Anna Maria Island Sunset |
Warrior one on the beach |
Last run before I head home. |
Frog pose post bike ride |
Thursday: I drove to the indoor park district pool to do some pool running. On the way home from work the night before, I had stopped to buy a pool running belt and a waterproof iPhone case. Armed with all my gear, I waded into the diving well. Alarms were sounding off in my head as I lowered into the pool with my iPhone. There was no one there but me and the lifeguard, and I started "jogging" around the perimeter. My tunes were playing and I started to think that maybe this pool running wasn't going to be so bad. After one lap around the pool, I heard zzzzzzttt in my headphone and yep, my music stopped. Dammit. When will I learn to listen to my gut? Why would I listen to the teenager at Best Buy? I took my wet phone out of the "waterproof" case, set it on the bleachers, and got back in the water to finish my workout. The teenage lifeguard didn't laugh at me, surprisingly. He walked around the pool while I jogged and we chatted. That helped the hour go by quickly.
After my pool workout, I went to see Becky for CrossFit. I talked to her about my week, my drowned phone, and my doctor visits. Then I started to cry. I hadn't cried at all since the bike crash, and when I finally do break down, it's in front of my tough as nails coach. She let me cry, and then we talked about what I was going to do. She talked about all the positives. How well I did in that hot half on Sunday. That I got back on my bike after the crash. That she seriously doubted I had a fracture since I ran that half without much pain. That I was going to get to Big Sur, no matter what. And that I wasn't going to cry anymore. For my modified workout, she had me do cleans into front squats, 3 sets of 10 alternating with squats/plate flips. Then I pulled the sled across the parking lot alternating with 3 sets of 10 slam balls. Finally, I rowed all out for 3 minutes. It was hard, it was therapeutic, I was pain free, and I felt strong and badass when I left.
Of course, I have no pictures from this day, since I had no phone. I know the rule, no pictures, the workout didn't happen, right? Trust me. If I could have a do-over for this day, I would. And yes, the workouts happened. Note to self: there is no such thing as a waterproof phone case. I spent the rest of the day getting a new phone and setting up all my apps. Second note to self: do not ignore those alarm bells. Trust the gut. Pity party? Over.
Friday: rest day. By the way, I got my attitude adjustment at work. Remember my patient Jolie? She and her mom stopped by the clinic to see me. Her hair is growing back, but she's decided she likes being bald and wants to shave it! She climbed on my lap and wouldn't stop hugging me. Life is indeed very good.
Saturday: What would have been 5 miles on the road ended up being 50 minutes of spin class on the trainer. I used one of the GCN's spin class videos, and it was a good one. The only thing I don't do is stand up in the pedals when the class does. I'm too afraid of aggravating my PF.
Post spin cycle! |
Sunday I had a 12 mile run on the plan. I read somewhere that cycling and running time on the road are not equivalent, and that a cycling workout should be about 1 1/2 times longer than a running workout. I don't know if this is true, but it was incentive for me to plan on a 3 hour bike ride. There are a bunch of forest preserves around here, and I found a way to connect my usual 2 hour route to the preserve where I ran that half marathon last November. I layered up, as it was 40 degrees, and slipped on my neoprene toe covers that Kelli recommended. The sun was shining brightly, and that made it feel a little less cold. I had the path to myself. Getting to the other preserve was interesting. Even though the suburb I had to ride through boasts that it is "bike friendly"--yes, I rode on a well-marked paved path-- the people driving on the busy roads were not at all bike friendly. Part of the route took me over Interstate 90 on a bridge that was under construction. There was still a bike lane but OMG, it was a little hairy. I also had to ride past Woodfield Mall--who knew that would be on the bike route?--so I also had to contend with the shopping crowd. After that, I crossed under another highway and came to the entrance to Busse Woods. I felt myself relax as I was able to increase my speed on the smooth path without worrying about cars. This preserve is yet another pretty oasis in the middle of suburbia. I circled around the 8 mile loop and headed towards home. One more scary crossing--damn you road construction!--where I actually had to ride on one of the busy roads for about 1/8 mile. Then it was home free. 45 miles/3:16.
