, but it got me to thinking about increasing mileage and the idea of doing it all before work (thankfully I go into work at noon on Thursdays).

Friday: 3.15 Miles - Miles around my home. A usual, I push myself on this run because I have a small window to get the miles in.

THOUGHTS 
Well, Week #9 was hard after doing the Sunday 10. Week #10 was better complete with a great race that Sunday. Unless the upcoming Daylight Savings Time is going to help me out, I'm seriously starting to wonder about getting all the miles in during the week before work. Tuesday and Thursdays aren't so bad, but Friday is the hardest one. Interestingly enough, running buddy H shared a Hal Higdon approved training schedule that combines miles during the week. Hmmmm. I'm intrigued. More on this later.

Stay tuned for the recap of Week #11 and Week #12!

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Whew! 15 Miles. Work. Webinar.

Yeeeeah. What a LONG day! One for the books in some respects. I'm tired, but I wanted to type this up while there is still a bit of lingering excitement left in me. Let's see.

First off...

I RAN 15 MILES TODAY!

Sorry. Didn't mean to yell. Ok, not really sorry. I ran 15 miles today. It is the first time EVER that I have ran past 13.5 miles in my little running life! 

The weather was perfect. 55 degrees just after dawn. I started with usual route, but extended 3.5 more miles so that it equaled 7.5 miles at the turn around point. It wasn't bad. Plus, I was able to use the White Rock Lake Trail so that I could avoid cars and cyclists for the most part. Some the trail has been redone, which feels amazing! But some are still untouched and were rough and hard to run on. I'm wondering if that didn't help my hip flexors after awhile. At the turn around I felt good. When I got the last four miles my hips were getting a tired, and I could feel my upper abs work out.

I listened to Pandora's "Halestorm" station, and it was awesome. Though I kept on giving "thumbs up" to the songs I like (to help customize it better), and that wore my phone's batter down. Nonetheless, it didn't die on me, which is good cause I needed my tunes and my mom was Live Tracking me through my Garmin.

Afterwards, I stretched by my car for a bit before going to Good2Go Taco, which has awesome breakfast tacos! The line was long, and I really wanted to say, "I just ran 15 miles. I should be allowed cut the line." But I was a good girl. Hee hee. I got my yummies to go, and so did not take a picture because I scarfed it all when I had the chance to eat it!

Secondly...
After running I had to work 5 hours today. I had literally a 15 minute snooze between my shower and when I had to get ready to go to work... with enough time to get a venti size cup of coffee at Starbucks. I also bought some water and a rice crispy treat.

Work was good. I have to walk around a lot, which meant that I didn't seize up. At first walking was hard, but I loosened up a bit. By 4pm, however, I got a headache because I needed more food. I spent the rest of the last hours of work debating on what I should eat for dinner. Fooooood! I got a Chipotle salad and a large tortilla. So good!

Thirdly...
I virtually attended my BEEF Team webinar that gave me the smarts on what I'm to expect in 2016 as I become a Beef TIP. It all sounds really awesome! I can't wait to get more involved and improve myself nutritionally and for being involved in a community like this!

Hope you had a great weekend! 



Friday, October 16, 2015

What have I become, and is it normal?

Is this normal?

Seriously, I am asking anyone who reads my blog and who is a long distance runner. Is this normal?

I went out to play Cards Against Humanities again last night. I mentioned at the beginning that I was a runner. Then during a break a couple asked me what I did for fun outside of running. Uuuuuuuuh. I couldn't think. I literally did not have an answer other than, "Well, I'm training for a marathon and so my focus is pretty much on running right now." They were very impressed by it.

I do loads of stuff. Seriously, I do! I have lots of hobbies that I'll dabble in then take a break from. I think I said something like that to them, but I can't remember. Even though I don't do it all the time I like: drawing, watercolor painting, writing, and learning to play an instrument (I have two). There is more, but I can't remember them right now. Sheesh! I remember the day when I would rattle off all my interests and hobbies and people would be like, "Oh cool!". Granted, most who hear that I'm training for a full marathon say the same thing, but it feels a little different.

Seriously! I had full intentions to clean my apt,
but my couch wouldn't let me go! It has happened
multiple times! i fall for it every time!
Then! When I got home from my half marathon last Sunday, I realized how horrible my apartment looks. Once I thought there was a glimmer of a light at the end of the tunnel in getting the place cleaned up it explodes again. It's horrible. I feel so claustrophobic and a slob staying here.

But I do not have the energy to clean it when I get home. I run in the morning then I have to spend the rest of my energy going to work. Sure, I have days off, but one of them I'm running my LSD. Then the other morning I want a life. I need help (again). Or a bomb. Or a fee-free move. Or a maid (my mom?). Or I just need to SIUP.

Speaking of energy. I'm starting to get tired. By Thursday, which is when I do my longest mid-week run, I really start using my 15 minute breaks and half of my lunch hour to sleep at work.
I need this. 

