Vermont City Marathon Training – Week 15

Six more days! How did this happen? I started out training for this marathon in the cold and the snow. This week it’s been sunny and 70 degrees. My running has warmed up as the weather has, but definitely not to the extent I hoped (or maybe even expected). I look back on that first week when I confidently stated I would do three non-negotiable training runs every week. It didn’t always work that way, and of course illness struck at one point to throw a wrench in my training. But I got it done, while nursing and mama-ing and that in itself is a small miracle.

Current Goal: 

Try not to freak out! If you haven’t heard of the taper crazies, it’s when you start getting anxious and edgy and a little delusional because of all the extra energy you have without all the running on your schedule. I thought I wouldn’t have an issue with the crazies this time because my weekly mileage has been so conservative, but yesterday I found myself wondering if I should recheck I really did the right mileage on that last 22 mile long run.

Long Run:

This week’s long run wasn’t long at all, of course, since it was the first taper week. 8 miles and 4 of them on the trails. It was also my first run in shorts and a tank this year and it took me a little while to forget I wasn’t as covered up as usual. Blame it on my postpartum body issues, but I still feel uncomfortable in my skin. 

Once I got past that, though, I really enjoyed this run. No speed work this week, but I made this more of a workout than my previous long runs. I ran 3 miles easy, 3 miles moderate to hard, 2 miles easy. What I was happiest about was even though I wasn’t too worried about my pace and effort for the last 2 miles, I definitely attacked the hill with a bit more grit than an easy pace would call for and I took no quarter from it. I felt really badass to get up and over it without dreaming of slowing or stopping.

Regular Run:

Two stroller runs with Baby T down by Lake Champlain. This is something I will be continuing after marathon training, because it’s so easy to fit into my day, Tanner loves it and I get my workout done.

Other Workouts:

Hiking! I went on two hikes by the Winooski River with the boys (and once with Fran). It’s an easy pace and short and sweet enough for 4 year-old leg’s and stamina, but nearly 30 pounds strapped on your front hiking uphill counts as strength training and some hard cardio, too.

Notes From the Week:

Am I ready? We’ll find out in less than a week! While I wait and anticipate, I need to do things like schedule the expo visit and pick out my race outfit (yay!). And try not to go too taper crazy! 😉

Weekly Mileage:

16.08

Total Mileage:

283.06