These pretty birch trees made me stop and strike a pose! |
Have you ever trained for a marathon using cross training? How did it go? Any suggestions for making pool running more interesting?
I am linking up with Tricia and Holly for their Weekly Wrap!
I haven't tried training via cross training but my friend has! She went to up to 2 spin classes a day and swam leading up to her marathon and she nailed it race day!
ReplyDeleteOh, I so needed to hear that! I've definitely got the endurance piece down. Hoping to get some time back on the road next week.
DeleteWhen I did 2 fall marathons (Chicago / NYCM) all I did in between was spend time on the spinner and I felt just as fit going into NYCM as I did Chicago! A little time cross training can be beneficial I think.
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you. But I would feel better with a little run time...
DeleteCan not offer my POV on cross training but I would think any time off your foot & running muscles would be beneficial. Was it hot in Sarasota ? I found the humidity brutal....
ReplyDeleteSo hot. But as long as I wasn't running, I loved the weather.
DeleteYou've had quite a year, Wendy. Big races, incredibly hard work, and you never quit, no matter how difficult the road ahead appears. I see by your clock that you have only 34 days left until Big Sur. How excited you must be, to run an event you've wished for so long and to meet our intrepid Kristina to boot! Your doctor, Becky, and your own indomitable spirit will see you through these final weeks.
ReplyDeleteYes, I can imagine that your body, mind, and soul will need a bit of a rest after all the anticipation and hard work. I feel sure that both your physician and trainer will assign re-hab that takes the incipient appearance of arthritis into account. It will be interesting to be "with" you through this break. But in the meantime, it's a great relief to know that with your carefulness, your pain is subsiding.
Wishing you the best.
I'm excited for you from afar. (Insert heart emoticon here!)
~Connie
I'll be looking forward to the break, Connie. And you totally get it. If I don't run another mile before Big sur, I will be ready at the start line. Mentally, I got this.
DeleteNever tried pool running. If anyone can do it, you can.
ReplyDeleteI am obsessed with shells too. Glad it's not just me.
You will do fine in the Big Sur and then I hope you take a break.
GL with the rest of your training.
Thanks! Yep, I"ll be fine. No matter what. And a break will be welcome.
DeleteDespite all your challenges this week, you still made it through like a ROCKSTAR! Truly an inspiration Wendy! Sorry about your phone! :(
ReplyDeleteMy own damn fault. Wishful thinking, I guess...
DeleteSorry about all the issues this week! Hopefully your hip will heal up quickly. I have never tried to swim/pool run with my phone because I just don't trust those "waterproof" cases. I think you will be in amazing shape with all the biking and pool running!
ReplyDeleteLesson learned! I guess it's never too late to teach an old dog new tricks.
DeleteI have a dumb question... when pool running, is it like running with your feet touching the floor of the pool, or is it like running in the deep end where you can't touch and you're sort of treading water?
ReplyDeleteWhen I was stuck swimming (I know some people like swimming, but for me, I looked at it as being STUCK swimming) I purchased an underwater MP3 player. There was no way I would have been able to swim without it! I could listen to my podcasts or download a CD to listen to. Maybe you could get one of those to make pool running more fun?
I am sorry this was a tough week. I've been there. Doctors... wondering if something is just sore or is an injury or is a stress fracture... It just SUCKS.
As I told you, I was on the elliptical a lot for my first marathon and my friend swam her way to a BQ. It's not ideal but it can be done! And you know what, you will be in BIG FREAKING SUR and so what if the marathon takes you a little longer and you get to stop and smell the roses and take pictures for all of us to see. :) <3
It's running in the deep end (or the diving well in my case) using the same motions as you do when you run. I wear a floatation belt. I am not a swimmer and will not be putting my face in the water.
DeleteI don't think I have a fracture. I've had no pain at all since Tuesday. Becky concurs. Looks like a hip flexor strain.
Yep, this race is for run and not for time and I will be there! With Kristina!
I'm gasping at your phone story! Yikes! So sorry. You'd love the place I pool ran because the lifeguard always jammed classic rock from his boom box. I never brought my own tunes. I think the trick to extended pool running is just bearing down mentally. No magic there. I think you "hit bottom" with this training cycle. Now it's all going to start coming together. xo
ReplyDeleteOMG, they had MeTV radio on. It was like a fluffy trip back to my childhood. And I agree with you about hitting bottom this week. Today's bike ride showed me that I'm still the boss of me.
