2018 Weekly Workout Recap #40 - #44

It's been a crazy month! Lots of running. On the occasional long run I up-ed my mileage by a mile so that I'm more comfortable being close to 20 miles. My pace is doing well during the long runs. I definitely need to make sure that I'm stretching and doing cross-training for my hips and glutes so that I'm not continuously getting aches and pains like I experienced in the later part of October. Overall, I'm feeling confident with my training plan!

WORKOUT RECAP #40: SEPT. 30 - OCT. 6

Day 273: Plan: 15.0 miles Run | Actual: 15.03 miles 

Day 274: Plan: XT | Actual: 40 minutes yoga

Day 275: Plan: 7.50 miles Run | Actual: 7.56 miles 

Day 276: Plan: XT | Actual: 25 minutes XT and yoga


Day 277: Plan: 7.50 miles Run | Actual: 7.80 miles


Day 278: Plan: XT | Actual: Rest 

Day 279: Plan: Rest | Actual: Rest


Total Running Miles this week:  30.39 Miles 

Total Time Cross-training this week: 65 Minutes  

Total Miles Cross-training this week: 0 Miles

WORKOUT RECAP #41: OCTOBER 7 - 13

Day 280: Plan: Half Run | Actual:13.16 miles 

Day 281: Plan: XT | Actual: 40 minutes Yoga

Day 282: Plan: 7.50 miles Run | Actual: 8.01 miles 
.
Day 283: Plan: XT | Actual: Rest


Day 284: Plan: 7.50 miles Run| Actual: 8.34 miles 

Day 285: Plan: XT | Actual: Rest


Day 286: Plan: Rest | Actual: Rest 

Total Running Miles this week:  29.51 Miles 

Total Time Cross-training this week: 40 Minutes  

Total Miles Cross-training this week: 0 Miles

WORKOUT RECAP #42: OCTOBER 14 - 20

Day 287: Plan: 17.0 miles Run | Actual: 18.10 miles

Day 288: Plan: XT | Actual: 40 minutes yoga 

Day 289: Plan: 9.0 miles Run | Actual: 9.15 miles - treadmill

Day 290: Plan: XT | Actual: 30 minutes XT

Day 291: Plan: 9.0 miles Run| Actual: 9.11 miles 

Day 292: Plan: XT | Actual: Rest


Day 293: Plan: Rest | Actual: Rest

Total Running Miles this week: 36.36 Miles

Total Time Cross-training this week: 1 Hour, 10 Minutes  

Total Miles Cross-training this week: 0 Miles

WORKOUT RECAP #43: OCTOBER 21 - 27

Day 294: Plan: 18.0 miles Run | Actual: 19.17 miles


Day 295: Plan: XT | Actual: 30 minutes yoga

Day 296: Plan: 9.0 miles Run | Actual: 9.31 miles

Day 297: Plan: XT | Actual: 35 minutes yoga

Day 298: Plan: 9.0 miles Run| Actual: 9.16 miles

Day 299: Plan: XT | Actual: Rest 

Day 300: Plan: Rest | Actual: Rest

Total Running Miles this week: 37.64 Miles 

Total Time Cross-training this week: 65 Minutes  

Total Miles Cross-training this week: 0 Miles 

WORKOUT RECAP #44: OCT. 28 - NOV. 3

Day 301: Plan: 13.0 miles Run | Actual: 13.06 Miles

Day 302: Plan: XT | Actual: Rest

Day 303: Plan: 7.50 miles Run | Actual: 7.61 Miles 

Day 304: Plan: XT | Actual: 25 minutes indoor cycle

Day 305: Plan: 7.50 miles Run| Actual: 7.74 Miles

Day 306: Plan: XT | Actual: Rest

Day 307: Plan: Rest | Actual: Rest 

Total Running Miles this week: 28.41 Miles 

Total Time Cross-training this week: 25 Minutes  

Total Miles Cross-training this week: 0 Miles 

Total Running Miles to Date: 661.08 Miles 

Total Time & Miles Cross-Training to Date: 17:25:00 | 0 Miles

Hope you all have a great week!

New Training Schedule

Source:
https://pinkinmylife72.tumblr.com/post/64729867344

Wow... so I'm almost a complete month back into running full time. I have a half marathon at the end of March 2018. Surprisingly, and unfortunately, this will be my first half marathon in a year! Yikes! I can't believe the wedding planning took so much of my life! Well! Leading up to this point I was in need a solid training plan to get me back into shape. So, for this winter season I'm planning to train with Galloway's half marathon schedule, for time goal runners.

Now, I'll just say that I already know that even with running 1 minute/30 second going up to 17 miles prior to the half marathon may be a bit much for my out of shape-ness. I've decided to keep track of the regular Galloway schedule in case I need to not go so far. There's no need to hurt myself before I get going.

I've been doing interval running this past month, and I gotta say that I'm feeling pretty good about it. Granted, I'm still recovering from slight shin and achilles aches after the honeymoon (if you're going to Boston, wear good walking shoes!). I've also done Galloway when I trained for my first half marathon many moon ago (try like 4 years worth of moons ago!), so I feel confident. I will admit that it was a little difficult to get me back to the interval style of running and to slow my speed a bit down (don't go hog-wild fast just yet!), but I'm liking how I feel at the end of each run. Nice!

Even though Galloway doesn't require it, I will be doing cross training on non-running days when I have time for it! 

Even with my days where I feel discouraged or off about something or anything, I know I can rely on the training to get back to a solid run and eventually a good foundation for that third full marathon. (Fingers and toes are crossed!).


