Sunday, March 27, 2016

Big Sur Marathon Training Week 8

I may as well just throw my marathon training plan out the window. Although my foot and hip are feeling better, they're still not 100%. Early in the week, I took the legs for a test run and it went pretty well. Still somewhat sore, I had the revelation that while I can run some, I need to modify my training significantly. In fact, I did throw that training plan out. Welcome to Creative Marathon Training 101 aka gimpy runner doesn't want to give up the dream. Feeling optimistic with the new normal, I embarked on the week with renewed vigor.

And then the plague struck...

Big Sur Marathon Training Week 8

Monday: Sore after my mega 45 mile bike ride the day before, I went to Megan's yoga class. She always starts off the class with a reading or a quote, and today was no different. Of course, I don't remember it. But trust me when I tell you it set a nice tone for the class. We worked on more twisting poses, and our peak pose was Fallen Angel. I've never done this pose, and initially, I was nervous about it until I realized that you get to put your head on the ground! 

Big Sur Marathon Training Week 8
Fallen Angel pose
Tuesday: I had 8 miles on the original training plan. It had been a week since I last ran and I decided to go for a slow 6 miles. I felt pretty good during the run. Certainly, I was aware of my injuries but I wasn't in pain. When I finished, I did my heel and calf stretches. As the morning went on, my foot began to bother me, but it was nothing like I had experienced the weeks before. At this point, I realized that a long run was not going to be a good idea. This is when I made the decision to completely modify my training plan. 

Big Sur Marathon Training Week 8
Ecstatic to have a mostly pain free run!
I am 4 weeks away from Big Sur and right now my goal is to get to the start line and finish. I've heard from quite a few people (thank you!) who've trained for marathons by cycling and pool running, and that's what I'm going to focus on. There will be some running, just to keep my legs in the game. But there will be no long runs. Marcia suggested I split the pool running with running on my long run days, which I thought was a good suggestion. 

I'm not at all anxious about this. Well, maybe a little bit. But Big Sur is a bucket list race for me and I am running it for the experience, not for time. I also don't want to be trashed after and not be able to enjoy my "not second honeymoon" with my husband. While this is not the way you want to train for a marathon, I'm at peace with my decision. 

Wednesday: the original marathon plan had hill repeats to do, so I put my bike back in the trainer and pulled up one of CTXC's interval videos. I rode hard and it felt great. Except for the 3 minutes of that EDM version of What Did The Fox Say? Not again! Afterwards, I did the SeaWheeze yoga video that I love so much.

Big Sur Marathon Training Week 8
Cobra Pose
Thursday: I had planned on a 6 mile run, followed by CrossFit. What I didn't plan on is getting the stomach flu. UGH! I had started to feel crummy at work the day before. About 2 am I woke up and the party started. I sipped on Tailwind most of the morning. Because having the stomach flu is kind of like an endurance event, isn't it? All those trips to the bathroom? The pain? The "I just want to die" feeling? And the feeling of victory when you realize it's all over? No medal tho.

Big Sur Marathon Training Week 8

Friday: A scheduled rest day, I was still feeling ill and had to call off work. I may have shed a few tears of frustration. I spent yet another day on the couch and ruminated about this marathon training cycle and all the missed running. In my Runfessions post I asked for good vibes and received a ton of them. Thank you to everyone! I used the time off my feet to write my blog posts for the week. I watched a wonderful movie, Brooklyn (more tears). I started eating again, focusing on bland but protein rich foods. I jumped into a short IG yoga challenge. Luckily, today's pose was sun salutation. The sun felt good but the pose was about all I could handle!

Big Sur Marathon Training Week 8
Sun salutation
#yogaisintheair
Saturday: A good night's sleep and a mostly calm tummy had me feeling optimistic. The sun was shining, it was 50F, and I was beyond excited to put on my running shoes to run 6 miles. I promised myself I'd go slow, and as it turned out, I had no other choice since I struggled to reach 9min/mi pace. Only one pit stop needed, and I even got my pose of the day in for the #YogaisintheAir IG challenge. 6.08mi/9:03m/m

Eye of the tiger, baby!
Crow pose
#yogaisintheair

Sunday: I had a 15 mile run scheduled for today. I hemmed and hawed over how to accomplish something that would be equivalent. My first "brick" workout (and I'm not even a triathlete!), I would have gone pool running first but the pool was closed for Easter. Instead, I decided to run 6 and bike 20.

The run again was slow--I'm still somewhat fatigued from my illness--but besides my foot pain, I felt strong. My legs felt fantastic and I lamented that my foot was holding me back. Yes, it hurt. But no worse when I finished. I consider that a win. 6.20m/9 min/mi

Big Sur Marathon Training Week 8

I came home, ate breakfast, and changed out of my sweaty clothes. It's funny, when you run you dress for warmer conditions because you heat up as you move. But for the bike, you need to dress for cooler temps because the wind resistance cools you down. Even though it was 52 when I went out, I covered my ears and slipped on my gloves. I rode to the bike path where I have done so much of my race training. The path was getting crowded with walkers and little kids on bikes. Note to self: it's that time of year. Must go earlier. Overall, it was a good ride, and I'm grateful to be able to train like this. 