DeleteHah! I was not thinking that you should have gone more miles! I was thinking that 40F on the bike is pretty cold. I want it to be mid-40s and sunny at least. I hope your hip just needs a bit of time off.
ReplyDeleteHaha! I knew someone else would dial into my OCD about that distance. But there was just NO way I could go any further.
DeleteI have never ran a marathon. The furthest I've ran is 3 miles. You did some serious training! Wish I had that much time for fitness. I bet you had a lot of fun running in Florida. We are heading down there for spring break this Friday. I can't wait! I'd love to go running on the beach, but I need new running shoes and our money is a little tight right now. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
ReplyDeleteI don't run on the beach--it's caused injuries for me in the past. So I save the beach for shelling and walking. It's my zen time!
DeleteYou will do this!! And yes I totally understand the anxious feeling of training with not much running. Lol! I love the beach, and I could sit there for hours just watching the waves!
ReplyDeleteIt just feels wrong to not be running! Hopefully I can get back on track this week.
DeleteOh boy. What a week! Awesome job getting in good workouts during a week of doctor-prescribed rest. Holly has definitely taught me that it's possible to continue training when you can't run. You do what you can do, and in your case, you did awesome. Congrats on that 45-mile bike ride! So impressive!
ReplyDeleteWell, thank you! I feel so much better about my marathon with that bike ride under my belt!
DeleteMy marathon PR happened when I crossed trained every week on my mountain bike. 7 minutes faster with a 3 1/2 year older body. I DNFd a long run due to GI distress but was able to ride 1 1/2 hours with no problems. So, yes, you can!
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you for this! I so needed to hear it. Mentally, I know I have it in me to do it, but having good long run would certainly help the confidence factor!
DeleteOh dang I'm sorry about your phone! Do you think you could get your money back on the case since it obviously didn't work? I know it was a pain to get a new one back the way your old one was. I hate you've had to deal with all the issues you have but you are going to Big Sur and it is going to be amazing I just know it!!! Thanks Wendy for linking up and your continued support!
ReplyDeleteI did get my $$ back on the case. And can I just say that my new iphone 6s is not the phone my old iphone 6 was. Too many weird upgrades, if you ask me...
DeleteI've never trained with primarily cross-training but I honestly think you can do anything you decide you want to. I believe in you and think you will get to Big Sur ready to have the BEST day and really take in that course. You're a rock star, lady!
ReplyDeleteNo, you're the rock star! How about that sub-2? Woo hoo!
DeleteAnd thanks so much for your ongoing support. I know I can do Big Sur, but it sure would feel better having some good runs under my belt!
Holly is my total inspiration for this training. Knowing that she did it, I feel much more confident with this approach.
ReplyDeleteYes, well you know the crazy stuff I did for 10 weeks. You can do it, Sista. You will conquer Big Sur. And the memory of this insane alternate training will do nothing but fuel your fire and propel you to the finish line. For the pool, get an iPod shuffle and clip it to a headband. It's well worth the money and I bet you'll use it for more than the pool. It's impossible to suffer through hours of pool running without music. Thanks for linking with us Wendy.
ReplyDeleteI know what you did and you are my inspiration right now. Whatever it takes, I will line up at that start line. Thanks for setting the standard!
DeleteI hate when bike lanes aren't really bike lanes (not quite wide enough) or drivers don't seem to care. It's such a relief to get on a good path and be able to zone out. Great job cross training and keeping your week productive! I hope you have pain-free runs next week and are able to get back to it. :)
ReplyDeleteThat "bike friendly suburb" almost made me turn around and go home. I'm glad I didn't, but let's just say my heart was pounding!
DeleteGlad that you stopped your run at mile four if you were feeling pain. Sometimes it's hard to tell if it's something we should just push through or not.
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of a pool running belt. I would be afraid to submerge any electronics in water whether it has a water proof case on it or not. It would be just my luck..lol
As it was mine. Still feeling stupid...
