July 11, 2014

Weekly Marathon Training Update Week #3



On the Road to 26.2-Week 3
Long run: This week was a shorter long run (oxymoron?) of 8 miles. I stuck to my routine and tried to keep it at a slow, usual long run pace. I was pretty tired before the run, but we kept it easy by sticking to the nice, flat route around the Inner Harbor along the water. After the run was over I grabbed a large coconut flavored iced coffee  from Dunkin Donuts. Iced coffee is pretty much the best after a hot & sweaty morning run. 
Silly iced coffee face
Weekly runs: My training group speedwork run was  4 mile-repeats. It went really well this week even though our run was cut short by a nasty storm rolling through. I'm talking major black skies, gusting wind kicking up tons of dirt, and eventually some hard rain. Luckily I ran really fast back to my car before the rain started so that counted for my last mile repeat! I had a really nice tempo run yesterday with cooler temperatures and even a little drizzly rain. I wasn't feeling up to running when I got home from work, but once I was warmed up by that first mile I got into the groove. I actually ended up running longer than planned because I forgot to turn around in the middle of my run!

Thumbs up: My goal pace feels really good so far!  I have been running my speed work mile repeats a little faster than I think I can actually run a whole marathon, but I'm trying to push myself and train a little faster. I noticed during the mile repeats that while it takes effort to stay on pace, my breathing isn't super heavy and I don't feel exhausted after some repeats at that pace-good signs!

Thumbs down: With an increase in mileage (just about 30 mi-almost double of what I had been previously running), I can definitely feel some tightness in my legs. I need to focus on stretching more after runs and definitely need a hot date with my foam roller. It hurts so good. 

I also received a Wahl's hot-cold massage pack as a Women's Health Action Hero and while I tried it a few times, I definitely need to use it more often. I love this because it combines a massager with temperature therapy (either by putting one of the hot/cold packs in the freezer or microwave) for targeted muscle relief!  Find  more information on their products on Facebook!




How was your week of workouts? What is your favorite way to relieve sore muscles?


Disclaimer: I’m a Women’s Health Action Hero and am sent products to test straight from Women's Health Magazine as part of my Action Hero responsibilities. I received one Wahl Hot-Cold Massage pack free of charge in this partnership but no other compensation. As always, all opinions are my own. 

14 comments:

  1. I need to get one of those hot/cold massage packs! And I had no idea DD had coconut flavored iced coffee. So going there tomorrow morning!

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    1. Ah yes I like the blueberry flavored iced coffee too #strangebutgood!

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  2. Woohoo, sounds like a great week! I need to get back into some speedwork myself. I did do a great hill workout with November Project in Boston today, so that was great to get my butt back into gear. Can't wait to hear more about your training for this marathon!

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    1. Thanks so much-NP Boston is no joke! Keep reading :)

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  3. I can appreciate the tight muscles. I am training for my first marathon and first ultra - which is 2 weeks after the marathon. Can you say GLUTTON FOR PUNISHMENT. Yeah..I have issues. I also now have a foam roller I use religiously and am doing yoga regularly. Never saw that coming.

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    1. Whoa marathon and then ultra-go big or go home, girl! Foam rolling is great. I also recommend ice baths-my bf made me do one (I was going to chicken out) after my marathon last year and it helped a lot, especially since I couldn't walk right for a couple of days!

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  4. Coconut flavored iced coffee? I am so going there today. Holy yum!

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    1. It's pretty delicious-they have a bunch of flavors you can add to your coffee so I love treating myself to a one!

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  5. I need one of those hot/cold packs! I'm in the middle of marathon training too and I have LOTS of sore muscles!!

    WhatTheHeckWhyNot?

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    1. Ah sore muscles are the worst-I definitely recommend foam rolling as well!

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  6. Sounds like a great week of running! I'm a sucker for anything coconut and coffee flavored too (boo on Starbucks for not having anything coconut right now!)

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    1. I LOVE all things coconut too! Starbucks needs to get up on on that, haha :)

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  7. Coconut iced coffee from DD is my fav summer drink too! That and toasted almond are my go-tos. Way to go on the marathon training!

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    1. Ah it's so good! I like the blueberry iced coffee too-it's kind of weird but delicious!

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