July 28, 2015

Chicago Marathon 2015 Training Recap {Weeks 5&6}

{Read about Weeks 1&2, 3&4 of my training} Week 6 has been a really solid week of training! I also really can't believe it's almost August and I'm already 1/3 of my way through training. Oh my. 


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#breathedeeplyandrunchi

Chicago Marathon 2015 Training Recap

Week 5

Week 5 was not the week of training I wanted, but oh well. I got a solid long run in on Saturday but ended up taking rest days on Friday and Sunday. For my long runs with shorter mileage I've been committed to trying to follow my plan and add in race pace miles. I did 2 race pace miles in the beginning of my long run and 2 towards the end. Obviously my legs feel heavier towards the end, but I think it's really good training for race day. I was tired and ended up sleeping in and the weather was really humid during midday. Otherwise I had some nice easy runs, the Shake Shack Track & Field run, and a beautiful outdoor barre class


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Sunny waterfront running
Week 6
This past week was a really solid of week of training.  I went to Crossfit for the first time in months-and I could tell!  The front squats in the WOD really left my quads sore all week. I was walking funny for days like oh my quad. 


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I took my rest day Thursday and had a solid weekend of running. I had to squeeze a quick tempo run in on Friday which went surprisingly awesome-one of those runs where my pace felt easy. I did my long run Saturday followed by 5 easy miles on Sunday. 

My 16 mile long run had lots of highs and lows. I slept through my alarm and woke up with enough time to get dressed and go meet up with a group of November Project people to run. I ate a Honey Stinger waffle on the 2.25 mile run to where we were meeting so you could say I started the run off on the wrong foot!   The run was mostly on trails north of the city. While running through Robert E. Lee Park was beautiful, I wasn't really ready for a trail run and got anxious about running in a place I've never been with a group of November Project people who were more familiar with it.  Some stomach issues made the end of the run awful including a mid-run bathroom break in the woods #leavesaretoiletpaper. In the end, it was nothing a  shower, big breakfast sandwich, and little nap couldn't fix.  


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The bad: Waking up early. With the humidity and impending heat wave that's building this week I really need to get to bed earlier, get my butt out of bed earlier so I can try to beat the heat and get my workout out of the way. The past couple of weeks I've had to wait until later in the afternoon/evening to attempt to avoid humidity and hot temperatures, and it's not jiving with my schedule.  

The good:  Hydration has been on point the past couple of weeks. I've been making sure to drink 2 of my big 32 oz. Nalgene water bottles during the day and drink more during & after workouts. There's a big difference in how I feel when I'm hydrated versus when I'm not.  

Things to Focus on: The snack monster was in full force, especially the past week. I know I said I had it under control last week-whoops. I blame it being my time of the month and only wanting sugar & carbs with a side of chocolate, haha. That means more deliberate meals and snacks (not a little bit of this and a handful of that) along with eating enough protein during the day so that I'm not starving when I get out of work.  



This post was linked up with Tuesdays on the Run (with April, Patty, & Erika) , Weekend Update,   and The Fit Dish

How was your week of workouts?  

34 comments:

  1. I can't believe you were also at Robert E Lee this weekend! Are you able to run directly there from downtown? I have only been on the trail there for about a mile and a half, but its definitely a great option since its only a few miles from where I live!

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    1. We ran to it kinda indirectly by way of another little trail by Hopkins U and then crossing a few streets to get to the park. We need to grab a glass of wine sometime!

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  2. I'm also having issues with wanting to eatallthefood lately! Marathon training really brings out the food monster inside of me!

    Great job with the training!

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  3. OMG on the #leavesaretoiletpaper - that sounds rough and I've been there! Do you usually eat honey stingers and they don't give you issues? I eat them while biking a lot since I find them mild on my stomach.

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    1. Yes, haha I felt like a true runner lol I've eaten them before and eaten them before races and haven't noticed issues like this. I have stomach issues/IBS so I'm not sure if it was something before or the fact that I woke up late and didn't have time to eat, digest, use the bathroom before the run.