DeleteIf anyone can do it, you can. I train for marathons much differently than most only have ONE long run, and 2 shorts. I cross train for the rest. You can do it hon!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I had such a good base leading up to this week. Hopefully I can maintain some of that for Big sur.
DeleteOh Wendy. You have the best attitude despite all the crap being thrown your way. You have the endurance and grit, Big Sur will be just fine. This sounds a bit like how my spring played out last year when I had Grandma's on the calendar. Chin UP! Keep smiling and keep inspiring ;-)
ReplyDeleteI'm just glad Big Sur is a destination race and not for time. Otherwise I'd be in a panic!
DeleteI'm sure you'll do great at Big Sur! That's too bad about drowning your phone! Great job on your longest bike ride!! I've never gone that far. Three hours+ on the bike....wow you rock!
ReplyDeleteThe ride wasn't as hard as I thought until about the last 5 miles. Then my quads rebelled!
DeleteYou poor thing. I did the majority of my final training for MCM by cross training. It went fine!
ReplyDeleteThis is good to hear! :)
DeleteWhat a week, Wendy! I have no doubt that you'll be ready for Big Sur, but I can only imagine how frustrating it is to try and train for a marathon without being able to run the miles that you want/need to. Thankfully, cross training does help, even if you're doubting that it'll get you ready for race day. Keep you chin up!
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful to have such a strong running base up until now--even though not running is not the way to prep for a marathon, I think I'll be ok.
DeleteWell, obviously you know Holly did it. I always think a challenging training cycle means a good race. So there's that.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the iphone -- that really sucks. There are a few companies that make a waterproof ipod shuffle, or at least there were. For reelz.
Meh, I think I'll skip any electronics in the pool and just suck it up. It will be good mental toughness training, right?
DeleteWOW...your workouts make me feel like a total slacker! :D You are awesome and amazing!!
ReplyDeleteDon't feel like a slacker! I'm just trying to get to the start line without running.
DeleteOh man! You had quite a week. You might be the most resilient, determined person I know. I hope this week goes better for you. Congrats on your longest bike ride ever.
ReplyDeleteHaha! It really was the longest bike ride ever!
Deletewow what a crazy week for you! I never did pool running when I was injured but I did spin classes a lot and swam. I also ran on an alter G treadmill at phys ther place. Can you get access to one?
ReplyDeleteI don't have access to an alter G. I've heard great things about it, tho!
DeleteI've been struggling lately with injuries too and have been taking to the bike a lot more.It's super nerve wracking but getting to the start line without injury is the ultimate goal and I know it can work. Sorry about your phone, that sucks!
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you! Hopefully crosstraining will work for both of us!
DeleteI'm exactly where you are Wendy having to train for a full marathon with not alot of running in the plan. After my injury in January, I spoke at length with my coach and she said not too worry, that my body knew how to handle a marathon. My longest run before London will be in the 16 mile area, but I'm not worried and you should not be either. You are a strong athlete and will finish Big Sur with a smile. Sorry about your phone...that stinks. Glad the doctor required xrays too. It's important to be sure about an injury.
ReplyDeleteWhile I'm not glad we're in the same boat on the low mileage plan, I'm glad that I'm not alone in this. Thank goodness for experience, right?
Deletegeez, so many things happening all at once! sorry about your phone and the bike crash and the doc visit. Just one day at a time my friend. It definitely sounds like you are due for a really big running break though.
ReplyDeleteThis week had to be rock bottom, right?
DeleteOuch! this week was really testing you! pain, and drowned phone! But you rose to the occasion and kept going! that really counts for a lot! This is exactly why you will have a great marathon!
ReplyDeleteMy fiancé has a waterproof ipod, the tiny one. I think he said he can fit 200 songs in it, with waterproof headphones and all.
Best of luck this week! sending lots of healing thoughts your way!
I'm thinking that I don't want to mix any electronic devices and water. At all.
DeleteI cross train on non-running days, but I've never not run to train for a race. I can imagine it really helps strengthen your muscles, though and the bike will up your endurance! I hope you have a pain free week this week!
ReplyDeleteThat's the goal! Endurance! Yikes!
