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

Share Button
Follow:

Cincinnati Long Run with a Side of White Castle

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, running with friends is amazing! Even more amazing, is having friends in different cities across the country with whom I can run.

This week’s running schedule, which has been adjusted slightly due to feeling under the weather Tuesday, has turned into a bit of a step back week in terms of mileage. But, mileage aside, it has been nothing of the sort. I’ve dealt with illness, travel, bad fuel, and finally a nice little stomach bug.

Let me tell you folks, I’m not making excuses. Even the worst runs, like last year’s 18 mile tune-up, teach us a great deal!

First and foremost, I tested the fueling gods last night and tried to have barbecue, compliments of Montgomery Inn Boathouse, the night before a run. Based on my activity during the night last night and my unsettled stomach this morning, I’m going to venture to say I won’t be making that mistake again.

The Boathouse

While attending the dinner was required for work, I should have stuck with something a bit more simple. I had a handful of their popcorn for an appetizer but was excited for the main attraction.

IMG_4088 (640x478)

But, when tempted with ribs, I thought I was doing well to have the appetizer portion and half a baked sweet potato. At least the views and company was wonderful!

IMG_4085 (640x478)

IMG_4087 (640x478)

At 5:30 when my alarm went off, I stepped out a bed and immediately felt like an old lady. While yesterday morning’s run was amazing, that and two days of heavy lifting have left my legs a bit tired, even though my mileage is low. I need to start focusing on maintaining the muscle I’ve developed over the past few months and do more agility and cardio during my personal training sessions. Three different experienced marathoners have given me this suggestion over the past week and I think it’s valid. Last year I did nothing but run. This year I may be trying to do a bit too much which is putting stress on my leg muscles. I want my legs to feel fresh for my long runs! I decided to wear my Zensah calf sleeves, hoping they would help my legs during the run. IMG_4089 (640x478)

Within minutes I was dressed and chowing down a half a Clif Bar. I forgot to pack long run shorts so instead I experimented with my Nike Tempo shorts, being sure to use Glide all over my thighs.

IMG_4090 (640x480)

Tracey, an old work friend, met me at 5:45 on the dot. We hadn’t seen each other in over 3 years so that alone had me excited for the morning’s run. An active runner in Cincinnati, he knew a perfect route which would take us down through Cincinnati’s stadium, over the bridge to Northern Kentucky, along the river, through the small towns, and back over the river.

IMG_4075 (640x478)

IMG_4091 (640x478)

IMG_4092 (640x478)

There were two things I immediately noticed while running. Talking constantly is a tough skill to master and Cincinnati is not flat! Little did I know that our route would include two bridges and plenty of rolling hills in between. While it wasn’t as challenging as Hyde Park and some other neighborhoods, it was a great hill workout. In addition, I enjoyed our conversation though at times found myself having to shut up just so I could focus on my breathing. Does anyone have tips for how to master running and talking?

Tracey has run some amazing marathons over the past few years.

  • ET Full Moon Marathon
  • Death Valley Trail Marathon
  • Dublin Marathon
  • London Marathon
  • North Face Endurance Challenge Marathon in Wisconsin
  • Flying Pig

His stories kept me entertained throughout the entire run, especially his Nashville horror story which included a DNF and hospital visit. Needless to say, his experience is proof that everyone should wear a Go Sport ID for safety sake!

A few miles left in our run, my stomach became very uneasy therefore requiring two bathroom stops. Unfortunately this meant that running became really tough due to both tired legs and lack of fuel. This morning’s water and Shotblocks weren’t cutting it. But, check out the classic picture Tracey captured as I left bathroom stop #2.

White Castle run

Please see the guy in the background. I can only imagine what he’s thinking. Actually, if you head over to my earlier post you can enter the caption contest and tell me what he’s thinking.

We finished the run at 10.5 miles instead of 12. I immediately felt defeated and started venting to Tracey. Luckily, the voice of reason helped me put things in perspective.

  • Being a runner means having good runs and bad runs.
  • Bad runs make the decent and good runs that much better.
  • Before 8am we had logged 10.5 hilly miles while spending time catching up!
  • Fueling properly can make or break a run.
  • Strength training and cross training is key for successful marathon training but it has to be balanced and can’t leave my body exhausted the next 60 days.

I’m happy to have my run done for the weekend so I can focus on Lauren’s wedding festivities. I know it’ll be a fun filled weekend which will nicely balance this crazy week.

Last but not least, good luck to all my East coast readers who are weathering this storm. Please be safe and smart!

Share Button
Follow:

Photo Caption Contest

 

As soon as I saw this picture, I knew I wanted to use it as a fun Friday switch up. I could tell you about the rolling hills of Cincinnati, the crazy humidity, my awesome and very motivating running buddy, or the fact that 12 turned into 10.5 But, instead, I want to have fun and get creative with y’all!

White Castle run

In the comments, please leave a caption for this picture. The winner, which will be voted on by readers, will win a beauty gift pack valued at over $100. I will accept submissions until midnight on Sunday!

Ready, set, go!

Share Button
Follow: