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.