There was one funny thing that happened on the way back. Part of the path crosses a busy road, and I pulled up next to another woman on a bike. I had passed her earlier on the path. She didn't acknowledge me and when we had an opportunity to cross the road, she pushed off in a hurry, pedalling furiously. What was that all about? Ohh hell no! My inner competitor woke up to the challenge, and I began to pedal strongly. She was moving pretty well but it wasn't long before I passed her up. Smokin'. I might not be able to run fast, but I've still got skillzzzzzzz....

Big Sur Marathon Training Week 8
Today's #yogaisintheair challenge pose was lotus. Which is a huge challenge for me with my tight hips. When I got into this pose, a cyclist stopped to ask me if I was ok. I laughed and told him I was taking a selfie. LOL! BTW, I love this mural, which is on a school that I pass to get to the bike path..
How was your week? Any funny training stories you want to share? Anyone else changing their marathon training plan? 

I'm linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap! It's the best! And they are too!



91 comments :

  1. Yikes, sounds like we had somewhat similar weeks, except I had a terrible chest cold that kept me from running. Sorry to hear about your training, but I love your positive attitude. Hope you are feeling better soon!

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  2. I rode a lot more than I ran this week, but I'm not really training for anything right now, so I'm good with it.

    A suggestion for your next brick: Try doing the ride first, then your legs will feel more fatigued, which will feel like the end of a long run.

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    1. It's a great idea, except that if I'm fatigued I might come down too hard on my gimpy foot...

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  3. Sorry to hear you were sick this week, no fun. My marathon training plan called for 4 runs a week, or 3 if you are over 40. So that is all I did, with a 4th one once in a while. It worked to keep injury at bay.... at least so far. Hope your week is better. Love the lotus picture !

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    1. Really? Modifications for the "older runner"? I've never heard of that! And I've been running 4 days/week all this time...LOL!

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  4. I know you had a crappy (Sorry about the pun. No, I'm not), but you handle it with your usual grace and aplomb. Yeah, yeah, I know you shed a few tears of frustration, but in the end you pondered how best to alter your training to go forward and get that Big Sur into your experience and developed a viable plan. What a rocker!

    I have another friend, in state, who is running her third Boston (She had completed her marathon when the bombs blew in2013) in three weeks and is dealing with a setback, too. Doing the best she can, as you are, dealing with the cards handed her, as do you. Always. You two are my biggest heroes.

    No doubt you will both get your big events done, especially as you are not pushing for time but for the experience. It will be a joy to follow your final few weeks of preparation. And prepared you will most surely be.

    Hugs and good vibes --- and mojo --- flying westward to you.

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    1. Yes, Connie, crappy pretty much sums it up--literally and figuratively! I'm catching all your good vibes in a net. And carrying them with me on all my workouts this week.

      Thank you! <3

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  5. You got this, Wendy! I know you are going to grab your new training plan by the balls. You are not one to give up. Glad your tummy is feeling better. Do you find that you get sick a lot (I assume you are around sick kids a lot!) or do you think you built up a bit of a tolerance?

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    1. I actually don't get sick much (years of being exposed has probably really given me a pretty good immune system) but when I do, I'm really sick. This was probably a rogue bug that I hadn't been exposed to in the past. It was bad. I wouldn't wish it even on Donald Trump. Well, maybe...

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    2. You don't need to wish it on him, I'll wish it on him for you!

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  6. Sorry to hear you weren't feeling well last wk. You have had great training leading up to this big race. You will do great when the time comes!

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  7. It sounds like you do have a good plan to get yourself to and through Big Sur! Ugh on the stomach bug. Glad you are getting over that at least! My husband doesn't like getting passed on the bike. I don't mind getting passed, but I do mind if the person then gets pokey so I have to pass them - I don't want to start a road rage battle on the bike path!

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    1. Normally, I don't mind getting passed but there was something in her demeanor...and she didn't even nod or acknowledge me. I just thought it was odd and well....you know the rest...

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  8. Sorry to hear it was a rough week. You are still getting in some great workouts. I think your modified plan sounds great and I'm sure it will be enough to make Big Sur an enjoyable experience.

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  9. Great week with the pain and sickness. I had a 1 to 2 day flu a few weeks ago and it was terrible. I didn't want to eat anything flavorful even after I felt better. Keep rocking your modified training plan -- you're on track and Big Sur will be so beautiful and fun.

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  10. Glad to hear that you are feeling better and that you are running again. You have a great attitude about your race. I am sure you will enjoy it and in California...how could you not?

    I can't wait to see pics.

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    1. There won't be a ton of running the next 4 weeks, just enough to keep my legs in the game and hopefully not aggravate my foot. I'm really excited about Big Sur but I'm also a little nervous about the foot...Kristina promises me she'll keep me going...

