Sunday, October 4, 2015

Marathon training week 11: Stay on


The beginning of the end. The taper. The final countdown. How did the week shake out?

Monday: I woke up from my sister trip with a 12 miler on the plan and some really tired legs. We walked and we walked all over Seattle, and I think it all caught up with me on Monday. Couple that with a very warm, humid day and I paid dearly. I fought for every step of the one, and I was seriously doubting myself. Luckily, I talked myself off the cliff (with help from my friends) and the rest of the week was uneventful. But this is the run where I made the final decision to pull back on my goals.


Tuesday: I had an easy bike on the plan, but work had other plans for me. I had to go in at 8 and there was not going to be a bike ride in the dark. It's scary enough running in the dark, but on 2 skinny tires? I even considered bringing my bike to work and riding at lunch, but I didn't know if I'd have time for that. I also considered riding after work, but after seeing 27 patients, some of them quite ill, I was mentally exhausted as well as physically and decided it would be better just to go to bed. Which I did, quite early.

Wednesday: I woke up with a smile on my face. There's nothing better than a good night's sleep, right? I wanted to go to a yoga class at the studio but with my instructor out of town, I was worried about someone new and the possibility of an injury. My recovery yoga was just what I needed.

Thursday: I did my final speedwork of the training cycle. It was also my fastest of my mile repeats. What a confidence booster! Then I saw Becky for my final CrossFit of the training cycle. I pulled the sled, did some slam balls, and some kettlebell sumo deadlifts. Not too taxing, but my hamstrings felt it. This was kind of the icing on the cake for my hammies and glutes.



Friday: I had a rest day on the plan. But as I looked ahead to Saturday and that 4 miler I was supposed to run, I struggled with logistics. I had a conference downtown on Saturday and needed to leave my house by 645. That would mean a 430 wake up call and a run in the dark. I had a nice, uneventful day at work Friday, and made the decision to do a run when I got home. I never run in the evening. Ever. This run reminded me why. The first 2 miles were fine, but I started to feel weird and weak in mile 3. Someone was grilling hamburgers and it smelled soooooo good! I stopped for water and that helped get me home, to pizza and wine. As hard as this run was, I'm glad I did it for a couple of reasons. One, it took me out of my morning run comfort zone. I had to push really hard to get through it, and I didn't quit. Mental toughness! And two, I didn't have to get up so early the next day. It was going to be a long day of listening to speakers. The extra sleep would be a good thing.

I forgot to take my makeup off! Yikes!
Saturday: And I was really glad again that I got that run done. It was nice to get up and just drink my coffee without having to rush. The conference was held at Lurie's Children's Hospital, and it didn't disappoint. The hospital is in downtown Chicago, and I had some fun with the views. I also was able to catch up with colleagues and a lot of my former students!

Just to clarify, I am standing in front of a window! What a view! That is the water tower behind me.
Saturday night, my husband and I went on a date to see Spamalot. A huge fan of Monty Python--The Holy Grail is one of my favorite movies--this musical adaptation was hilarious! I can't believe I've never seen this before. I'm pretty sure that all the laughing I did counts as an abdominal/core workout. And the final song, Always Look on the Bright Side of Life--well, how can you be in a bad mood listening to that?



Sunday: I had my last long run on the plan--an eight miler. I took it easy and let the legs carry me. I did have to stop once to stretch out my right shin/calf when I felt it tighten up. I finished with plenty left in the tank and feeling good about this last week before the marathon. 8.15 miles, 73:19, 8:59m/m.

So what's coming up this last week of training? I've got a couple of short runs, yoga, and a pep talk. The marathon expo is Friday, and I have another conference on Saturday. Here we go!

What song got me through today's run? They were all good, but I would be remiss not highlighting a song that has been part of my running playlist since my first iPod Mini. Stay On, by The Bodeans, a band out of Milwaukee, has a nice easy rhythm, great lyrics, and a beat that keeps my legs flowing.


How was your week? Anything exciting? Any last minute song suggestions?

I'm linking this post with Tricia at MissSippiPiddlin and Holly at HoHoRuns for their Weekend Wrap! Check out what everyone else is up to.



61 comments :

  1. I'm super excited for you!!! Great Sunday run you had....next week this time, Chicago marathon will be done.... and I look forward to seeing what's next up for you after that (but take a big long well-deserved break first)

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    1. I keep thinking that! I'll be done! We need to do some planning for Big Sur--and I have a half in Florida in March. Otherwise, time for recovery.

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  2. Have fun at Chicago next weekend! I'll be running my first full at Steamtown in Pennsylvania the same day! :)

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    1. Oooh! good luck to you! Just remember to have fun!

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    2. Thanks! That's the goal, though with 10 half marathons under my belt, I can't help but contemplate a time goal as well...

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  3. My excitement is in completing the first half of half marathon training...ummm....I mean half marathon running!