In some respects I know this is to be expected during marathon training. Then again, however, I don't know how other people do this. I don't have much of a social life beyond my family and one or two friends on my days off and maybe a card game night midweek. How do runners with children do it? I feel like I'm starting to struggle a little bit in starting to have/maintain a social life, work and the training.

Interestingly enough my running buddy had posted a marathon training schedule (Higdon approved) that may help, but I'm not sure yet. I'm half sold on trying it out. I'll talk about it later when I get a bit more time.

I'm also starting to think that I'm losing motivation. Maybe it's because I'm missing the excitement I had when I started my training in August. Novelty excitement doesn't last, that I know. Maybe there isn't as much motivation because I'm tired. Or that I'm missing the sunshine when I wake up (I haven't changed my alarm settings since August, but I snooze them more because I know it's still dark outside). Maybe it's because I'm secretly worried about hitting the 13+ miles starting Sunday (my first ever 15 miler is on Sunday).

So, yes! I'm sure this is normal. I'm sure something will kick me in the butt and set everything right again. I certainly don't want something bad to happen (trying not to jinx myself) either. Maybe I need to toot my own horn a bit more than often and getting that shallow attention from people will help (hmmmm)? Well, we'll see what happens, and we'll hope/pray that it's going to work!

It's normal. It's totally normal.

Right?

For those who have run a full marathon... 
What do you do to keep yourself motivated? 
What do you do to rest up, but have a life? 


Images found here and here.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

OMaD - Week 41 Recap

One Mile a Day update of my fitness challenge with tidbits of my life thrown in. I've been so lazy on my rest days, but I guess that's OK in some respects.

October 4 - October 10

Day 271: 10.01 Mile -It was a nice morning for  10 miler! We're finally in a Fall season here... Yay! I actually had to find my awesome purple running capris and a running tee to wear for this run! I felt better than I have had for the past week. I wasn't too sore or and my hip flexors weren't too achy, which is great. Afterwards I got to see a few friends throughout the day. So nice.

Day 272: 1 Mile - Took a walk after dinner. I wore a tee and some track pants, but I almost wish I had a light pullover. It gets a little chilly at night sometimes (or at least I think so!).

Day 273: 4.02 Miles - First mid-week 4 mile run. It definitely kept me on my toes in the fact that I have to do something other than 3 on a Tuesday morning!

Day 274: 0 Mile -Nothing. Nothing other than stuffing my face with pizza and a couple of s'mores. Yeah. I'm so healthy. Hee hee.

Day 275: 7.01 Miles - I did not want to run this morning. I have no motivation. Ugh. But I did force myself out the door and drove to White Rock Lake during morning rush hour to run the miles. I had just enough time to get home, shower, eat some eggs, snooze for 10 minutes before getting coffee and going to work. Work was a looooong day too.

Day 276: 3.11 Miles - I was surprised a how well this run went, especially after yesterday's! My speed was back. My cadence was up. No walking breaks. It was... nice! Ok, so maybe that half marathon on Sunday isn't going to be so bad (I was being pessimistic yesterday).  

Day 277: 0 Mile -Well, I had the day off, which was nice cause I had a really rough night (I learned I make mistakes still and guys are jerks!). I got to hang with a good friend. We went to a local craft fair where I bought some awesome earrings and a ring. Then I bought a cute vintage dress at a resale shop. Then I decided to splurge (Ha!) and bought a Halloween costume for technically my first Halloween party.

Total Miles this week: 25.15 Miles 

Miles to Date: 627.61 Miles  




How was your week?

Friday, October 9, 2015

OMaD - Week 40 Recap

Another laaaate OMaD post! 

September 27- October 3

Day 264: 12.02 Mile - This run wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. The first 6 miles were sort of easy! Then Miles 7 - 9/10 were harder. Mile 10/10.5 - 12 were HARD. Ugh. My hips were getting tired towards the end, and I had drunk too much water right before the last mile. I'll make sure I watch that next time around. After the run I got to see the movie Everest with the family, and I was really, really surprised how I liked it. I almost cried at the end. But I saved myself because I had a date afterwards and I didn't bring my makeup to reapply! Oh, and the date went well. 

Day 265: 1 Mile - A doggy walk with the family pups and the Mom.

Day 266: 3.11 Miles - My legs were a little achy today, but I it may be because I haven't been diligent on taking my iron this past week. Or it's just the fact that I'm tired. It was nice though.

Day 267: 0 Mile - No cross-training. I chilled for a bit before having dinner with a friend. 

Day 268: 6.02 Mile - This was a good run. I was so tired all day, though. If I wasn't trying to work I was taking naps on my breaks!

Day 269: 3.11 Mile - Whew! Last run of the week! Yay! In happier news I did get my Fitletics bottles for my belt. Now I feel more secure that I have some water with me on my runs. 

Day 270: 0 Mile - I know I didn't walk this day. I had a busy day at work, and decided to to just chill and prep for my 10 miler in the morning. 

Total Miles this week: 25.26 Miles 

Miles to Date: 602.46 Miles  




How was your week?

OMaD - Week 39 Recap

One Mile a Day update. I'm running tired and so everything is being past laaate! 

