The last double digit run, done. And this week’s, even though it was longer than a half marathon, seemed like a walk in the park. Or I guess, since I no longer run in my beloved Prospect Park, a stroll by the lake. 🙂 And to tapering we go…
Current Goal:
My goal last week was to start to think about pacing and goals for the marathon and I did nothing of the sort. I will tell you I have memorized certain points along the last 8 miles of the course and know the exact distance to the finish line for each. So as I pass them now, I mentally rehearse how I will be doing on the day and what it will feel like seeing these very familiar landmarks and knowing, okay, 5 miles to go now, or this is is, 1.5 miles until the end. In many past races, when I don’t know the course that well, or if I just haven’t run it before, I always feel like the last stretch is the worst. Every turn and corner, you get excited thinking you’ll see the finish line just ahead. Then, you look at your watch and realize you have way longer than you thought left to run. Will it be an advantage to know this part of the course so well when it comes to the race? I guess we’ll find out pretty soon!
And my current goal? This week I want to go over my training log, compare it to my training from my previous marathons, and work out a reasonable time goal. Then next week, I can set up my goal pace and strategy for the race.
Long Run:
Another Friday run postponed to Sunday. Friday it was POURING. And you know what? I already did one long ass 22 mile run in the rain. I’m all prepared if it rains on Marathon Sunday. I don’t need to rehearse it a second time. So I put it off when I looked out the window on Friday and crossed fingers and toes that it wouldn’t pour just a little bit harder on Sunday.
I got lucky, I was only rained on for about a mile and actually the weather was perfect. Overcast and 50, it felt lovely. I practiced fueling while running and really focused on keeping a fast cadence and a relaxed posture.
When I got home, I was stretching on the stairs of my building and my neighbor came out with her enormous husky dog to walk her. Ten seconds later, my face was salt-free!! ha ha.
Speed Workout:
Errr…say what now?
Regular Run:
I had a lovely little stroller run with Baby T. He stayed awake for this one as well. He gets so excited when he sees something he thinks is cool (usually a bird, or a tree branch or something). He starts pointing and yelling, “DERE! Dere, dere, dere mama!” (P.S: don’t forget to share my stroller running tips with a mother runner in your life! 😉
Other Workouts:
Lots of walking this week with Baby T and I’ve been planking up a storm. This week I’m actually excited to have some more time to get some strength training done.
Notes From the Week:
This was a tough week for me. I thought it would be an easy week because my long run was so much shorter, but I realized this week how quickly my running and workouts get bumped when mama life intervenes. This was a week I had to take a deep breath and recognize that maybe the marathon has not been my priority this year and maybe that’s okay.
Weekly Mileage:
20.2
Total Mileage:
266.98
I’d say it’s more than OK – – it’s the best damn priority you could have.
<3
And I think my goldendoodle which is I did more sweat producing activities. 🙂 But he loses his mind that same way and tries to lick me clean. EW b
Carla recently posted…5 Ways to Raise a Brazen Girl (or become a BRAZEN woman).
Marathoning and mama-ing is never easy but you are doing it! I love how you have mentally plotted the last several miles of the marathon course. I think that will help tremendously!! I’m very excited to see how you FEEL for this marathon because I think you have been training differently. And, I’m all for some good weather for you!! I feel like if it hasn’t been windy it’s been raining!!
Allie recently posted…Your Perfect Post-Run Stretch Routine by Dave Smith
You know what? Sounds much better than my week… You did pretty awesome, while I went out running only twice – and I have no excuse for it, just felt totally unmotivated…. You are almost there! Also you are very lucky you can run part of the marathon course! I am definitely doing this when I go back to Greece for a few days, just to get a sense!
Ellen @ Tale of Two Runs recently posted…THE BLIND RUNNER – When will power can beat all odds…
Juggling marathon training and moma is a hard job. I can’t even imagine ( since I am not a mom) but I think you are doing a great job. There is always another wk for running.
lacey@fairytalesandfitness.com recently posted…One and Done vs Once Again
Being a mommy has to be priority. Some day they will be bigger and there will be all the races in the world to tackle later. That is my excuse for not doing a marathon yet. I just don’t feel like I have the time to devote to training with the littles.
You are so ready for this run and you can make it whatever you want! I can’t wait to read your race recap!
Crystal Renaud recently posted…The Addiction I Can’t Kick
Doesn’t matter if this marathon’s a pb or not. Just doing one so close to having a baby is a HUGE achievement.
Char recently posted…My Tip For A More Youthful Appearance
Wow, I didn’t realize it was my last double digit run last weekend until I read this! GO US! The end is near…12 more days!!!
Gabby @ Marathons and Macarons recently posted…Birthday Week (Ottawa Marathon Training Wk T-2)