Hartford Marathon Training: The Good & The Bad

Well, in less than 12 days I’ll run my next marathon. For some people, this is a regular weekend occurrence, ahem Laura. For others, like me, it is something that still makes me stop and reflect in amazement. I still remember when running a mile was an insurmountable feat.

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So clearly, the good part of last week’s training was my epic 20 miler with Charlie. Our 20 mile route started at the Gloucester Road Station and progressed across Battersea Bridge and through the small villages of Putney, Hammersmith, Barnes, Kew and finally ended in Richmond! We were along the Thames for most of the miles, enjoying views of local rowing teams out for Saturday morning practice. It brought back memories of high school rowing practices.

20 mile view

Our overall pace was around a 10:20, other than 4 quick stops for fuel and stretching. If I can keep this pace on race day, there may be a 4:40 marathon waiting for me on October 12th!

The bad, came during that same wonderful 20 miler. Charlie forgot to mention that we were going to spend 15 of the miles running on a gorgeous trail which is also very uneven and filled with loose rocks. I have no experience with trail running and therefore this was a very new experience for me which required a great deal of concentration and focus. Around mile 15, I took a nasty spill which resulted in a bruised hip, right palm and calf. Today, I have some lovely bruises to show for the stumble. On Saturday I certainly wasn’t going to let that get in my way. Charlie laughed that the first thing I did was check my watch to see if I’d killed my 4 year old Garmin.

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The second escapade was my need for a pit stop during the run. I was very thankful for the fact that our trail had a lovely, deep ditch running parallel and that supposedly, according to Charlie, London doesn’t have poison ivy. Let’s suffice it to say that Charlie is a brilliant, lovely lady for carrying a small roll of toilet paper in her Camelbak.  I learned a good lesson on Saturday and have already rolled some toilet paper up and put it in my small, outside Camelbak pocket.

So, now, let’s check out the rest of the week. I didn’t make it the goal of 43 miles but when you consider that my parents and I walked more than 10 miles during the two days in London with Bo, my legs definitely spent plenty of time moving this week.

Monday: 4 miles along Lake Geneva

Tuesday: unplanned rest day

Wednesday: 7 miles through the French countryside including a few hills and 2 sets of 2 mile repeats

Thursday: 4 miles of speed work through Old Geneva

Friday: rest day + 5 miles walking through London

Saturday: 20 miles with Charlie + 6 miles walking through London

Sunday: 3 miles walking through London

Grand total: 35 miles of running + 14 miles of walking for the week

This week’s goal is quite simple: sleep!

How about you? What are your plans for workouts this week? Are you in taper time or still training hard?

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Friday Favorites: Travel Essentials

A few people have asked what my essential items are now that I’m traveling on a weekly basis. Each weekend these find their way into my suitcase whether I’m heading to London for a weekend with Bo or we’re exploring a new city together. The prices range from $20 to over $200 but hopefully you’ll find something on this list to make your next travel experience just a bit more pleasant!

Friday Favorites Travel Essentials

Longchamp Le Pliage Expandable Travel Duffelelago Tripshell WORLD TRAVEL ADAPTER – Built-in Dual USB ChargerFeu de Bois (Firewood) Mini Candle 70 g by DiptyqueRick Steves’ Europe Through the Back Door 2014REI Travel UmbrellaMaxboost Atomic Plus External Protective iPhone 5 Battery Case Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant Fragrance-Free 50 mlWhatsAppSK-II Facial Treatment Mask

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September Playlist

As promised, here is part one of the Marathon Playlist I’ve put together on Spotify over the past few days. This mix of 10 tunes helped push me through tonight’s 3.5 mile run which was 10x harder than yesterday’s speed workout. After spending my vacation day working on the flat and running errands with my parents, I was beyond exhausted at 8pm when I left the house for the run. 

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But, by the time Still D.R.E  came on I was ready for a final sprint up the hill.

September Playlist

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