August 9, 2013

Marathon Training Week 7 and Friday Faves 8/9/13!


Thanks everyone for sharing and checking out yesterday's post on marathon training and weight gain.  Apparently it's a popular subject and happens to a lot of people! If you missed it, check it out here


marathon-training-update


The Road to 26.2 -Marathon Training Week 7

Runs:

Short runs: My training group was back to speedwork this week.  We did 1 mile slower than our marathon race pace (MRP), 2 miles at MRP, and 1 mile faster than MRP. My legs were kind of tight so the first mile repeat wasn't great but then I got into the zone.  I finished fast and felt strong.   

Long Run- Week 7 called for another longer run with 16 miles on the schedule. It was a dreary day and ending up raining in the middle of the run. We did two 8 mile loops and my GU gels fueled me because I found a stash of chocolate GU from previous race swag bags in my closet. I actually LOVE the chocolate GU because it tastes like frosting to me and doesn't upset my stomach. By the last few miles my feet were hurting, and my legs felt tight. I felt surprisingly okay the rest of the day but was hurting on Sunday. This led to me rocking my compression sleeves and shorts all day. Stylish as hell, I know.  

What was awesome last week:  I'm upping my miles and feeling okay! My legs were sore on Sunday but other than that it hasn't been too painful yet. I'm contemplating the idea of doing an ice bath next week when the mileage gets upped again but hate the cold so don't know if I can force myself to try it.  

What I need to work on this week: This week I still need to work on getting enough sleep. Work and life and everything has been busy (excuses, I know) so I REALLY need to get on a sleep schedule. 

Overall, pretty solid week of training. Now here's some of my favorite things this Friday afternoon!

Favorite snack: Carrot Cake LUNA bar

carrot-cake-luna

 I had signed up on facebook a few weeks back to receive a sample of the new LUNA bar flavor Carrot Cake and was happily surprised to see it in my mailbox this week. Of course I ate it almost immediately that afternoon as a snack, and it was delicious! It was sweet with had more carrot flavor than I expected.   I'll definitely be on the lookout for this flavor in stores. 

Favorite recent purchase: PUMA flats

puma-flats
don't mind my knees looking weird
When I was in Atlantic City last week I couldn't stay away from all the great deals at the outlets down there. There was a 50% off sale at the Coach factory store, 40% off at the J.Crew Factory store, and many other great deals to be had. I popped into Puma just to take a quick peek and saw that most of their shoes were on clearance. I picked up this pair of white flats that have some awesome padding on the heel area. They have become my favorite shoes right now because they are so comfortable and stylish. I've worn this pair to work 3/5 days this week because I've been on my feet a bunch. The only thing I regret is not buying another pair!

Favorite song: Pusher Love by Justin Timberlake



So I saw the Legends of the Summer tour with Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z last night. It was AMAZING. It even rained a bit but that couldn't stop the party.  JT did an awesome performance of Pusher Love off of his latest album so it's been in my head all day.  Check out the performance above of him singing it on ellen

Favorite Recipe: cold-brew iced coffee 

cold-brew-iced-coffee
image from Chow.com
Eventually this week I decided to try to cold-brew some coffee since I seemed to be buying an iced coffee one too many times this week at work.  I found this recipe and gave it a go. After brewing overnight, I made up a pitcher of 1:1 coffee concentrate:water and added some stevia, vanilla extract, and almond milk to make it ready for drinking.  It turned out awesome and now I don't know how I lived without having a pitcher of cold-brew coffee in my fridge.  

What are your favorite ways to recover from runs? Ever tried an ice bath?  Been to any good concerts recently?

12 comments:

  1. Eeek. No way to an ice bath. That just sounds so cold!

    I actually just picked up that carrot cake Luna bar at the store yesterday. I'm excited to try it.

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  2. Ice bath? I've thought about it but haven't had the courage to try it. The thought of sitting in the cold is so not appealing. I had no idea Luna has a carrot cake bar. I'll have to try it. Yum!

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    1. Eek, yeah too cold for me. I'm going to try epsom salts in a WARM bath first!

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  3. I have never had an ice batch. I just stretch and foam roll.

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    1. That's what I've been doing so I'm going to stick with that for now!

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  4. My favorite way to recover is wearing my Aspaeris compression shorts and taking a walk. I've never tried an ice bath. Not brave enough I guess. lol!

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    1. I love my compression sleeves but definitely need some compression shorts for my quads and hamstrings!

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  5. My favorite way to recover is compression socks, I have never been able to get in an ice bath, brr!

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    1. Yeah socks and some stretching is the way to go!

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  6. LOVE that Luna Bar!! Best one EVER.

    And super cute shoes!!

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    1. Ah, glad you agree. I picked up another one with a coupon I had!

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