July 14, 2015

Chicago Marathon 2015 Training {Weeks 3 & 4 Recap}

Congratulations to Amy for winning my training kickoff giveaway with Momentum Jewelry! {Read about Weeks 1 & 2 of my training} After a slower start, I'm in it. I ran 15 miles this past weekend and once I'm running more than a half marathon each weekend I know that this ish is getting real.  


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#breathedeeplyandrunchi

Chicago Marathon 2015 Training Recap

Week 3

Week 3 was the first week I tried to really follow a schedule.  I had some nice easy runs and cross-training including a total body workout and barre class. I also got in my first tempo run and the humidity and muggy air made it feel hard to stick to a pace at times.. I know that with the summer weather sometimes my body isn't going to cooperate as well.  For my long run I got in some really nice, slow miles with fellow Gundalow ambassador Emily before the 4th of July festivities began and ended up with a solid 10 miles for the morning. 


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Post-Independence Day runfie time. 
I took the mileage down a notch from the week before because I definitely felt my body needed some more rest, and I didn't want to ramp up too quickly.   

Week 4
Week 4 definitely showed me that I need to up my hydration game with this summer training.  I had a couple really humid & uncomfortable runs again .  I took a great spin class at Rev in the beginning of the week which I love as cross-training for running.  My best friend was in town Friday night so I knew that keeping my long run on Saturday wasn't going to happen. I was up and at 'em later than I wanted Sunday morning and the thought of 15 miles alone was daunting. The furthest I've run since October has been 13 miles so I wasn't sure how it would go and was having trouble getting pumped up.  

My plan called for 15 miles with 3x2 miles at race pace. I ended up doing 3 miles and then 2 miles spread apart at race pace or (close enough to it!) and kept the rest easy.  I took my run to Fort McHenry which gave me a nice place to continuously keep my tempo miles and offer a change of scenery mid-run.   
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Water/fuel pit stop at Fort McHenry. 
After mile 11 my legs and booty were definitely feeling sore but I pushed onward and finished up at Starbucks so I could grab a post-run iced coffee before heading back for a shower & pancakes. 

The bad: I'm really feeling sore and tight. I've got a weird slight pain on the top of my right foot that I'm obsessing over too.  Definitely need to stop neglecting my yoga, foam rolling, and stretching.  

The good:  My fueling seems to be better-I was slightly less ravenous this week. Slightly.  I am trying to keep a good balance of eating when I'm hungry and getting solid amount of protein in while also keeping tabs on myself to make sure I don't become a snack monster. Because, it happens

I've been loving these Yummari bites before workouts or as something quick I can eat after a run before I shower and make a proper meal.  I was sent some complimentary Yummari samples to try out in all their flavors: coffee, cranberry , coconut, chocolate banana, and chocolate chip. They are little superfood endurance nuggets made with chia, hemp, omega-3s while also being gluten-free, organic, peanut-free and packed with 5g of protein.  

They are really yummy and perfect for when I need to get some nutrition in before or after a workout but can't really stomach anything big yet.  They are small little nuggets about half the size of a regular protein bar and aren't too sweet yet still have a nice flavor.  


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Long run immediate re-fueling

Check out the Yummari Plum Alley crowdfunding campaign to get in at the beginning before their official launch on July 21 or order some for yourself here!  

Things to Focus on: Hydration. I need to get back in the routine of drinking a big cup of water right when I wake up and getting through at least 64 ounces during the day. I've noticed headaches and that I just generally feeling crappy when I don't drink enough. Also trying to stretch out and alleviate tightness like I mentioned.  



This post was linked up with Tasty Tuesday and Tuesdays on the Run.  

How was your week of workouts? What is something you need to pay extra attention to with summer weather?

24 comments:

  1. I need to start focusing on hydration too. I find myself getting headaches throughout the day and I know I need to step up my water game.

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    1. Ugh the headaches are the worst! I know it's dehydration because I rarely get headaches otherwise.

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  2. I am actually better about hydrating in the summer than in the winter because I am ALWAYS thirsty when its hot out. But i haven't been brining water on my runs.I need to buy a new handheld or start wearing my camel bak. Great job with training so far...you still have plenty of time so its good to focus on the stretching/recovery stuff now before your mileage gets any higher!

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    1. That's a good point-at least it's way obvious when I'm thirsty. I wore my camelbak for the first time this weekend and unlike past attempts, I actually liked wearing it better than a belt thing.

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  3. I need to be better about hydration and stretching/foam rolling too! I'm so SO bad about foam rolling, which is just silly. It can be done in front of the tv! Way to get it these two weeks and great job on your 15 miler! Killin it!

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    1. It seems like a lot of people find themselves slacking on those as well. I've been trying to do it in front of the TV to sneak it in this week!

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  4. getting enough water in is a tough one for me. i did a HIIT class outside on thursday and had to spot because i felt like i was going to puke it was so hot. it basically came down to me being dehydrated.

    good luck with your training, lady! you'll do amazing.

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  5. Workouts were okay this week. I can't say I'm overly pleased, but I figure I'm still early on in my training so I have time to make improvements. I definitely have been trying to focus on hydration as well. Nothing worse than being thirsty on a long run and this humidity is not helping anything!

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    1. I started getting really anxious but also am hoping since it's early on I can buckle down.

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  6. I read an article in Runner's World at the very beginning of the summer about how running and training in heat and humidity increases your blood volume in a similar fashion to doping - except obviously running and training in heat and humidity is legal. That's been my mantra on the past couple really sticky and uncomfortable runs: "Legal doping." Hahaha. You never know, I suppose, but in theory it shouldn't be this bad in October, so hopefully we'll be able to fly!

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    1. That's so funny! I read this and thought of it during my long run this past weekend.

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  7. Way to go with your marathon training! I need to be better about stretching and foam rolling. Those Yummari bites look interesting.

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    1. Thanks so much. It's so easy to slack on stretching.

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  8. I was bad with my foam rolling the last couple of weeks and paid the price for it! Marathon training is definitely helping me focus more on hydration, and has been helping me cut back on my beer intake. I can't wait to follow more of your training, as your marathon is just after mine!

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    1. I try to enjoy a few beers on long run day since I need the extra carbs! Awesome, glad we can virtually cheer each other on!

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  9. Great job on your workouts for the week. It can be hard getting your plan exactly the way you'd like to with this summer heat I have never heard of those Yummari bits. They sound perfect for post run.

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    1. Thanks so much! They the perfect size for a post-workout bite.

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  10. So far so good on your training! Official Chicago marathon training starts next week for me. I'm ready!

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    1. Thanks so much. Glad you are feeling ready-the race already feels not too far away!

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  11. I have never heard of those Yummibari bites but they look so good! xx,kenz
    http://sincerelykenz.com

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  12. I definitely pay more attention to my hydration. It is SO easy to get behind!

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