DeleteSometimes you just gotta cry and get it all out. A lot's happened and it does take its toll. You've got this training, and Big Sur too.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your 45 mile ride! That is great! Way to keep at it with cross training! I have faith that you will do great at Big Sur! Keep at it!
ReplyDeleteI can't quite believe I rode that far! I hope it goes a long way towards my marathon training!
Deleteglad you are home safe and sound and somewhat back to normal :) You sure take a licken and keep on ticken! that bike ride sounded intense! Please rest and follow orders we have another race to run together one day :)
ReplyDeleteI believe we do have another race at the end of the year! Pretty excited about that. Plus my mom and dad won't be there to supervise... :p
DeleteOh Frog Pose--I know it so well. All of that cycling will ruin your hamstrings if you are not careful!
ReplyDeleteI'll be careful. Really!
DeleteI hope your hip heals up! And that's a bummer about your phone, so frustrating. I never trust those waterproof cases but I'd probably attempt to use one anyway. Congrats on the 45 mile bike ride - that's impressive! If anyone can get past injury and prepare strongly for a race with cross-training, it is most certainly you!
ReplyDeleteYour vote of confidence means a ton!
DeleteOh, Wendy! Believe me, I know how you are feeling. You have been doing so great, and I know how frustrating it is to have one little nagging annoyance crop up and derail everything. I am confident that Big Sur is going to be a wonderful experience for you. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteYou totally nailed it. One nagging annoyance aka plantar fasciitis. Really? Thank you for your understanding and support!
Delete45 miles, holy cow!!! You are a beast! I wish you the speediest of recoveries with the injuries. It's the most frustrating feeling and I have cried more times than I care to admit when it comes to the training cycles. BIG HUGS and I KNOW you will do great at Big Sur!!!
ReplyDeleteThe crying felt good and bad at the same time. Does that even make sense?
DeleteWas it the filter you used or was it actually dreary in FL? Do you pool run in just the shallow end?
ReplyDeleteIt was really foggy that morning! The sun was trying to burn through, tho.
DeleteSounds like a crazy busy week! Hope all that pain goes away.
ReplyDeleteWow, you're doing an amazing job! I really admire you for doing this, I couldn't run more than a mile to dave my life :D
ReplyDeleteRunning is my thing!
Deletewhen i train for half, which was 2 years ago, i did cross train with 1-2 different exercises because thats what one of the coach told me. I'm not a fitness expert though. I'm curious to learn about pool run.
ReplyDeleteI do love the cross training. I can't do those high miles any more.
DeleteWhat a week you had! After such an emotional rollercoaster of a week, I can't blame you for breaking down. Unfortunately, I have no pointers for pool running. I've never actually done it before, but I've always wanted to try!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I'll be posting about a few more of those pool running workouts in the next couple of weeks.
DeleteBoy you've really been thrown some curve balls! You are so strong Wendy I know you can get it done with pool running and your other cross training. Hopefully your hip will heal enough for some running too. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteYep, this was a tough week for me! Onward and upward!
DeleteWoah! Looks like a killer week. I'm training for a century ride.. those long rides on a stationary bike are tough!
ReplyDeleteThat's why I braved the cold for my 3 hour ride. There's just no way I could do that on the trainer!
DeletePool running drives me crazy. Yes it's better than not being able to do anything, but still. Great training week Wendy.
ReplyDeleteI'm just trying to mix it all up. Going to road test the legs today. But I'm sure there will be more pool running in my future.
Deletesounds like a rough week. sorry! i have never heard of pool running, but would like to try that!
ReplyDeleteI sure wouldn't want to do it for long term but it's nice to have it as a backup plan.
DeleteOh man! What a week Wendy!!! I'm actually glad you cried and got some of that angst out and, that bike ride sounds painful but amazing...if that makes sense? And yes, my "waterproof" case only sees the deck of the pool and take some video sometimes of form but I would never put my phone in the water - it just freaks me out too much!! Also - I suggest getting the WaterFi waterproof iPod if you have to do extended pool running. It's about $100 but saved my sanity when I was running in the pool 2-3 times a week last year!
ReplyDeleteI've heard from a lot of people about that waterproof iPod--I'm putting it on my list of things I may need. I hope I never have to buy it, tho!