Half Marathon Training Schedule for Time Goal Runners
http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/half-marathon-training

Week	Monday	Tuesday (CD/Acg/p)	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
1	off	30 min run	off	30 min run	easy walk	off	5 miles
2	off	35 min run/MM	off	35 min run	easy walk	off	6 miles
3	off	35 min run	off	35 min run	easy walk	off	7.5 miles
4	off	45 min run/MM	off	40 min run	easy walk	off	4 x 800
5	off	45 min run	off	40 min run	easy walk	off	9 miles
6	off	45 min run/MM	off	45 min run	easy walk	off	6 x 800
7	off	45 min run	off	45 min run	easy walk	off	11 miles
8	off	45 min run/MM	off	45 min run	easy walk	off	8 x 800
9	off	45 min run	off	45 min run	easy walk	off	13 miles
10	off	45 min run	off	45 min run	easy walk	off	10 x 800
11	off	45 min run	off	45 min run	easy walk	off	15 miles
12	off	45 min run	off	45 min run	easy walk	off	12 x 800
13	off	45 min run	off	45 min run	easy walk	off	17 miles
14	off	45 min run	off	45 min run	easy walk	off	Easy 5 miles/MM
15	off	45 min run	off	45 min run	easy walk	off	Goal Half Race
16	off	45 min run	off	45 min run	easy walk	off	4 miles
17	off	45 min run	off	45 min run	easy walk	off	6-12 miles

BCS Marathon Training - Progress Report 2

I've changed things up a little in the training schedule. Since I was having trouble waking up early enough on Fridays for cross training, I've switched to Monday for gym cross training. I'm still going to try to get a kettlebell work out on Friday morning, but I can basically jump out of bed and do that in my apartment. We'll see how it goes!

Here's what's going on so far in training!

KEY
R = Rest*
# = Miles (running or cycling)
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 #5
12/CT/6/R/6/CT/R

Sunday: 12.01 miles - This was such a great run! The weather was perfect. Only a little too warm at the very end. I

Monday: 7.35 miles cross training - This was a good training day. I actually went to the gym! Cycled for 30 minutes. Then I did a 20 minute kettlebell workout. I should have done the kettlebell another time or just start doing it more often cause I was so sore the next few days.

Tuesday: 6.01 miles - Slow run. So sore! Ack!


Thursday: 6.01 miles -I finally loosened up during this run, but not a lot. I was still sore, but it was definitely better! It was sooo humid this day! I was dripping sweat from the brim of my hat! I totally ran in the shade back and forth, back and forth to help me survive!

Friday: 0 miles/cross - I didn't do any cross training this day since I was so sore. Plus, as expected I was tired! 

WEEK #6
9/CT/8/R/7/R/3.1

Sunday: 9.01 miles - This was a good run. I purposely made myself walk to get the timing right for a surprise party for my boyfriend that turned into a surprise engagement party for the both of us. It was a little harder to do than the 12 last week, but I also think it was the heat and humidity that was getting to me.

Monday: 7.33 miles cross training - I rode for 30 minutes on the gyms' cycle. I did a little arm work out with the kittlebell, but nothing of significance.



Tuesday: 6.52 miles -  Running 6.5 instead of 8 was a great idea (remember I'm running a 5k race on Saturday) cause I don't think I was mentally prepared for it. I'm glad I had the htought that I could just minus out the mileage that I'll be running on Saturday at the Plano Balloon Fest 5k. Not that running 3.1 miles could push me over into over training, but I was thinking of my long run this coming Sunday, which is set for 14 miles. I don't want to be tired for it.

Thursday: 5.50 miles - This was a mentally tough run. But I got it done. Thankfully it was cooler than last Thursday!

Friday: 0 miles/cross - Nothing! Exhausted as usual this morning and was just happy to make it to work on time! I know I sound like a broken record when I say I'll try again next week. However, I'm starting to think that won't happen.

Saturday: 3.10 miles - Plano Balloon Fest 5k. It was a good little race. A little challenging because of all the other runners. It started to thin out around mile 2 or so. I ran the entire thing in 34 minutes, which was nice. 

WEEK #7
14/CT/8/R/7/CT/R

Sunday: 14.01 miles - Horrible run. I hated it. My heart and my head wasn't into it from the moment I woke up, especially since there was potential rain/storms heading my way. It was humid. I was already a little achy from the race the day before. I got rained on twice, which was fine with me cause I felt a little bad ass. But then I got a little chilly. Then my feet were achy cause they were in wet socks and shoes. I was ready for home. I pushed through the last 6 miles after I stopped by the car to dry my phone off and find a plastic bag for it. I seriously talking to myself that maybe this would be my last marathon training and just focus on half marathons after this year. We'll see. I was so happy to be home and dry.

Monday: 0 miles - I didn't do any cross training today. 

Tuesday: 7.51 miles - I split the two mid-week miles evenly, which I started doing during last year's marathon training. This was a good run with good weather and temps. Little humidity. So nice. I'll take more like it. Since my shoes were were still damp I did get to run in a new pair, which felt great. But I'm not yet ready to transition to a new pair yet, but they were oh, so nice.

Thursday: 7.51 miles - Another good run! This is great! Granted I had a heck of a time to wake up, but I definitely had some personal stuff to run through. I felt good during the run. After the run.... not so much. Extreme tiredness and mental exhaustion kicked in. I should get some gold stars for making it through work.

Friday: 0 miles/cross - No cross training today either.


WEEK #8
15/CT/8/R/7/CT/R

Sunday: 15.01 miles - This was a really good run! I got to the lake super early, and was surprised as to how many runners were out there already. It wasn't even light out! The run was easy goes it for the most part. I decided that I would double back every so often instead running back then down the other side of the lake. I think that helped my mental block that sometimes happens after I get past 8 miles. I had given myself 4 hrs to complete the run (if it was going bad), and I got it done in 03:25 (complete with potty break). So, not too bad. I felt very accomplished!

Monday: 00 miles/cross - Completely unmotivated today. Nothing done again.

