August 4, 2014

The Road to 26.2-Training Update Week 6 and the Week 7 That Didn't Happen

Hello, August-why are you here so fast?! My summer seems especially busy this year and is flying by. Not cool. A busy schedule is hard to balance with marathon training which can be seen with my solid week 6 and pretty much non-existent week 7 of training. 

ON THE ROAD TO 26.2-WEEKS 6&7 (sort of)

Long run: Week 6 had a long run of 12 miles, and week 7 was supposed to be 15-17 miles.
Week 6 felt great. 12 miles with friends went well with a nice route along the harbor. I took a salted caramel Gu after mile 6 to stick with my marathon fueling plan, but I never felt super sluggish during the run. I was wearing some of my favorite running clothes including my Lululemon speed shorts and Brooks "Run Happy" shirt.  The weather was really mild with this strange unseasonable cool weather we have had the past couple of weeks in the Northeast.

I love Charm City Run!

 Last week I had been confused about the long run schedule my running coach had given me and thought week 7's run was only 14 miles not 17. I did an extra two miles after my 12 mile run with friends, thinking I could just flip flop the week 6 & 7 longs runs since I was going out of town. Sadly that wasn't the case, and I ended up flipping out Sunday night that my training was getting derailed.  Ugh. 

Weekly runs: My training group was doing hill repeats the past two weeks. Surprisingly I felt really good, even with the hardest hill workout we do happening during Week 7.  I focused on trying to make it up the hill strong and mimic the high knees movement as I go up the hill.  I like that these workouts are done as a group but really are solo workouts with you running those hills at your own pace/effort. 

Thumbs down: I'm feeling really anxious that I pretty much missed all of week 7 except for two runs. I got in a solid hill workout on Tuesday but skipped runs 4 other days this week due to getting packed, getting crafty, and getting prepped to travel down to Florida for my friend's bachelorette weekend for over 4 days.

 I got in a couple runs in Florida, but it was tough with the hot and humid temperatures which meant you had to run early or not at all. Plus all the adult beverages, late nights, and less than routine food choices I was eating left me a bit dehydrated and sluggish.  

Thumbs up: My thumbs up is the same as my thumbs down for training these past two weeks. taking a week of running isn't great, but having a break from life was great for my mental health.  You have to remember that missing 1/16 weeks of work doesn't mean everything is over. I got in a 60 minute run like my coach suggested Thursday to keep my endurance up so it's not the end of the world.  

My coach and I played with my schedule a little bit so a few runs were switched around but my mileage should end up being about the same as it would have been this far in the cycle.
People get injured or sick during training and still manage to do well in the race despite missing a few runs. All you can do is pick up with training the next week. 

Pretty much, life happens sometimes and it's okay. 

One missed run doesn't mean your training cycle is ruined. One week of missed runs doesn't mean you won't be able to run 26.2 miles. 

While I'm nervous, I'm okay. Surprised at why?

Because Instead of running there was lots of laying here: 
No filter necessary.
Instead of running there was lots of laughter and smiles. 

Instead of running there was lots of cheering and a little bull-riding: 
Not my first time at the rodeo, haha.

Instead of running there was hours spent poolside. 
Instead of running there was lots of margaritas which are delicious. 

Instead of running there was hours spend doing not much of anything, which is a change of pace for me. 
 Have you been busy this summer? Do you have anything exciting to look forward to in August? How is your training going?

16 comments:

  1. I'm in taper! I'm looking forward to going to Colorado next week. Missing the runs isn't a big deal so I'm glad that you realize it. It won't be the end of the world. You're going to kick some serious butt at your marathon. It's all about endurance! It's another week for you to get back on your plan. Looks like you had a lot of fun in Florida.

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    1. Yay that's exciting your race is soon! Taper makes me anxious and restless. Florida was fun, but I'm ready to get back to training this week!

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  2. That beach is gorgeous! I would love to spend some time on the sand right now...sounds relaxing!

    You are so right, sometimes life happens during training but there is always a way to work around it!

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    1. I know, the water and sky are so pretty and blue-definitely not like the Northeast water!

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  3. I am nervous about getting in some of my longer runs with traveling, etc.... my marathon is in November and technically I'm on week 5 because I'm 11 weeks out but really I just started... my long runs are typically 14-16 at least 2-3 times a month so I think (hope) I'll be okay!

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    1. It's really hard training in summer with so many vacations, weddings, and parties for me! Just do your best and be flexible, you have plenty of time to get ready, and it sounds like you are on track!

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  4. I feel you! I slacked off last week because.I just wasn't motivated and I live in Florida so the summer heat really gets to me. I haven't hit the really long runs in my plan yet...I'm training for a 10 miler so I won't get to those until September and hopefully it will cool down and not be as humid! Best of luck in your training!

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    1. Ah I feel your pain now with that Florida heat. You have time to get ready to rock your 10 miler! Good luck to you too!

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  5. sounds like a fantastic way to spend week 7 ;)

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    1. Haha definitely not complaining about some time in the sunshine!

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  6. The beach is always a great instead! Missing a training run used to feel like the end of the world. Now how much it used to bother me makes me laugh.

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    1. Definitely! I had a small pity party and then realized rest is good and it's not the end of the world!

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  7. Rock on for living it up during week 7. It sounds like you have been working your butt of and deserved a little R&R. Stopping by from the SITS Girls Facebook Thread. :) Look for some follows from @nobleandpond

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    1. Haha thanks for stopping by! I'll definitely check out your blog too!

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  8. So, I KNOW I should be paying attention to your blog writing, BUT your super cute running outfits AND regular outfits are super distracting, and your hair, I love it! You're so stylish, come dress me? :)

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    1. Haha thanks-I don't really do anything with my hair esp in the summer! Someone told me I should do some fashion-y outfit blog posts so maybe I'll do some more-keep reading! I do everything on the cheap!

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