Sunday, February 14, 2016

Big Sur Marathon Training--Week 2

Ok--it's February and it's supposed to be warming up, not the other way around! This week's Big Sur Marathon training was remarkable for the frigid temps that hit as the week wound down. It's really Murphy's Law--I had my longest training run to date planned for Sunday--and the polar vortex returned. But you know I don't let the weather stop me...

Big Sur Marathon Training Week 2

Monday I went to yoga. I have no pictures but trust me when I tell you that it was another amazing class. Monday's instructor has such a calm, quiet way about her, and I felt really good when I left.

Tuesday was a very early wake up call. I had a class at work, and had to be there by 7:45. There were 6 miles on the plan and I was out the door by 5. I haven't run in the dark for a very long time. To top it off, it was snowing. This was a slippery, slow run, but I felt great. 6.24m/9:14m/m

Snowy tree pose
It was 5 am. It was snowing. What else was there to do?
Wednesday I had hill repeats on the plan. I planned to go to Payton's Hill to do these but Mother Nature had other ideas--even though it was sunny, there was a -10F windchill. Since this was really a focused workout, I didn't think I'd get much out of battling the wind, so I took my repeats to the treadmill. I did 1/4 mile hill sprints x 10 at some unknown incline (my old 'mill doesn't tell me that information) and for recovery, I walked backwards for about 1 1/2-2 minutes. Becky talked with me about this last week, and she wanted me to do these backwards intervals slow as I drive forward, engaging my quads. As it turns out, there are all kinds of benefits to walking backwards on the treadmill that have nothing to do with fitness. Like improving your balance. I almost fell off when I first started. But after a couple of intervals, I was snapping along with the music. In a couple of weeks, I'll be ready to dance on the 'mill like this guy:


After I finished, I went to yoga. We had a sub, and her class was a little different from what we were used to. But it was a good class, and she had a theme for us, which was connection. She referred back to that theme throughout the class. On the way home, I couldn't help myself. I had to stop and make a connection to the brilliant sunshine. Too bad it was so brutally cold!

Cold king dancer
A cold king dancer
Thursday started with a ride on the bike trainer. I had some issues with my Apple TV, YouTube, and the Wahoo Fitness app. I started to get frustrated because I couldn't get anything to work and I just wanted to ride. So that's what I did while I troubleshot everything. I finally got things working, and did an interval workout. I'm not sure where I rode, but the video I used was a good one. I'm pretty consistent, apparently because once again I rode for 1 hour total, 13.03 miles. 

Bike intervals
Intervals complete
After my ride, I worked out with Becky. She continues to up my weights, and I did front squats and deadlifts. I'm not sure how heavy the deadlifts were this week, but they were heavy. I'm not yet maxed out but I have to be close. After I lifted, I did a circuit of evil wheel aka ab rollouts (my abs still hurt) and split squats with my back foot on a box and a barbell. That required a lot of hip stability, and it is something I need some work on. Sometimes these "easy" exercises she has me do are way tougher than the weight lifting. 

Big Sur Marathon Training Week 2
Strength.
Friday was a rest day. 

Saturday was another bitterly cold day. The night before when I looked at the forecast, I made plans to run inside. When I got up the sun was bright and I couldn't pass it up. How bad could it be? I put on my layers and my ninja face mask, and headed out into the cold. You know what? It wasn't as bad as it seemed. I'm so attuned to what I need to wear for different conditions and I was completely prepared. I started off a little stiff--I was still sore from Thursday, but this was my fastest run in weeks! Who knew? 5 miles/8:34m/m

Ninja runner
Like a winter ninja. No snow.
Sunday I had 12 on the plan. The weather forecast was not at all favorable for a long run (16F and snow) but the alternative, the treadmill, was even less attractive. Since there was no snow when I started, I headed to the bike path. This run was mentally tough--the cold and the wind really tested my resolve. I also had shin splints and foot pain when I started out. But once I loosened up, I felt much better. I couldn't feel my face when I got home (and now that song is going through my head) but after a hot shower and lunch, I felt much better. This was a solid run, and really gave me the confidence I needed to move forward! 12 miles/9:02m/m

Big Sur Marathon Training Week 2
I can't feel my face....
Overall, another great week of training. For the most part, my foot is feeling better. It still hurts, but between the night splint and those heel raises, I've got it down to a dull roar. Some days it doesn't even bother me. I'm relaxing into my training and feeling very confident. One month to go until I leave for Florida and run the Sarasota Half Marathon. It's happening!