Tuesday: 7.51 miles - This was a challenging run during the middle of it. My muscles felt tired. I was dehydrated the day before, which doesn't help. Plus, I didn't go to the gym and cycle out in kinks from Sunday. Oh, well.

Thursday: 7.51 miles - Sluggish miles. I was muscle-tired going into the run, which pretty much was the reason why it took time and effort to complete.

Friday: 0 miles/cross -

Saturday: 13.20 miles- I had a good race experience at the Showdown Half Marathon in Fairview. I decided to wear a newer pair of shoes for the cushion, which was the best decision I made. I think I fueled properly, which was some waffles and peanut butter before I got to the race. Then one of those new Clif Nut-Filled bars 30 minutes before the start. I had extra waffles and peanut butter for fueling during the race. I did have to pee a couple times during the race, which was annoying, but manageable. It was good race overall, and it was nice to be back in my average finish time. I did feel pretty achy when I got home, to be expected. After a nap I went out to shop, and I got achy (right in the hip area) again. I'm not sure if I didn't stretch properly or if I'm just starting to feel things more during training.

THOUGHTS 

There were a lot of ups and downs mentally during the last four weeks. Toward the end of this month I was also feeling it physically. As of right now, I'm not sure if I'm gonna be running another full marathon after the BCS in December. Of course, that could all change.

BCS Marathon Training - Progress Report 1

The first training update for this year's marathon training season? Whah?!?! Ok. Where to begin?!

Well, as you know that I'm running the BCS Marathon in December. I'm using the Novice 2 Hal Hidgon training schedule with some modification. I talk a little bit about it here.

Here's what's going on so far in training!

KEY
R = Rest*
# = Miles (running or cycling)
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 #1 
8/R/6/R/5/CT/R

Sunday: 0 miles - I ran the SeaWheeze Half Marathon the day before, and Sunday I spent half the day walking around Vancouver, BC before going to the airport to come home. I was so tired! I didn't get home until Monday morning at 5:30am. Oh boy!

Tuesday: 6.01 miles - It was a challenging run. But I got it done. No rest for the weary!

Wednesday: Rest - Last I ended up not doing very much cross-training on Wednesday since I ended up being sore on my Thursday run. So total rest day!

Thursday: 5.01 miles - This was a "run" run in terms of the training schedule. Better than the 5 miles, but still a little challenge. Then, I did it. Later that night at work, I squatted down quickly to put something away and I tweaked something on the inside of my knee and the feeling went down my inside shin area. Damn.

Friday: 0 mile and 0 cross - Instead of going to the gym, I had to spend my morning packing a bag so that I can go to my parents' house to stay the weekend to dog sit.


WEEK #2
9/R/6/R/5/CT/R

Sunday: 9.01 miles - Since tweaking my knee last Thursday it's been feeling a little "eh," but not painful. I could definitely feel something was up with the knee, nonetheless. 


Tuesday: 5.01 miles - I was supposed to run six but I was having a little bit of a frustrating time. I was running around the park in my parents' neighborhood, and I was getting bogged down by loads of moms who were doing their walking thing after dropping the kids off from school. So one mile short cause I just couldn't run anymore... other than my knee feeling funny too. 

Thursday: 5.01 miles -Knee felt blah during the run, but I did alter my foot fall and it helped it out.

Friday: 0 miles/cross - I was waaay too tired to even get to work on time. I got up early enough to get to the gym, but I just couldn't get moving from my couch where I had eaten breakfast. I actually ended up falling back to sleep.

WEEK #3
6/R/6/R/6/CT/R

Sunday: 6.01 miles - A good 6 miler before I had to go to work. It was one of the first runs without my knee feeling nasty.

Tuesday: 6.01 miles - The run wasn't too bad, but I can remember that I was just glad it was over. At least the weather was getting better, and there was a nice breeze that cut some of the heat down.


Thursday: 6.01 miles - I was sooo frustrated at the end of the run. I couldn't understand why running 6 miles could be so hard. Of course, later that night I had a low grad fever and chills... So I was probably sick already.

Friday: 0 miles/cross - Sick day. No gym. Boo!


WEEK #4
11/R/6/R/6/CT/R

Sunday: 11.01 miles - I felt well enough to get out to the lake and run. I had set a minimum of 8 miles (if not less if I was suddenly wasn't feeling well), but I was feeling good towards the end. I did have to walk a lot during the last mile or so. In the end I was so glad that I was able to finish the miles. However, it took my 02:50:00, which is typically a slow half marathon pace for me, to complete the miles. That was disappointing, but I had to remember that I had a low fever for a day and a half leading up to that morning.

Tuesday: 6.01 miles - Six long and slow miles. I felt a little disheartened that it's still hard to complete a run as short as this. I think it's a mental game, but at the same time I know my body is not what is was a year ago. I was thinner and faster last year and was doing two mile intervals. But I know things change.

Thursday: 6.01 miles -This run was better, but still a challenge mentally. I did play around with how to carry my arms. Closer to the body seemed to have helped in my energy than when they were lower and more free. I'm going to play around with this a little more to see if it's will help get the miles done more efficiently.

Friday: 0 miles/cross - I didn't make to the gym this morning. My alarm went and I snoozed it so many times it was ridiculous! I know I stayed up past my bedtime by a little (I think I was in bed by 11 or 11:30, but that's kinda late for me... I think I'm getting old-ish). So I'm going to have to move my cross-training day to Monday morning. That may help things out. I'll try to do some strength training or yoga or a something on Friday to help get going, but I just won't be able to get the hot and heavy stuff done that morning any more.


