New York City Marathon Training: Week 8

I can’t believe that the New York City Marathon is only 60 days away! While that may seem like a long time to some people, in my brain that only means a few things:

  • I’ve already completed 8 weeks of training!
  • 6 more long runs
  • 6 more speed workouts
  • 1 half marathon (Philadelphia RNR Half Marathon on September 18th)
  • Three more sports massages (I’m investing in one every 3 weeks during training)
  • Due to travel, I’ll be running in 6 cities before the marathon (Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Charleston, Tampa, Savannah, and Boston).

Instead of getting scared or intimidated by these things, I’m getting super excited! I’m embracing my travel schedule by planning fun runs, join ups, and races in each of these cities so I can stick to my travel schedule. My running coach and I also evaluated my schedule yesterday and made a few tweaks to it so that I can continue having great results. IMG_4295 (640x478)

The Changes:

  • I will still meet with my personal trainer two times per week but we are going to focus on more dynamic workouts that are running focused between now and the marathon. We will start lifting heavy again after the marathon!
  • I am going to focus on using yoga and swimming as my cross training instead of spin. I found that spin was leaving my legs too tired for strong running workouts the following day because I was pushing myself too hard.
  • My basic runs will start including striders.
  • I am going to wear my Zensah calf sleeves for every run as I’ve been suffering from some minor shin splints and calf pain. I noticed a huge difference in the pain on Friday when I didn’t use them. IMG_4306 (478x640)

Week 8 Review: August 29th- September 4th

Monday: 4 mile basic run

Tuesday: Personal Training appointment

Wednesday: 4 mile speed workout including 6 sets of pickups

Thursday: Rest Day

Friday: 15 mile long run with Katherine and Melissa Z

Saturday: Personal Training appointment

Sunday: 60 minutes of amazing Vinyasa yoga

Total mileage: 23 miles

This week’s plan is very similar except my mileage will be increasing and I’ll be having a few two a day workouts this week. But, as you can see it’s balanced with plenty of recovery and cross training.

Week 9 Plan: September 5th-September 11th

Monday: 3/4 mile swim + 3 mile basic run

Tuesday: 45 minute spin workout+ 10 minutes foam rolling

Wednesday: 6 mile speed workout including 6 sets of pickups+ personal training session

Thursday: Rest Day

Friday: 16 mile long run

Saturday: Personal Training appointment+3 mile recovery run+ Vitality Class

Sunday: 60 minutes of amazing Vinyasa yoga

Total mileage: 28 miles

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8 Comments

  1. Megan September 7, 2011 / 12:40 am

    I have been seriously considering getting compression sleeves/tights. My husband actually gave me the go ahead (since I was shivering so badly during my ice bath yesterday!) And after reading your blog, I’m seriously considering working with a personal trainer too! Sadly, I don’t think the budget will allow for it – so Jillian DVDs it is 😉

  2. Victoria (District Chocoholic) September 7, 2011 / 1:14 am

    It’s so cool to read a blog by somebody else training while traveling like crazy. Boston is an awesome city to run in; I love the esplanade and the bridge loops through Boston/Cambridge.

    I’m also going to be in Charleston, but didn’t find any good nearby running routes so I think I’ll be in the treadmill. So it goes.

  3. Michelle @ Crazy*Running*Legs September 7, 2011 / 2:37 am

    Gah – this kinda gave me a reality check as I am running Savannah the same weekend you are running NYC!! At this point I know I CAN run a marathon – but I know it’s not going to be pretty.

    I have those same calf sleeves and I can’t decide if they help me while I run — they definitely help afterwards!

    Good luck with your training this week – yay for 16 miles.

  4. Tropical Eats September 7, 2011 / 3:56 am

    whew that is a lot of traveling!!!! those long runs will definitely be a fun way for you to explore all of those cities that’s for sure. 🙂

    cant believe we only have 6 more long runs!!!!!!! EEEEEK

  5. Cat @Breakfast to Bed September 7, 2011 / 1:22 pm

    This is such an encouraging layout as I will be traveling a lot in the near future.

  6. katie September 7, 2011 / 10:32 pm

    los angeles? when are you going htere?

    • healthyh September 7, 2011 / 10:42 pm

      Kate: I’ll be in Los Angeles 9/21-9/25!

  7. Caroline September 9, 2011 / 1:08 am

    If you’re looking for a running route in Tampa, you must do Bayshore! It’s so beautiful, the bay on one side and sprawling mansions on the other. Lots of runners, pets, and bikers, to share the path but never too crowded.

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