Having a ‘long’ run of 10 miles this week was magical. It truly felt like I had such a great break and it made me realize I have hit that sweet spot of marathon training where a distance that probably seems like a considerable undertaking for many has become a ‘short’ run.
Current Goal:
My goal for this past week was to enjoy every mile and I definitely did just that. My regular run I did with Baby T in the stroller, which gave me a little extra workout. The other two runs I did on the trails and it is so pretty to see the signs of Spring blooming amongst the mud and dirt. 🙂 So, my goal for this week? Survive the 22 mile long run I have coming up this week (what was I thinking?). And by survive I mean not want to quit or die or stop or just curl up in a fetal position like I wanted to during my 20 mile run last week.
Long Run:
No pain cave this week. My 10 mile cutback long run was lovely. It had been raining all morning, but I chanced the trails, figuring the worst that could happen would be I got a little muddy. It wasn’t as messy as I thought it may be and it was also next to empty, so I pretty much had the woods to myself and loved it. Again, I ran by feel, not checking my watch for splits or pace once. I am thinking this is how I will end up running the actual marathon, as well. I’m not putting much pressure on myself for goals, so it will be an interesting experiment to see what my time and splits are like when I’m not paying attention to them at all.
Speed Workout:
6 mile Fartlek out on the trails. This time it was a gorgeous, sunny day and the perfect temperature for running. I kept this very loose – just picked a point in the distance, sped up to get there, then returned to my regular pace. I was hustling a little bit because I was trying to get it done before Fran had an appointment, so that gave me added incentive for speed.
Turned out I was speedier than I thought, because I crossed paths with the boys coming home from a walk when I was on my way back.
Regular Run:
This was my stroller run, down on the trail that runs along Lake Champlain. Stroller running is no joke and it didn’t help that I was already sore from doing an upper body workout a day earlier!
Other Workouts:
I actually got a couple of strength workouts done this week. I did one full body workout at home, focusing on single leg movements and balance. The other was the upper body workout I shared with you guys (as well as all the other workouts on the theme), which I definitely felt (in a good way) while running. I also tried out some glute activating exercises I heard about on one of the Runners’ Connect Run to the Top podcasts. There were a couple of moves I wasn’t familiar with, so they were fun to try before running.
Notes From the Week:
Every week it’s been a struggle to fit in my workouts and this week didn’t seem so bad – cutback weeks are awesome like that. I am starting to think about the A, B and C goals for this race, which I will definitely share with you once I have it all worked out in my head. Wish me luck for this week, friends…I’m going to need it!
Weekly Mileage:
21.2 miles
Total Mileage:
213.73
I’m confident I will steal your words about the sweet spot once I find my marathon plan and start training. 10 miles seems terrifying – – but I know I will get there 🙂
Carla recently posted…Cucumbers are my love language.
Steal away, my friend! The sweet spot is a good place. 🙂
Carly Pizzani recently posted…Vermont City Marathon Training – Week 13
Sounds like a great week Carly!!! Wow I think I ll always be very jealous of your running routes!!! Maybe not so much the stroller runs 😉 I see mums doing it and to me there like superwomen!!! It seems like it’s not easy at all!! Good luck this week I can’t wait to hear all about your 22miler! I m sure it ll be great!
I have to send you some photos and info on my route for your running around the world series! I haven’t forgotten, I’ve just been distracted and busier than usual. Stroller runs are kind of awesome because it’s a run with a built-in workout – just another way mamas are multitaskers, ha ha. 😉
Carly Pizzani recently posted…Vermont City Marathon Training – Week 13
I love when 10 miles is no big deal…. it’s amazing what the body can get used to doing.
Paria@momontherunsanity.com recently posted…When Doves Cry
The body’s adaptation is AMAZING. You should listen to Tina Muir’s podcast about the guy who cycled around the circumference of Australia. He then decided to try running it, but when he consulted his medical team, his body had actually physically changed and adapted to cycling! Like his bones had reformed around the activity. Just incredible. The episode was called ‘Do you have one more challenge left in you’ or something like that.
Carly Pizzani recently posted…Vermont City Marathon Training – Week 13
I experienced that exact same sweet spot feeling, although w/ half marathon training and six miles.
I work in Burlington and run that same area as your first pic! My coworkers and I have a name for that route because it smells like donuts and…. you know…
Good luck w/ 22!
Kara @ The Daily Whisk recently posted…How About Them Lemons?
Ha ha ha, Kara, I DO know! 😉 And actually, the first part of the trails now are a bit stinky, too, with all the manure down for the farms. Toto, I’m not in Brooklyn anymore!
Carly Pizzani recently posted…Vermont City Marathon Training – Week 13
Fantastic!!! I love that “10 miles is my short run” sweet spot 🙂 Savor it!
And 22 this week? No problem. YOU GOT THIS mama!! Just run the mile you are in and enjoy it 🙂
Allie recently posted…The Rundown – Dress Rehearsal
Love you! Thanks for being so supportive!!! <3
Carly Pizzani recently posted…Vermont City Marathon Training – Week 13
Hooray for cutback weeks! That sweet spot sure is sweet. You’re doing so great with your training!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted…How to Modify Pigeon Pose
Thanks lady!! I am much more used to my new routes and they are familiar to me now, but what I wouldn’t give for a few laps of Prospect Park. Le sigh.
Carly Pizzani recently posted…Vermont City Marathon Training – Week 13
It is almost time!!! Looks like you are ready and will do awesome! Now, let’s hope for nice weather, not too hot, not too sunny with a nice breeze to push us forward! Yes, stroller running is not for wussy’s for sure! I consider it more like strength training than a run!
Crystal Renaud recently posted…The Addiction I Can’t Kick