THOUGHTS 
Well. Mentally, I feel like I'm not quite there in the training. I know last year I was all about training and it was all I could think about and look forward to. Well, that was because I was still getting over a break up, and basically all of last year's training was me getting over it all and becoming the new me. Oddly enough in the second half my training I met my boyfriend, who I'm madly in love with, and I'm so much happier now. So my motivation is different this time around. I feel like this year I'm seeing that I'm just a one flash in the pan in the marathon realm. Other than that, I know my body has changed. I'm not as thin as I use to be, but I'm just as strong as last year. I'm trying to not over analyze everything and get myself stuck in my head. I just want to be a good, fit, strong runner who can accomplish a goal.

Marathon Training... It Begins!

All right people! It is time! Marathon Training!

I can't believe that it's time already! I had been hemming and hawing over it for months back in the springtime. I talked to my mom about it. I talked to my boyfriend about it. I decided I would run Dallas again. Then I flipped and wanted to run the BCS. Then I would talk to my running buddy HC about it and I would flip back to Dallas. Then I realized that the BCS would make me happier and more excited than Dallas. So! Back in May I registered for the BCS Marathon on December 11. Aaaah! Once I had registered it was then time to wait. And wait. And wait.


I'm excited that I get to test myself again to see what I'm made of.


TRAINING PLAN 
Well. I'm sticking with Hal Higdon's plan, but I'm gonna try to bump it up a notch by doing the Novice 2 training plan.  Last year I did Novice 1, and I felt it was good schedule to go with. After some thought earlier this year I felt that I needed to get more LSD runs in that were 20 miles long or close to so that I don't hit the wall as hard (preferably not at all) during the race like I did last year during the Dallas Marathon (which reminds me that I never got to post my race recap for that day... oops! You'll get it soon, I think! ).

http://halhigdon.com/training/51143/Marathon-Novice-Supreme-Training-Program

My running buddy HC has decided to try out the Hanson method and will be running 6 days a week. I don't think that's for me. I'm good running 3-4 days a week with strength training mixed in. We'll see how it goes!


To keep myself going here is a nice thing to think about every time I run....

On different occasions, I have had two US Marines say, "F that!" when I told them a marathon is 26.2 miles. Now, if that doesn't make you feel like a badass then I don't know what will!

Are you running/training a marathon this season? 

What marathon training plan do you like to follow? 

Marathon Training Monday on a Saturday!!! - Week #17 and Week #18

So here it is! The last Marathon Training Monday (Week #17 and Week #18).

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 #17
12/R/6/R/7/CT/R

Monday: 12.02 Miles - Well, my typical Sunday long run was postponed until today because of a weekend full of rain! The run wasn't bad, but I had to deal with the debris that was left on the trail after the lake water receded. I'd came close to spraining my ankle at least one as I ran over some sticks.

Tuesday: 0.00 Miles - I couldn't get myself to wake up and run. My lower half was achy, especially the hip flexors. I realized that I hadn't foam rolled when I got home from the 12 miler the day before. Booo! Well. I after consulting H, I decided to sleep in and rest up. Rest of the day my leg, from the hip through the knee was in painful. Boo!

Thursday: 5.51 Miles - I totally felt like I slacked off a bit today, but I was so tired I didn't realize how late it had gotten this morning! I thought I had just enough time to run at least 6 miles; however, it wasn't just so. To do even run the last half mile I would've been late for work. Ack!

Friday: No cross training today. I felt crummy during work time them I had to do things for my parents.

WEEK #18
8/R/5/R/4/CT/R

Sunday: 8.11 Miles  - I wasn't quite sure what to expect during this run because I had gone to two Christmas parties the night before. Plus, I had been eating more sugar than normal this past week. But the run wasn't too bad! In fact, I ran a 01:30 8 miler, which was exactly what I predicted to my boyfriend who came to the lake and waited for me. During the run I felt good, but I remember being a little achy in my calves because I have a tendency to point my toes when I'm under the covers of a tucked in blanket (weird, I know). After the run I felt confident, which is great! I noticed how I knew exactly how many miles I had left based on my location, which will be nice on Marathon Day because where I had been training is actually part of the race course. I have also noticed that I get a little tired of seeing the same thing every week at least once a week. I'm hoping that this will all work out great on Sunday! 

Tuesday: 0.00 Miles - I was suppose to run 5 miles. But, I had so many things on my mind on top of being tired. After a light breakfast I sat down on my bed to think before I got dressed in my running gear. The next thing I know I was asleep again. I don't think missing the miles would kill me or effect my marathon too much, but I have to admit that it certainly adds a bit of fuel to the marathon day jitters that hit me the moment I got to work! 

Wednesday - No cross training today. I had so much to do at work then I wanted to relax with the boyfriend. I hope the lack of cross training doesn't get me in the end on marathon day!

Thursday: 5.01 Miles - My last training run! Aaaah! I got 5 miles in, which was great. I did five instead of four to sorta help make up for the fact that I missed Tuesday's run. It was a little hard going at first since I hadn't run since Sunday, but after Mile 3 I was loosened up. My pace was a at least a minute faster than my race pace. I didn't bring fuel, and I'm wondering that's way I also felt a little weak at the end (in addition to the pace).

THOUGHTS 
Well, folks. This is it! The last recap of my training before the Dallas Marathon. Apprehension is starting to pop up as I think about the weekend, about how long I will be running (5.5 - 6 hours!), and not hurting myself. I'm starting to question a little my lack of cross training. Will it effect my hips? I'm starting to regret missing some of my runs. I'm sure that it isn't going to ruin my marathon, and it's just part of the pre-race jitters. I just can't help get a little paranoid now. That being said. I can't wait to feel the energy and the excitement that will hit me while I run on Sunday. Stay tuned, everyone!

This is the last Marathon Training Monday Saturday! 
Stay tune for my Marathon Recap!!! 