September 20 - September 26 

Day 257: 7.01 Miles - This was a tough run. I didn't want to wake up after staying out late for a friend's birthday the night before. Ugh. But I made it out to White Rock Lake to run the blasted 7 miles that was popping up on my marathon training schedule. I did it. My thighs were sore from running the 5k the previous morning too! But, I did it and it's done. I hope that my runs get better.

Day 2580 Miles - I totally slept in till 10am today and was still coming off of being upset about my run and other things that have made me a bundle of emotions yesterday. So I just hung around with my mom helping her do things, which was nice. On the plus side, though, yet another person thought I looked too young to be 28 years old and was in shock that I was actually 30! Score!

Day 259: 3.11 Miles - I managed to get up and run my 5k at the park. Yay. I need to get my head straight again, thought. 

Day 260: 0 Miles - Well, after good intentions last night to try to run this morning instead of Friday (switching my cross-training day with a short run day), I decided to catch more ZZZZs and do something after work. Oh! I tried to buy a replacement bottle for my Fitletics belt just to discover that my closest running store doesn't sell them any more! I have one more spot to try before I face a 12 miler next Sunday with just one little water bottle and water fountains. Grrrr!

Day 261: 6.01 Miles - This was a good run, surprisingly! I was glad that it was since all previous runs were tough. The air was nice and just cool enough. I felt good mentally and physically too, which was really nice. It was a good day until I started to get a migraine at work. Boo!

Day 262: 3.11 Miles - The usual 5k in the morning before work! I was a little worried about one of my shins since I was having little aches since the night before. I need to foam roll! I know I say that ALL the time, but seriously, I have two of them and I don't use them. Am I stupid or something? (No, I'm not, but I had to say it!).

Day 263: 0 Mile - I didn't walk today after work since my plans changed. I decided to have dinner with my family, and chat with a new friend for a while. 

Total Miles this week: 19.24 Miles 

Miles to Date: 577.20 Miles  




How was your week? 

Monday, October 5, 2015

Marathon Training Monday - Week #7 and Week #8

Week #7 and #8 finished in my marathon training! This recap is in addition to my weekly One Mile a Day challenge updates.

R = Rest*
# = Miles
CT = Cross Training

*Rest days I don't do anything other than chill/work/walk 1 mile. I may do light core workouts, especially if I missed it on CT day.


WEEK #7 
7/R/3/6/3/R/CT

Sunday: 7.01 Miles - Well, after running a PR 5k on Saturday, my legs were definitely tired. I should have foamed rolled more, but I was tired and never did it. I was also tired because I stayed out late for a friend's birthday shindig. So! When it came to running at the lake I was facing a battle. It was long 7 miles of achy thighs and some frustrated tears (was also teary eyed about something else that my running could help me get over, which really sucks!). There was no magic or excitement for this run. Boo!

Tuesday: 3.11 Miles - Finally got myself going, and I was able to focus a little better on my running, especially compared to Sunday. I still need to work on it though.

Wednesday: I totally skipped cross-training again. Before I had went to an event at 7:30 I had to stop by the store to get some things. Plus! I drove out to my local running store to see if I could buy a replacement water bottle just to discover that they don't sell them there anymore! Noooo!

Thursday: 6.02 Miles - The best run this week so far. I'm slowly getting my head back into the game. My body felt better, and I was able to run for 4 miles before needing to walk (granted I had to pause a few times to get my shoes laces tightened/loosened the right way during Mile 1). I hoping the next long run on Sunday is going to be good!

Friday: - 3.11 Miles - Good run. I'm a little concerned about an ache that was popping up a bit the night before during bedtime. As I say often, I need to remember to foam roll. After work I did drive out to another local running store that did sell Fitletic items just to find out they do not sell the bottles. Whah!?! Gah!

WEEK #8 
12/R/3/6/3/R/CT 

Sunday: 12.02 Miles - This run was way better than the LSD from last week. Miles 1-6 were really good and not hard. Miles 7 - 9/10 were harder, and Miles 10/10.5 - 12 were hard. My hips were tired, and I may not have been fueling the best (my Eggo waffles were too crunchy), and towards the end I drank too much water, which made my stomach ache. Blah! Next week I'll work on that.

Tuesday: 3.11 Miles - My legs (mostly the calves) were achy/burny during the run, but it was good.

Wednesday: No cross training again. Sorry. Not sorry.

Thursday: 6.02 Miles - I inadvertently and yet decidedly slept in late today. The 6 miles were harder than last weeks.

Friday: 3.11 Miles - This wasn't a bad run. At least I wasn't as tired as I was on Thursday.


THOUGHTS 
Well. I think I've hit the tired stage of the training already. At least I think so. My running buddy H is feeling the same way. We're not as excited about training  like we once were. Granted with sunrise happening later and later I think my body doesn't want to wake up before it's light out! On the plus side though! The moment it turned October the weather turned into perfect Fall weather! Yes! I'm hoping that the training continues to go well.

Stay tuned for the recap of Week #9 and Week #10!