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  4. I LOVE Monty Python. I haven't seen Spamalot either. Glad to hear it was funny. That is good you got some rest this week and are feeling fresh in your workouts. I can't wait to see how you do! Have a great week, Wendy!

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  5. Sounds like a great week. LOVE your Chicago picture, looks like you are falling out the window.
    Enjoy your last week, you will rock the race !

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    1. I'm just trying to keep it light and head into this race with a smile on my face!

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  6. I'm hoping to bank lots of hours of sleep this week!

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  7. I saw Spamalot on Broadway a few years ago starring Clay Aiken (something I'd forgotten until now). It was actually pretty good! I usually still have my makeup on when I run, but since it's dark thankfully nobody sees my racoon eyes. I love your downtown pic. I know you will have a great race. Rest up and enjoy every minute of it. Run mile 23 for me. :) And tell me what song you were listening to. Thanks for linking up!

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    1. I'm still trying to get over you not being here! I hope you heal up quickly and get another chance to run 26.2!

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  8. I cannot take my eyes off your green green green grass. We are dried up and brown here in Texas

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    1. I was actually thinking about how green every is here--usually this time of year it's pretty brown! But we've had a lot of rain.

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  9. Love that picture!

    You've had a great training season. I can't wait to hear all about the marathon. It's almost race time for so many of us (although I'm still struggling to run, so mine isn't looking like it's going to be awesome.)

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    1. You've done a lot of running lately--hello 6 half marathons?--so I can only imagine how tired your legs must be!

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  10. You have a conference before your marathon? I suppose it will take your mind off of things!

    Crossfit + not too taxing -- is that really possible?

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    1. I had this same conference last year the day before Chicago! I'm a certified lactation counselor and it's our annual conference. Yes, it's a great way to take my mind off the big day!

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  11. Sounds like you're ready!! I love the surprise confidence boosting speed days. Hope you have an amazing race!

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  12. I love the Rocky song on a playlist!!! You've got this!!

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    1. I listened to music last year, and it was like slipping on an old comfy slipper! Love my music.

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  13. So excited for you and this weekend! I'm glad you got some good sleep and a good show in! Love Monty Python!

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  14. Have a great race, Wendy. You are ready. I've learned to embrace and love my evening runs, but I know not many agree with me, lol.

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    1. I wish I could embrace those evening runs! I do. But it's not in the cards for me.

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  15. Ha what a fun picture of you, it totally looks like your hanging off the edge! So what is on the books for you next? Which race are you doing in Florida?

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  16. Yes, here we go! Good luck with your short runs this week. Can't believe it's all gonna happen on Sunday! Woo hoo!

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  17. You are going to do great. Have a great time at the race and I can't wait to see your report next week. I hear it's a great marathon!

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    1. It is a great marathon! This is the third time for me. I keep saying it's the last but it's such a great marathon.

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  18. I think you are so well prepared and are going to have an amazing race! We are Monty Python fans here too!

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  19. Enjoy your short runs this week! I can't believe it's almost race time. Good luck!

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  20. You always look so seriously bad ass in those cross fit pics. I love them! You are so prepared for this you are going to surprise yourself

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  21. OMG I was so convinced with that photo. I love it. Great training week. I am sorta sad that I am not running a marathon now, oh well, there will be plenty more. Have a great day
    bakingrunner.blogspot.com

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  22. I'm so excited for you that its race week! I'm sure this week will fly by!

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  23. It's here! Race week ... now it's just time to show off all your hard work. Good luck!

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  24. You got this! I think I wrote this in a comment before, but my mom is running Chicago too! Right at your pace! Rock your race!

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  25. So excited for you. I'm a bit behind on reading blog posts, so I'm a bit confused as to your comment about pulling back on your goals. I need to go read and catch up so I can figure out what you are talking about!!

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    1. Too much stress and pressure...and the weather is going to be warm...and my BQ will be even harder to get...so I'm just going to have fun and roll with it!

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  26. You did it!! The end of a great training cycle and you are going to be so ready to rock and roll this weekend!!
    So exciting! Get out there and have fun!! I love the Chicago Marathon.
    PS: The clouds in one of the first pictures are AMAZING.

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  27. You're amazing lady!! I am loving watching your training!

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  28. Don't laugh but One Direction's Drag Me Down is a total mood pumper! 😉

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  29. I love Monty Python! I've really enjoyed following your training and will be cheering you on during Sunday's race! Last minute song suggestions: Fight Song by Rachel Platten. I don't run with music, but I started reciting the lyrics in my head during the tough miles of my marathon.

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    1. I have that one on my playlist! Whenever it comes on I feel like I"m in a music video!

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  30. I love your downtown picture! Work, blogging, and running it is a lot to juggle! You got it all in and a date to boot- woo hoo! You are so ready for this race, breathe and enjoy!

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  31. I love that Chicago picture! It looks like your going to fly off the ledge. It's race week! You're going to rock Chicago this weekend! I can't wait to read your recap.

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    1. I'm a little worried about the heat...we'll just have to see how it goes.

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