Marathon Training Monday - Week #15 and Week #16

Omigosh! It's time for Week #15 and #16 recap in my marathon training and the TAPER!! This recap is in addition to my weekly One Mile a Day challenge updates.

Only three. Count 'em  - three. 1. 2. 3. more weeks until Marathon! That's one and half more updates for Marathon Training Monday! Ahhh!

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 #15
14/R/10/R/10/CT/R

Sunday: 14.02 Miles - This was a ROUGH 14 miler!!! I don't regret going to the concert or anything of the like because if I was at work I could've have done the very same, but on carpet. After spending a couple of days I think that my lower half hit the wall was due in part to the fact that I haven't been doing very well on actually taking my iron supplement, which helps with my muscle fatigue. Then I also think it's just to the point that I ham tired in general, and I'm almost to the peak of my training. Here's to hoping that I surviving November... let alone the marathon it self! 

Monday: 3.1 Miles - Cross Training on Monday! Whoo hoo! I cycled a 5k to help with any residual soreness from the crappy run the day before. Granted it's been so long since I was on a gym cycle that my butt hurts from the saddle (and still does two days later!!).


Tuesday: 5.01 Miles - Ok, so I didn't get my 10 miler in, but I have Friday to hopefully get the last 5 in. I had to run this on the treadmill, so this was definitely a mental strengthening run. The first mile sucked and wanted to quit. After my first 2 mile interval it wasn't because I was technically almost half done. I had to push myself and set the speed of the mill a lot fast to squeeze in a final 5th mile in before the machine hit the 5 minute cool down after an hour timer. Man! That was cool and challenging at the same time!

Thursday: 10.03 Miles - Whew! Compared to the other runs this week, this was a good run. I decided to try out the 1 mile/ 1 minute walk intervals instead of the 2/1 interval that I've been training this entire time. I felt better, or at least didn't didn't get tired as quickly. I think I'm going to give that a try for my 20 miler on Sunday.

Friday: 3.1 Miles - Well, I'm trying on catching up the shortened run on Tuesday. Technically I have still 2 more miles to go, but I decided that I'm not going to run them.


WEEK #16
20/R/8/R/9/CT/R

Sunday: 20.03 Miles - Holy cow! I've reached the peak of my training! And it went really, really well! I never hit the wall in muscle aches or burns or overall fatigue. I decided to run the new 1 mile / 1 minute rest interval instead of 2/1 interval I had been training with. Every other mile (odd miles starting at Mile 5) I would take a bite of my fuel. I did have to stop at a porta potty a few times because I always felt like I had to pee. I was worried I was going to hit the wall at Mile 16 or 18, but I never did. It certainly helped that I mentally broke my run down into sections, which helped in reassuring I had X amount of miles left to go. I was so happy when I finished. I was smiling really big and I did a giant fist pump! After this run I know now that my body can carry me up to the last 10k of the marathon, which is when the race truly begins.

 Tuesday: 8.51 Miles - And so it begins! The taper! Yes! Ran around the park near home. It wasn't a bad run, but I remember that I'm not a huge fan of running longer than 6 at this particular park.

Wednesday - No cross training today.

Thursday: 8.57 Miles - Happy Thanksgiving! I was fully expecting to run on a treadmill today due to the rain. A fact that made me happier that I didn't sign up for the Turkey Trot this year.  However, I woke up and there was NOTHING! So, after a taking my time my mom and sister, and I made it out to the lake do our thing. So nice!

THOUGHTS 
Hello Taper! Even though I feel so accomplished in running 20 miles last Sunday at the peak of my training, I certainly am thankful for the tapering of miles. I'm looking forward to see if I can make it the last 10k of the marathon.

Stay tuned for the recap of Week #17and Week #18! 

Marathon Training Monday - Week #13 and Week #14

Sorry, y'all! I'm one day late in my update for Week #13 and #14 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 #13
12/R/9/R/9/CT/R

Sunday: 12 Miles - Well, I had contemplated running the Dallas Running Club's annual DRC Half Marathon because I didn't want to see it happen while I was running solo at the lake. But I had some reservations because of costs, timing, and so on. Plus, I knew I'd be eating some junk food at a Halloween Party the night before. So! Instead I went to a park closer to home and found a way to do 12 miles. It was torturous! I didn't have too much trouble, but I felt slow. Plus, at Mile 10 or my achilles was achy, which is new for me. Hmmm.

Tuesday: 5 miles - I woke up late and only had time to run 5 miles. I'll make the 4 later on this week. 

Wednesday: No cross training tonight. 

Thursday: 9 Miles - Well, all week forecast said it was suppose to rain. Thus, I already knew that I'd probably hit the gym's treadmill this morning. I got out of bed and it was wet and gray out. Then as I was walking to the gym and just as I started running it began to rain. Then it stopped. And did rain again from what I could tell. You know what, though, if I had run outside it would have rained. Heehee. I kept the treadmill simple. Flat, flat, flat, flat.

Friday: 0.00 Miles - Yeeeeeah, I didn't finish my training schedule for this week by getting in a 4 miler. Oh well. I think I can get away with slacking off a little bit. I'll just make sure it doesn't happen from now on. 

WEEK #14
18/R/9/R/9/CT/R

Sunday: 18.01 Miles - Oh, yeah!!!! Despite being nervous leading up to the run, I did a really good job! I was worried that I would have to break down my 2 mile intervals into 1 mile intervals. I know that would've been OK to do because it was what my body would, but it deviates from my training plan, which sometimes I don't like. Well, for the most part I did not have to break it up. I did stop at a nasty porta-potty at around Mile 14 (ick). Then when it came to finishing Mile 17 I had to walk a bit longer than my 1 minute rest period. I had to give my quads and hammies a little longer rest before I finished the last mile. For the most part I did not mentally hit the wall, which was great! Running Buddy H lopped the lake twice to get the needed miles and I was sooooo not about to do that because I knew it'd break me mentally more than anything. I'm glad I made it through this run. I do wonder how I'm going to feel when I do 20 miles in two weeks let alone the full 26.2 miles in December!