Happy Valentine's Day
Thanks to HoHoRuns for this fun image!

Have a great week!

How was your week? Any fun training stories to share?

I'm linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap! 




119 comments :

  1. So glad your foot is getting better and better! I'm so impressed with you getting out there in the cold temps. We've had such a weird winter here in NY. Hardly any snow and so far, only a few brutally cold days. But I've still caught myself in the gym more than not...

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    1. This week has been killer. It's supposed to warm up tho. I can't wait.

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  2. You rock for braving the cold! For me it is just mental- can I mentally brave the cold? But then the alternate is mentally braving the treadmill, which can be equally as horrible! I was dreading my run a little today because it was 15, but I told myself it was SUNNY out so it couldn't be that bad. I'm glad I went out, I was warm after a mile. I'm glad you are managing your PF and are able to get some awesome training in!

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    1. I'd much rather battle the elements, because with Big Sur, you never know what's coming. The treadmill is just so mind numbing and all it is is putting miles down. I need to be outside.

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  3. I am amazed at your fortitude.
    Oh, did I say that before. ;)

    Great week. Having Big Sur on the horizon and your chance to connect with Kristina must be incredible incentive.

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    1. Oh, yes! I actually was working on Wednesday's blog post, and I talk about running this with Kristina. That was a huge motivator today.

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  4. Nice job getting in so many outdoor runs this week! I didn't run on Saturday, which was the worst day here. The sound of the wind was so intimidating! I love that you have Becky to push you to do all these specific strength exercises. I wish I had someone to watch my form and push me like that!

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    1. I'm so glad I have my coach. I'd never be at the level I'm at without her!

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  5. I'm glad you could use the heart! My PT is killing me with stability exercises. My shin splints started Friday -- before I ran one step over the weekend. I'm going to be running another downhill half this year and I think walking backward on the treadmill is the ticket! I had such DOMS after the last one. I thought I was a badass for running when it was 28 this week but you've got me beat! You are a warrior. Thanks for linking with us Wendy.

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    1. I think you and I need to run/hobble together. Damn it! This PF is the worst!

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  6. I'm so impressed that you ran in the snow! I hate cold weather running, but great job to you for powering through it! I like your winter ninja picture! It made me laugh! :) Sounds like you had a great week!

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  7. Wendy, Nice job. Are you dealing with the dread plantar fasciitis. Also try to roll your foot out. Keep up the good work

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    1. PF is the devil. I'm doing it all to keep it quiet. Something made it angry on Saturday...

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  8. Ah, kudos to you for braving the weather. I just haven't had the mojo to do it! Interesting on walking backwards - I'm afraid to try it!

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  9. Wow, you are brave getting out into the bitter cold. This weekend was terribly cold here. I bailed on the Valentine's 5K after consulting my coach. We were concerned about me getting injured trying to run race pace in that cold and wind. A bit disappointing but as it turned out I had kindof a shitty weekend anyway so probably for the better. I am seriously impressed with how much weight you lift. You are such a badass! Keep it up Wendy!

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    1. Yesterday's run was such high effort that I was really hurting by last night. I'm still pretty sore today. I need to do a little research as to why running in that cold made my run so hard. I've never experienced anything like that soreness before.

