Marathon Training Week 7 Re-Cap

I gave a my mini re-cap of my runs Sunday-Thursday in my blog link up with Salt, so I’ll update you on my Friday and Saturday run.

Friday, I stuck to my easy one mile streak run. If you remember from my Streak Re-cap post, I had been sticking to only a mile this week to rest my leg. I definitely feel that with only running a mile and continuing to stretch and ice, that is has done a lot of good.

My training plan had me running 12 miles on Saturday but I decided to do 10 again. I had plans to do two runs, one with my run club and another with some fellow Swirlgear girls (<—re-cap on that soon!). So, I decided to run 6 with my club group and then 4 with my Swirl girls. The 6 miler felt great! I was worried that after not having ran farther than a mile that I’d be a little rusty but I felt good the entire way. Each mile was faster than the previous and I ended up with a 9:34 avg. I am veeery happy with that!

My second run was with my Swirl sisters and we took it easy. I’m glad we did as I didn’t want to push it with my leg. We started the first two miles at a jog and then walked/jogged the last two. It was a great easy run after my previous six miles.

All in all, this week’s total mileage was: 14.8 miles, my lowest mileage to date but I’m glad I took some time to rest.

Next up is a 5K on New Year’s Day. It’ll be on a very similar, almost identical, route as my last 5K where I was thisclose to breaking 25:00 so you know what my goal will be 😉

Commitment Day

–How was your running week?

–What are you New Year’s plans?

12 Days of Fitmas-Day 4 and Marathon Training Recap Week 5

On the 4 th Day of Fitmas….

REST

One of the things I’ve learned in my training is the importance of rest. I’ve been the most motivated I’ve ever been in my life these past few months that anyone suggesting I stop running (to help heal my leg) are met with raised eyebrows from me.

But, I’ve realized that resting will let me run. Not resting will mean no running. I have one complete rest day in my week when I do absolutely nothing but hang out, which is Friday, and Sunday and Tuesdays are cross training days. I try and make Sunday a chill cross train day and Tuesday a more challenging one. (I have to add that with the Runner’s World Streak I’ve been running every day. However, on “off days” I take it more slowly)

Another factor in resting is making sure I’m doing all I can to re-energize. After each run, I try and make sure to foam roll and ice. This doesn’t always happen but definitely more often than not. If you haven’t invested in a foam roller, I highly suggest it. You can find one in your sports store but also in places like Target, Ross, and TJ Maxx for around $15.

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Making sure I take it easy some days allows me to look forward to the days I know will be challenging. If everyday were difficult, I think I’d eventually become frustrated, bored, and burnt out. And, it also helps my family because I’m definitely in a better mood if I’m decently rested : )

Are you good about allowing time for rest?

What are your rest days like?

 

Marathon Training Week 5

This was a really busy week.

On Sunday, I ran the Hot Chocolate 15k which was awesome!!

On Monday, I ran a recovery mile and took it easy.

On Tuesday, I was back at the gym but I switched things up and instead of doing my usual hill intervals I ran my one streak mile and biked 10 miles.

Wednesday was track day—speed work. You know I love track days and this day was just…wow. I won a BOB jogging stroller valued at $380!!! A runner in my run club owns a baby store and raffled the stroller to only members. At the start of practice, he drew names and mine was picked!!! You have no idea the look of shock on my face. My husband too, could not believe we had won when I called him!

Thursday was a 6 mile treadmill run and Friday was a chill one mile streak run.

Saturday I rested and ran a one mile streak one as I had my last race of the year the next day—I will recap it tomorrow!! : )

This week’s total mileage: 21.65 miles and 10 bike miles. Overall a good week and now that my last race of the year is in the books, I’m preparing for a ½ marathon mid January. Very excited for 2014!! : )