Tuesday: A good 9 miler this morning. My legs, especially one hammy was sore from Sunday. Even though I was technically within my pace range it felt like I was working harder than normal. I did have a frightening eyeful experience in the porta-potty this morning too. Ick. But when you gotta go you gotta go.

Wednesday: No cross training today. I'm going to try to do some yoga or spinning at least on Friday. I promise! 

Thursday: 10.01 Miles - I had a late start, but it wasn't bad. I got into the zone and didn't have much challenges until a hill close to the 5 mile turn around. My muscles were getting sore towards the end. I didn't have time to foam roll before heading to work since I only had 45 minutes to get clean, get dress and cram some food before heading out again.

Friday: I tried to do a little yoga, but I failed. Herrrumf.

THOUGHTS 
After completing the 18 miler, I've come to the conclusion that my legs will forever be in a state of soreness and the muscles being tight. I recover for the most part only to run another long run that will bring back to achy state again. I tried hard to foam roll the moment I get home and before I hop into a hot shower. Now, I really need to try to get cross training in.

Also, I'm not sure if I feel ready for the marathon. I'm sure that's normal. I do feel that if I can hit 18 miles again (and will have to do so two more times this year) I should be able to go further than that. We shall see! 

Stay tuned for the recap of Week #15 and Week #16!

Marathon Training Monday - Week #11 and Week #12

Week #11 and #12 finished in my marathon training! This recap is in addition to my weekly One Mile a Day challenge updates. I've decided to mix up my marathon training schedule a little bit (thanks to my running buddy H) to see if it will help me out in timing in relations to getting to work. To know more read here.

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 #11
15/R/8/R/8/CT/R

Sunday: My first 15! Whoo hoo! It was actually went really well, despite the bit of jitters I had leading up to the run. I had a really good night the evening before (I made headway on my apt cleaning and Pandora was on a roll with good tunes.) I ran 7.5 miles around the lake, hitting the trails that I haven't seen for a while. Some the trails weren't smooth, which may have aggravated my hip flexor a bit, but it wasn't too bad. It certainly made me take it nice and steady. Around Mile 10 or so I was starting to feel a bit sore in the hips, but I was still going strong. I totally killed it the last mile though, which felt awesome. I had a big ol' grin on my face when I finished. I did it!

Tuesday: A good 8 miler a the local park. There's a section of the park where there is a bit of a windy road surrounding several soccer fields. It is a mile all the way around. So! today, I ran around it four times to build up the miles to 6 before heading back toward the car for the last 2 miles. Not too bad.

Wednesday: Actually.... I did some light core work and arm work! Whoo hoo! I'm trying!

Thursday: Another 8 miles. I did the same route as I did on Thursday. It was a little harder this morning to get in the groove of running, but once I was in the 1 mile loops it wasn't too bad. There is a bit of humidity in the air since rain is suppose to hit North Texas soon, but about half way through my run a nice strong wind came in and would cool me down. Niiiice.

Friday: A little more cross training done! I did some push ups, sit ups, then a little weights. I tried out the Beginner Class by Rebecca Pacheco with Runners World, but it was difficult. I think part of it because I hardly ever do yoga, and it's hard to do everything the right way when you're trying to watch someone do it on you phone! I'll keep giving it a try to see if I can get use to it!

WEEK #12
16/R/8/R/9/CT/R

Sunday: Whew! 16 miles in the bag! I was worried that the rain was going to stop my weekly plan, which mean I would have to run the LSD on Monday (boo!). I kept on waking up in the wee hours of the morning to listen for rain. I would hear the drip, drip, drip and I would go back to sleep. Then I, all of a sudden, woke up and I heard nothing. I looked at my weather app and saw that there was little to no chance of rain for the rest of the day. Ah! I had to go! The run itself wasn't too bad. I felt good for the most part after the first mile, which was always a little rough. I turned around at Mile 7.60 instead of Mile 8 because I got caught up in a thought in my head, but I made up for it at the end of the run. At about Mile 10 my thighs were definitely becoming sore, but at least it wasn't my hips. The last mile I totally picked up speed to get it done. I certainly felt accomplished!

Tuesday: 8 Miles - Because I had a dentist appointment that I didn't want to move to another day (seriously, there wouldn't have been a better day) and because I did get myself out of bed fast enough I had to split my 8 miles into 4 miles in the morning before the day could begin and 4 miles after the day has ended. All on the treadmill. Oy! It was good. I'm not a huge fan of treadmills, but for today it worked. It would also work on a rainy day (and the run isn't an LSD!!!!).

Wednesday: No cross training today.

Thursday: 9.05 Miles - Dare I say this was slightly easy? I made it out to the lake and just zoned in for most of the run, which was nice.

Friday: No cross training. I had stuff to do! Hee hee.

THOUGHTS 
My mind is a little foggy on this, but I want to say that the last two training weeks weren't so bad! I certainly impressed myself when I ran 15 and 16 miles! Whoo hoo!

Stay tuned for the recap of Week #13 and Week #14! 

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?

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!

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.

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! 

Marathon Training Monday - Week #5 and Week #6

Hi everyone! Just finished Week #6 of 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 #5
9/R/3/5/3/R/CT

Sunday: 9.02 miles - What I'm considering as my first LSD of training! I slept in a little, again, but made it out to the lake to run the 9. It was humid, and only every so often would I get a sweet moment of breeze. It was definitely a workout for me because I introduced the 2 mile/1 minute walk interval, which I'm not use to but wanted to work on because that is what my running buddy H is doing. During the second half the run I decided to tuck my tank top into my bra so that I could cool down better. Now, I don't have the most awesome abs, but after awhile I didn't care who saw. I felt way better. It also made me bore conscious of my running posture. Now, if I could only run without a shirt during these humid/hot days! Oh! Also, I noticed after the fact that I shaved 10 minutes off my last 9 mile run! Whah? Cool!