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  10. LOVE that early morning pic of your tree pose! That "beacon" on your head is awesome!!! ;-)

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  11. Awesome job getting out there in the cold! You rocked the week! I haven't tried walking backwards on the treadmill. That's interesting!

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    1. It was really fun and a great way to mix things up. Anything to make the treadmill more bearable!

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  12. Great week of training! We had fabulous weather this week, except for my long run day which was super windy. The last three mornings have been beautiful with windy afternoons.. so I really have to make sure and get in my run in the morning! I think today is supposed to be the same. Glad you are getting your PF under control, I hope that continues. You are looking so strong too by the way!

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  13. We had those same frigid temps this week! I still managed to get out in them but holy smokes. I did opt to move my Saturday run to Friday because Saturday was supposed to be BRUTAL. I'm glad your foot is getting better! Keep at it! Nice work getting all that in despite the freezing cold!

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    1. Running in those temps was no joke! I'm feeling kind of yucky today. Glad it's supposed to warm up.

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  14. I hate the face song and now it is in my head too. GAR SHAKE OF THE FIST.
    Don't you remember last February? It did the same thing! I remember because that was my taper month, and it was the first time that I had to do a long run on the tmill. I am just hoping to go outside today!

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    1. I do remember last February, and hoped that wouldn't happen again. Damn you Mother Nature! Or El Nino!

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  15. I often find that running in the cold is really hard...it always takes me a few miles to loosen up and I always seem to have trouble relaxing my shoulders. We actually woke up this morning to snow which was a shock! I'm hoping we'll take a nice family walk since my husband is off from work and I'm still on no-running orders. Have a great week, Wendy! -C

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  16. When I was last in PT for hip issues if I recall correctly, they had me warmup by walking sideways on the mill. So many ways to use it. Great week, despite the weather! You'll be more than ready for Sarasota.

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  17. YUS to getting out for freezing training! I almost refuse to let the gosh damned treadmill win at this point ------> STUBBORN. Nice week, missy!

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  18. I always think of you when I have a challenging run. This time it was because of the wind and in the 30's. You are my motivator and I think if Wendy can do this all the damn time surly I can handle this run! Cool picture of you in the gym, look at those back muscles!!! Woo wee! Thanks for linking up Wendy, oh and I wanted to tell you again how much I appreciate the email with the links. I haven't had time yet to dig in but I will! Thanks friend!

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  19. Awesome week. Your desire to keep moving forward and your determination and dedication are truly inspiring!

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  20. Getting to this post a little late, but I don't miss any of them.... I love the picture of you doing tree with the headlamp.... thank you for all your messages of support these last couple of days....xoxo

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    1. Congrats to you again on your amazing marathon run! You must feel so happy!

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  21. Well, you are tougher than me. I was supposed to run 10 miles on Sat or Sun and I bailed - too cooold.

    Hopefully, I can get my butt out there today.

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  22. That sound so brutally cold. I don't miss the cold temps one bit. I still tough it out here since 40s is still manageable for me. Other Texans might think I'm crazy, but one guy was wearing shorts on Saturday.

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  23. I do not miss the cold at all. Florida has brought me some great running weather. Looks like you had a pretty awesome week.

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  24. Great job on your workouts/runs this week!!! Glad to hear your foot is feeling better!

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    1. It's just sore today, nothing more than that. It was a little angry at me last night, tho!

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  25. Great 12 mile run in the cold! The damn vortex messed up my running this weekend. Here in VT it was -15. With windchill -25. So tho I always run in the cold, and all my runs are outside, I decided to focus on strength training instead :) I was happy I got out 4 days last week. Sounds like your training is going great!

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    1. Yesterday was a tough call--do I run out in that sub zero wind chill or do the 12 on the mill? Which is worse? hmmmm

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  26. Nice job woman! You are so much braver then I am - I did my 15 miles on the treadmill :-)

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    1. You deserve some kind of award for that! 15 mile on the treadmill? Yikes!