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  4. I need to join you guys for Saturday long runs! Except I never really run on the weekends... maybe this weekend if you're going out I'll join you for part of it. It will probably help me keep a more reasonable pace if I'm chatting. I'm working on those faster finishes too right now. I did my long run yesterday with two miles a bit faster than goal pace. It's a good way to train your legs to push through when they're tired. See you tomorrowwww!

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    1. Girl you are super speedy so you've got nothing to worry about. I do like working on faster finishes though

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  5. I feel you on the heat and humidity. I'm sure it's way worse out in Baltimore, but this week is looking rough by our standards. I have a feeling my runs are all going to be structured around staying in the shade as much as possible! Fingers crossed it'll all pay off big time come October :)

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    1. I keep telling myself I'm training for cooler races!

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  6. Good for you! I'm training for a half marathon right now, can't even imagine doing a full. I'm pretty darn sore after 13 miles, but I'm hoping one day I will do a marathon. Just to cross it off my bucket list.

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    1. If you can do a half, you can train up to a full! Good luck for your training!

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  7. Goood reminder for me to pick up some more honey stingers. I am low on supplies! Ugh sorry to hear about the bathroom situation.

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    1. I just got stocked up with some Charm City Run store credit!

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  8. I totally bailed on my long run last weekend. I attempted it twice but decided it wasn't in the cards. 16 miles is a long way to suffer so I just let it go. Hopefully I can get back on track this week. Humidity is horrible. I can't stand it and it just makes training even harder. Good for you for sticking with it though.

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    1. It's all good and YES it's totally a long way to suffer. It was less bad because I had some company for most of it.

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  9. Hey, you got the 16 miles in though! Way to go!

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    1. Thanks so much! Getting it done is the important part!

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  10. I have only ever done 1/2 marathons, and even found the training for those to be very difficult! High five for sticking with it!

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    1. Thanks so much! The training is always full of ups and downs.

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  11. Have we met?! I am so happy you linked up, because you are so much fun, and I am looking forward to getting to know you better! 'Oh my quad,' LOL. Good one. Love hearing about your running adventures, and am feeling inspired. Thanks for linking up! #fitfamlove

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    1. This makes me SO happy! Always looking for new bloggy friends.

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  12. Great training week! Honey Stinger Waffles used to be my favorite long run fuel. My workouts have been good by vacation standards. I hit the hotel fitness center or go for a run every morning before the family gets up. Keep rocking your training! You're going to be so ready for Chicago!

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    1. Thanks so much! They are yummy and easy on the stomach (and I don't think are what caused my tummy issues). Way to stay fit on vacation!

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  13. What a solid week of workouts! I am in taper mode for Transrockies right now so I have tamed the snack monster, but I am not going to lie...I kind of miss it!

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    1. Ah good luck with your taper and race! It is nice to be able to indulge in snacks-especially on long run days!

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  14. Great job this past week! The heat and humidity have been no joke!! I have been struggling myself but have been focusing on listening to my body because I know it will pay off in the long run. Pushing now in my training cycle will only lead to injury or burnout...and ain't nobody got time for that :) Hope you have a fabulous day!!

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    1. Thanks! It's hit or miss for me on runs whether I feel like I have lead legs or if I can power through. You are right-only healthy vibes allowed!

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  15. I'm starting to get the rungries as well, it's hard to tame that beast!

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    1. It's so hard and just seems to sneak up on me in training.

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  16. I think all of us on the Chicago marathon training train have reached the point in our training where it is all about the noms.
    Luckily I was visiting my parents in rural Georgia, which means I made great food decisions this week.
    NOT

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    1. For realz. Going home always means lots of good eats. Maybe not too much green stuff

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  17. I struggle with snacking too...if I run out of the healthy stuff, I substitute with junk! That must feel good when the tempo runs feel easy!

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    1. I know! I've been trying to keep around some healthy snacks and trail mix to munch on, especially in the afternoons.

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