Tuesday: 3.11 Miles - Ran at a park near by after forcing myself out of bed. The run wasn't hard, but I remember wishing I had gotten out earlier.

Wednesday: I skipped cross training. I totally let my emotions take over after work and I preferred to sit on my couch and wallow with some sugar. I regret it now, and should know better.

Thursday: 5.10 Miles - I'd describe this morning's run as "steamy" instead of "humid." It had rained on Wednesday, and though it wasn't a lot, it certainly made the air that much thicker. 

Friday: 3.11 Miles - This morning the run was nice. I smiled a number of times because I had good tunes and some thoughts to keep me going. I slept well and was able to wake up easily! Yay! The run was great in the sense that I was starting to feel the fall cold front that's coming with a nice sweet little breeze that would brush over me every so often. Oh! Also, I love how I'm dripping sweat after a run, even if it's a 5k.  It's so satisfying! 

WEEK #6
10/R/3/5/3/R/CT 

Sunday: 10.1 Miles - Wow! This run was great! I woke up in a good mood, which was a perfect way to start. The temperature was amazing - low 60s. It was cool enough I wore my first t-shirt since the spring time! Since the beginning of training I've been running the same section of the lake, but I decided to extend it a little further this time around, which nice. Soon enough I'll have to play around with distance so that I getting those the 14+ miles in the bag. I felt really good after the run. I was never out of breath. I was a sweaty, but not dripping. My hip flexor did need to be stretched out ever two miles, which was fine with me since I did 2 mile intervals (this time around the interval didn't bother me like last week!). My knee was a little achy too, but it wasn't nothing to worry about it.

Tuesday: 3.12 Miles - Great morning run. Perfect cool temp.

Wednesday: 3 Miles - After lounging around the apartment after work, I got myself going and headed to the gym. I rode the cycle for 20 minutes. Since it was a while since I've been on a bike my thighs were burning. I went for a mile walk to relax everything, but I didn't foam roll, which I should've done. I did do some light core and arm work in the privacy of my apartment. Nothing big, but it was good to do. 

Thursday: 5.02 Miles - Ugh! I didn't want to get up this morning. I was having a dream that included some of my old college friends, and it was just nice. But I still got up and headed out for the five miler. Thought it wasn't bad, my fear of over-doing with cross-training (not that I really did) that my legs were tired. I also wonder if my lack of a real dinner last night had something to do with it too. This made the run hard. I had to start doing 2 mile intervals to help alleviate the tiredness. Toward the end I was feeling better even though my pace got slower, but the beginning was certainly tougher. I'm glad I got the run in, but I'm starting to contemplate how I can change things up.

Saturday: I was out of the house before it was dawn! Oy! But it wasn't too bad. With my mom doing her thing I ran the Plano Balloon Festival 5k. We got a good parking spot before the traffic hit, found gear check, I discovered I lost on my one little water bottle from my Fitletic belt. Crap! Thankfully I packed my extra one from my checked bag. Grrr. Why did I even decide to run with it and not rely on the one water station along the course? Anyway! The Start line changed from the map I had found online, and it was actually where the Finish was too... so after much walking around we decided to hang out up there, which was a smart thing. Oh! And Cliff was the emcee for race, which was AWESOME! When I participated in the Mellew Production's Four Seasons Challenge he was the emcee for all those races. I haven't heard that voice in almost a whole year so this was very nice. The course was good, and it was crowded a bit. I had enough adrenaline or something that I had an accidental PR - 30:27. I was thinking I was going to run my usual 11:30/mile, but that didn't work out. I'll try to work on a Race Recap soon.

THOUGHTS 
I'm thinking I found a good average pace of 11:30/mile. But I'd be interested to see if I need to slow down more when the mileage increases. We'll find out. I certain did face some days where I had preferred to sleep in more before getting up to run. I'm worried that the excitement of training for a marathon (cause it's exciting to at least say you're training for a marathon) is gone. We'll see what happens next week!

Stay tuned for the recap of Week #7 and Week #8! 

Marathon Training Monday - Week #3 and Week #4

Hi everyone! Well,  these weeks focus on my first ever marathon training! Even though I do a weekly activity update for my One Mile a Day challenge, I thought try my hand of keeping readers update on how the training is going.

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 #3
7/R/3/4/3/R/CT

Sunday: 7 miles - Not a bad run at all. I ran more of this run than I did the 10k I did the previous Sunday. I tried a Honey Stinger Waffle lemon flavored as my mi-run fuel, and I it worked ok. I didn't have any urge to go to the bathroom this time around!

Tuesday: 3.15 miles - OK, this morning was a little rough getting up, but it was still a good run.

Wednesday: Cross Training - I rode a 20 minute 2.6 miles on a spin cycle. Since I had important to stuff to take of after CT I didn't have time to work on core and arms. Knowing this ahead a time I tried to wake up early to do this before work, but I good not get myself out of bed!

Thursday: 4.1 miles - Really good temperature this particular morning, which was great when I faced my first mid-week mileage increase. Not bad at all. I'm ran through a neighborhood that has some good size rolling hills, which was definitely a workout.

Friday: 3.11 miles - I definitely impressed myself when I woke up early enough to get a run in and take care of some big chores before community and getting to work on time. I was definitely :: tired :: when I got to work, but I was still pretty happy with how I managed it. Now I just need to be able to make a good strong cup of coffee and I may be set!