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  27. I would love to have that kind of week of training last week. I love that you're a morning runner too. I REALLY wish I could get my butt out of bed! Nice job

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  28. Go Wendy!! You inspire me daily!! Wish I was going to big sur with you!!

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  29. Ahhh Big Sur is on my bucket list!!! Great training this week!

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    1. It was a good week, in spite of the cold. And now I'm so tired! LOL

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  30. You had a great week! And, I am totally impressed you dealt with the cold temps. I lost my mojo for it - I'm ready for spring! Interesting about the benefits of walking backward on the 'mill.

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  31. Wow, that is damn cold weather. Good for you for getting it done !

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    1. It was fine for the short runs. But for the long run? Not so much.

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  32. Sounds like we were even colder than you! I did my long run Friday outside, 9 at the start, 20 by the time I finished, not so bad -- because the weekend? Negative and single digit temps. Sat 20-40 mph wind gusts on top of the cold. Not fit for man nor beast!

    Glad you're on track for Sarasota this year & I've got to remember about the backward walking on the treadmill because I have a hilly half this spring, too.

    Of course everything around here is hilly!

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    1. It's been a brutal couple of week! Better days are coming. Or so they say.

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  33. Wow, you do so much great cross training. I love the picture of you with that big huge weight! Ha, that video is a blast. Every time I see it, I have to watch the entire thing. I would be flat on my face! I love that we're on the same week of our training plans. Mine is only for a half marathon though up in San Luis Obispo...not too far south of your race!! Happy Training!!

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  34. Interestingly Big Sur is the one marathon I ever registered for that I didn't run. I still feel bad about that. It is supposed to be amazing. Your back looks super strong in that weights photo btw ... very strong. That looks very heavy. Good job! I'm curious - is that a kickr snap in your bike trainer photo? I have a kickr and every once in a while I have to just reboot the whole thing. Never convenient time wise when that happens.

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    1. It's not a kickr snap (I had to google it) but now I want one...

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  35. Another awesome week for you! Split squats - ooph! We've been working on backsquats and overhead squats in crossfit this month and those are tough enough!

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    1. My coach is always throwing something new at me! It never gets dull...

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  36. I don't know how you do it braving the cold as much as you are. I'm such a wimp when it comes to braving the cold - I'd much rather run on the treadmill and find ways to entertain myself while I'm running on there.

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    1. I just loathe the treadmill. But I was really questioning my decision yesterday. It was a tough one!

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  37. Awesome week for you! Way to get out in the cold! Love all of the cross-training you get in (weights, yoga, biking)!

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  38. Know what I hate most about the cold runs? Apparently my phone is as wimp. It shuts off when the feels like hits the teens. Stupid phone. Taking pics just isn't happening...

    Good job getting out there in the cold. Hope your foot keeps improving.

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    1. Oh, I've got that phone wimp thing covered. I tuck my spibelt into my tights and voila! No dead phone. Because my frozen selfies are essential...

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  39. Great job on your training this past week! Running in the winter is so tough, but it's even worse when the wind chill is out of control. But you handled it like a boss. I'm glad your foot is feeling better, my shins have been bothering me lately so I'm easing up on my speed work.

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    1. I thought I was a boss until I woke up this morning. OMG was I sore! I don't know why, but it was as if I ran the entire marathon...

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  40. Great workout week for sure!!!

    wowsers those temps are COLD!!!

    that treadmill dance is GREAT!!! I wold break my neck!!

    Split lunges/squats are the devil!!!

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  41. I just stumbled on your blog and enjoyed reading your tales! I'm interested to know the specifics of your indoor training sessions on your bike. Can you share a youtube link that lets you "bike through Germany" or wherever? I can't run right now and am biking indoors and it'd be great to have a challenge that was also somewhat entertaining. Thanks!

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    1. I just search cycling training videos on YouTube and a ton of them come up. There is a variety of distances and types, including hills, endurance, and spinning! Let me know if you find any specific ones that you like.

