Marathon Training Week 8 Update – Halfway there!!

Halfway, baby!! I can’t believe it. Only 8 more weeks and I’ll be on that starting line again. Lots of miles to go, but this week I definitely felt the training effects of half a marathon training program!

This week of marathon training almost felt like a holiday. My ‘long run’ was only 12 miles (and yes, I know I just wrote ‘only’ 12 miles, but I’ve reached the point where that feels like a break!). I had one day of intervals running, a warm up, then four mile repeats, then a warm down. I actually had to hold myself back from running too fast. It was a great feeling – the first time I really felt the fitness gains I’ve made in the past 8 weeks.

It was a good week to take a break – lots of room for quality family time, plus we had a fun night out celebrating a friend’s 30th birthday. And it was a surprise party! So much fun. Oh, fyi? I still wear flats when I get all dressed up. I did think about wearing heels, but then it all seemed too much and I reverted to flat sandals.

LONG RUN: Rewind to 12 miles this week. It’s amazing to me how quickly when you’re in the middle of marathon training, 12 miles can seem like such a short distance. I have to tell you, though, when I headed out for this run, I was in a terrible mood. I felt really down, almost angry and I couldn’t figure out what was the matter with me. I rarely get this way and when I do, running helps. But this time, it felt like every mile I ran I just got deeper into a funk. Running is such a mental sport, I was sure my time would be awful, but I actually ran it right at the lowest end of my goal pace. Maybe because I wanted it to be over with already.

Oh, fuel update: Honey Stingers suck less than GU Chews. I know, damning with faint praise. I’m trying them again for this week’s long run…it’s not the taste, it’s the texture. My friend Gabby suggested Clif Shot Bloks, so I may give them a go, too.

Also, I wore my alternate training sneakers for the long run this week. I am a Mizuno girl, but I’ve been using these Sauconys for a few regular runs and speedwork, just to give the Mizunos a break. I may still get an extra pair of sneakers so I don’t put too many miles on whichever pair I decide to wear for the marathon, but I was surprised how good my feet felt in these.

One other update: one of my toenails has finally (nearly) bitten the dust. Well, it’s gone black, at least. Time for dark polish for a pedicure. Lucky it’s Autumn, right? Dark polish would just look wrong in summer. 😉 Also, I am sparing you the photo, but check out this crappy drawing of mine artists’ rendition of my poor toenail:

You’re welcome. So the upcoming week is not too intense, except for the longest long run of the training program so far…wish me luck!!

MILES FOR WEEK: 30

Do you alternate shoes when you’re training for a race?

What color should I do for a pedicure?