WEEK #4
5/R/3/4/3/R/CT 

Sunday: 5.16 miles - The last small run on a Sunday in my training schedule! It was a good run around a neighborhood (I didn't want to drive out to the lake just run 5 miles). The weather was good, fall is coming slowly but surely, and I wasn't pushing too hard this time.

Tuesday: 3.11 miles - A little hard run on the thighs and hips during this run, but it was good. Did a 5k in 33 minutes and some change, which was fun to try.

Wednesday: 2.00 miles - For cross-training I did some cycling on a non-spinning bike. Well, I say that because it looked like this here. I was wondering how much of a workout I would get on it, but I certainly did feel it. It says I cycled for just over 4.5 miles, but I wasn't sure it that was accurate (I can never tell!) so I'll say I did 2 miles in 20 minutes like usual. After cycling I did some work on the weights machine. I really wanted to to have a workout where I could feel it, but at the same time I was hoping I didn't over do it and make my run the next morning rough.

Thursday: 4.11 miles - I slept in a bit this morning. It wasn't that I wanted to go out I just didn't want to leave the soft bed I was in. Plus, I was feeling a sore muscle in my calf. I tried to roll it out last night and that's when I figure I may have a knot that doesn't like being rolled. Who knows. I'll be careful with it. Almost half way through this run I yelled out that I "hated hills!" but quickly kept me going by shouting, "Hills are awesome!". There is certainly a love/hate relationship with hills for me... and as with any runner, really.

Friday: 3.10 miles - Well, I got up and ran even though wanted to sleep. I made good time, another 33 minutes and some change 5k, which is nice. I was able to get clean and dressed and out the door to buy coffee and still by on time to work for a meeting that included breakfast tacos! But! I couldn't get myself to stop sweating before or after my shower. Eeeeew! I hate that!

THOUGHTS 
In some respects Week #3 was easier than Week #4 in terms of waking up in the morning. I slept in more during this past week, but that's ok. Week #4 I some of my muscles were tired too, but I've been working on foam rolling and such to help them recover. Overall, I think I'm still doing pretty good! Next week I start the longer LSD Sunday runs!

Stay tuned for the recap of Week #5 and Week #6!

Marathon Training Monday - Week #1 and Week #2

Hi everyone! Well,  two weeks of my first ever marathon training! Even though I do a weekly activity update for my One Mile a Day challenge, I thought try my hand of keeping readers update on how the training is going.

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 #1 
R/3/3/3/R/CT

Tuesday: 3.11 miles - Great! I was excited about starting the training for a marathon and what I hope would be a "life-changing moment for me" (yeah, I know that may not happen... but here's to hope!). I was still sore from the Badass Brazos Half Marathon I ran the previous Sunday, but I know I'll just need to be able to roll and stretch the aches out.

Wednesday: Cross training - I actually did not do CT this day because my stomach was messing me up again. I manged to do a mile walk, but that was all I could muster.

Thursday: 3.11 miles - Pretty good. I still had some soreness from the half. I wasn't ready to get up to run that morning because of how my stomach wasn't happy the night before.

Friday: 3.11 miles - Felt better this morning, and I was impressed that I was able to get up and run before work. Granted I didn't have time for a proper breakfast, but I was still impressed, nonetheless. 

WEEK #2 
6/R/3/3/3/R/CT 

Sunday: 6.21 miles - The weather was awesome that morning, and it was fun to hit White Rock Lake again. The 6 was a little bit of a struggle, but I felt good afterwards.  I tried the Sports Beans as my mid-run fuel, but I'm thinking it isn't for me, which sucks cause I love jelly beans!

Tuesday: 3.11 miles - It was muggy this morning due to rain that was coming in later, but it was a good run. I'm getting use to waking up really early!

Wednesday: Cross Training - I rode a 20 minute 2.2 miles on a spin cycle before doing some push ups, sit ups, and arm weights. Baby steps in the realm of cross training.

Thursday: 3.13 miles - Hello, 60 degree weather! I ran a really good 5k with negative splits in great weather and my awesome purple running tights!

Friday: 3.12 miles - I think the pressure of making sure I get the run in with enough time to get clean, dressed and fed before work got me starting the run too fast this morning. But it was still a good run. 

THOUGHTS 
I'm still pretty stoked about being in training for the marathon. I think I'm getting use to the idea of waking up uber early to get ready for a run. However, I'm still working on waking up early enough to eat something and get my body, if you know what I mean. I'll figure it out at some point! Oh, and my nutrition has been crappy this week too, and I need to reel it in! A good start to training, I think!

Stay tuned for the recap of Week #3 and Week #4! 

Marathon Training Starts Now!

Well. I just finished my first run in my marathon training schedule! For anyone who is new to the blog (Hi!) I'm running the Dallas Marathon on December 13 this year. This is my first marathon ever, and I'm a bundle of emotions. Excited. Calm. Nervous. Ready. Yep, I'm most definitely ready. My friend J told me I was ready in the heart, and she is so right! Here we go! 

Running Buddy H is doing Hal Hidgon's Novice 1 Marathon training plan. Since we hope to run together I'm following her on this. I'm not 100% sure about her idea of doing 2 mile intervals, but I will give it a go, but I may switch to mile intervals. I'm trying to be cool with the idea of her peeling out and getting ahead of me during the marathon, but we have months to find out. Hopefully H and I will do our Sunday runs together, which will help.

Obviously due to my work schedule, I've morphed the days to fit... well... me! This is what I'm facing:

Not too bad. For the past few months, I've been getting myself prepared for this schedule by making sure I do long runs on Sundays and cross training on Wednesdays. If I ran during the week I did it Tuesdays or Thursdays. Now I just need to continue to wake myself up early enough to get all the runs in!

I'll keep you posted on my progress via the One Mile A Day weekly recaps, but also Marathon Training updates too.

Wish me luck!

Image found here.