DeleteUgh sorry you didn't have the greatest week! Your 3 hour ride is amazing though! I have been wanting to get a road bike to get into tris but I'm terrified of riding on the road around here. Not bike friendly AT ALL. A few years ago, someone threw down tacks where cyclists ride in a rural section. WTF is that?!? So yea, I'm nervous about that... Hope this week is better! <3 -C
ReplyDeleteOooh! Tacks on the path? That really is unfriendly! Mostly I get run off the road. I try to keep to the forest preserve paths for that reason.
DeleteI really enjoy reading your progress every week. You put so much heart and soul into your workouts and I can relate to that as well as admire that. So glad there was no fracture! Pool running?! That sounds kind of cool. Minus the phone malfunction!
ReplyDeleteThere's always something new to learn, isn't there? Yikes.
Deletesounds like you have an awesome coach. we all have those days.
ReplyDeleteAnd hopefully those days are done for this training cycle!
DeleteLoved reading this recap of your workouts! Sorry about your hip. Hope it's nothing too serious- hip injuries are sucky. Also sorry about your iPhone.. when I first read that you bought a waterproof case I was like "those exist? I don't know that I would trust it." haha Oh well, now you know. Glad you had a good cry and your coach helped you out. Also sounds like you had a great bike ride-- I def. wasn't judging you for not going a few more miles-- I think the longest ride I'd done was about 25-30 miles so I think you're awesome!! Good luck with the rest of your training!
ReplyDeleteStay tuned if you want to see some real creative marathon training! This should be interesting.
DeleteA 45 mile bike ride sounds amazing! I really need to invest in a bicycle...one of these days! I didn't know you had a crash on your bike, sorry to hear that. You've got a great team working with you and I know you'll make it to Big Sur in one piece!
ReplyDeleteI have to say that besides my coach, my bike is the best money I've ever spent. That bike has gotten me through some tough injuries!
DeleteThere is a rule that if you don't take a picture you didn't workout, LOL I guess that means I rarely workout ha ha.. But then again I am a solo runner so it is okay, there is no one to snap the pictures anyway. :)
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned it wasn't your best week, but it was still a steller workout week in a lot of aspects. I think you'll do great in Big Sur!
If you count hiking as cross training then yes I do that while marathon training:) But pool running would be fun!
I don't know if pool running is fun, but hey, variety is the spice of life, right?
DeleteWhat a crazy week for you. I rode my bike for a good portion of training and didn't miss a beat when I returned to running. I also didn't know it was 1.5x the time of a run. Oops. Lol!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if that bike: running ratio is true! But hey, it's a good excuse to ride more.
DeleteMy fingers are crossed for you that your hip is ok! I too am taking a bit of extra rest as I am having some tight calf issues. Smart plan to bike and pool jog instead!
ReplyDeleteMarathon training is really hard on a body! I'm going to throw in some running, to keep my legs in the game, but I have completely modified my plan now.
DeleteMy last 3 weeks before NYCM I got hurt and couldn't run. I did cycling and pool running...and ended up running my best marathon to date! I have no doubt you will be ok :)
ReplyDeleteAlsol finally checked out that cycling youtube and can't wait to try their videos! I wish my gym had wifi but now I also wish I had my own spin bike!
I don't mind not having a spin bike..my road bike in the trainer works just great! Plus I get used to sitting on that hard seat...
DeleteYou definitely made all the right calls. I've trained for a marathon without doing as much running as I would like, but it made the difference between crossing the finish line healthy or not at all. I am going through it again right now, in the weeks leading up to Big Sur. Luckily, I was able to move to the 21 miler from the full marathon. Super grateful for that, as 21 miles is much more realistic. I try not to think too much about it and just focus on doing the next right thing, whatever that is. Going to bed early, foam rolling, strength training, etc. I try not to think about tomorrow's workout until it is time to do it and internally monitor all those niggles to make sure they aren't turning into something else. I am confident that you are going to crush BIg Sur and I'm looking forward to seeing you there!
ReplyDeleteI don't know about crush but I'm looking forward to the whole Big Sur experience and meeting you too!
Delete