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  42. Great week of training! It's so impressive how you power through the cold and get your runs done outside! A negative 10 degree windchill is no joke - but great for building mental strength!

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  43. Great job with the cold runs and cold yoga! It hasn't been that cold here in Anchorage in a long time so I have to give you props for getting out there - I don't know if I want to get out for a run with my ninja mask on again anytime soon :)

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  44. I love reading about your workouts with Becky!! She works you and you are a rockstar for doing it!! This is going to make you so strong for Big Sur! Great job on the workouts this week!!!!

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    1. They are tough workouts for sure, but I love that at 53 I'm still running strong!

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  45. Great week in spite of Mother Nature's curveballs! Love the winter ninja pic and the PF Sucks heart. Ha!

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  46. I'm glad to hear your foot is better. When I suffered from PF it was one step forward, two steps back. And it's been like that with my IT band and every subsequent injury... that probably doesn't make you feel better does it? Haha :) Hang in there, you're almost out of the woods! Nice week of training. xxoo

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    1. That's exactly how my PF is--one step forward, 2 steps back. Sunday I was in a world of hurt after my run. Today, minimal pain. It is the craziest thing!

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  47. What a great week, especially with all the challenges Mother Nature lobbed at us! I have read about the benefits of walking on the treadmill backwards, too. It's a great way to balance out the muscles, yes? When I tried it, I nearly fell off and had to go SUPER slow. I got some funny looks from other folks in the gym, too, LOL, which I could see well since I was directly facing everyone!

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    1. Becky told me to go slow--the whole point is to drive forward against the tread. Pretty fun!

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  48. Since I ran Carlsbad last month, I've been dying to get back out to CA and run all of the races. What an awesome week despite everything. I had a terrible case of PF so I can completely relate but I will say I haven't had any issues in the last 4 years since getting it taken care of.

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    1. I had PF in the past and had shockwave therapy. This time, the pain comes and goes, so I've been working through it.

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  49. Congrats on your training Wendy. Getting out the door that early when it's cold and snowing (!) is not easy. You ran such a good pace under the snowy conditions. I'm sure all that Cross Training will benefit you in your marathon big time. Very inspiring training post.:)

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    1. Thank you! I will admit to feeling pretty wrecked the day after that cold long run. That felt as hard as any marathon I've run.

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  50. I'm glad that the PF is under control for the most part. Have you experimented with Essential Oils yet? I hear Lemongrass is supposed to be great for PF!

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    1. I have a foot massage oil which I"ve been using. Seems to help. Placebo?

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  51. You are so amazing!! I aspire to be a fast runner like you someday ;)

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  52. I'm so impressed with anyone who wakes up to get a run in in the dark. I much prefer to stay curled up in bed :)

    I really struggle with split squats. I need to look more into WHY they're hard for me, so I can work on correcting the issues.

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  53. Whoa that sounds like an intense week filled of workouts! You inspire me to get my butt back in the gym!

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    1. The hardest part of the week was that long run on Sunday. I'm so glad I got that one under my belt!

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  54. What an awesome week!!! I truly admire your dedication and determination to push through no matter what!

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  55. Big Sur is a gorgeous place! I haven't been there since I was about...11 or 12? That sky is beautiful, and yay for lifting weights! I miss powerlifting--hoping I can get back into that again soon!

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    1. The weights are what will power me up those hills of Big Sur! I can't wait to get there.

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  56. Brrrr the frigid temperature is enough to keep me under my covers, Your willpower is unmatched and I love your dedication to the sport. Thanks for sharing the dancing dude on the treadmill - I wish treadmill workouts could be just as Fun! Cheers to another great week of training.

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    1. I just know that if I don't do these tough workouts, I won't have anything to draw on in those tough marathon miles.

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  57. The frigid temps can't stop us marathoners from crushing the miles (well, I did have to retreat to the mill). You are doing an awesome job with your training and love seeing how much cross training you are doing. I need to get my bike trainer out!

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