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  11. I'm sorry you had such a rough week! But, you still got some training done! You will do this! You're so close!

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  12. You just Crack me up with your competitive nature. You rock! I'm glad to see your feeling better. I sure don't have advice on your training but I got plenty of good vibes to give out!!

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  13. The stomach flu on top of you foot injury just isn't fair! Hope this week goes much better for you!

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    1. I hope I got all the bad juju out of the way now. Onward and upward!

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  14. oOOhhhh i love all the yoga you do with each post......i've never know you could put your head down on that fallen angel pose (my instructors call it something different). they always advise against as the angle your hear lands, might injure neck. gotta ask next time.

    good vibes still comin. you will be fine. don't worry

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    1. My instructor said to put your ear down. I couldn't get that far. It's a work in progress.

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  15. Ugh, stomach flu is the worst....I'm curious to see how your training goes...I think if a you still put in the time that a long run would take into another form of exercise, hopefully you'll be ok....who knows, maybe your runner legs will be so fresh by Big Sur that you'll surprise yourself

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    1. My legs feel so fresh when I do run. I'm hoping that endurance is endurance and will pay off on the hills of California!

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  16. Sorry to hear you got the stomach flu! You are doing great with modifying your training! I'm sure you'll do fine at Big Sur! Love your yoga poses!!

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  17. We are living parallel lives! I had the stomach bug yesterday (well, the start of it) but was determined to do my long ride and rode 30 miles on the trainer, showered and went to bed for the rest of the day!!! It's SOOOO frustrating! Sounds like you have moved passed it so it gives me hope. I also love how you smoked that woman on the bike - YES!!!

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    1. Haha! I couldn't not accept the challenge. What the hell is wrong with me? LOL

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  18. Oh Wendy, the stomach flu is no joke. I am so sorry you had to deal with that on top of trying to revamp your marathon training plan. I am in the same boat, with a nagging piriformis issue on my right side and will run the London Marathon regardless. It won't be pretty, but I know I can finish, just like you will finish Big Sur with a smile!

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    1. That was my exact thought yesterday...this marathon is going to be ugly...

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  19. You are my hero! And I know you're not gonna let PF win this battle ;-) Onward!!

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  20. I had a five week taper for MCM thanks to issues with my hip and bronchitis. It wasn't my best marathon, but I ran it steady and wasn't trashed after. You've got a good base - just keep active with the biking and pool running and you'll do fine. Hope the foot feels better soon!

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    1. Thank you for this! Hearing other peoples' stories about less than optimal marathon training gives me lots of comfort that I'll be able to pull this one off.

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  21. I think you have the right idea-- just do what you have to do to get there in one piece! Sorry you had another tough week.

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  22. So sorry to hear you were sick, but glad you're on the mend! I hate when illness interrupts my workout schedule...or any schedule. Congrats on a great week of training regardless. Have a good week!

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  23. I also drink Powerade/Nuun when I have the flu to keep from getting dehydrated. We really should get a medal after the flu leaves.

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  24. The stomach flu! Oh no! I'm glad you're feeling better and I'm also glad you've been able to adjust your plan accordingly. I have no doubt you'll still do amazing at Big Sur. Also - that Fallen Angel yoga pose - way to go! I've never tried that one, but it looks tricky!

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    1. It's not as tricky as it looks! I'm pretty uncoordinated, and if I can do it, anyone can!

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  25. I guess just think about it as getting your steps in? I hope you are totally recovered, in all forms, this week. Sorry you had a crummy one last week. I did too, but not in that way. More just the shambles of my life. Your situation right now reminds me of my first marathon. Just do what you can, try to heal as much as possible, and keep the faith. Fingers crossed for you.

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  26. Aw man, sorry to hear about the stomach bug! And it has to be tough rearranging your workouts but you're making it happen! Have you given any thought to significant slowing down your pace, maybe more around 9.5 or 10-minute miles (or even slower) to see how your body feels so you can get through those longer runs?

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    1. I have slowed down but it's still that foot that bothers me, no matter what pace I run. I'm worried that more time on it will make things worse. Remember how slow I ran my half 2 weeks ago?

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  27. I heard a few people had a stomach bug this week! Your determination never fails to amaze me Wendy!

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    1. I wouldn't be quite so determined if I didn't have a big race breathing down my neck!

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  28. Ah sorry to hear you were sick with the stomach flu! You are doing great modifying your training! Sounds like you have a great plan to enjoy Big Sur and run it for the experience and not for the time.

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  29. Sorry you weren't feeling well ): However, I'm glad you figured out a way to modify your training plan. I would be totally lost!

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  30. The stomach flu is no fun!!! I hope you are feeling better! You have the best attitude and I think you are doing the right thing by modifying your plan. Big Sur is going to be amazing!!! Sending you healing thoughts!! xoxo

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  31. Even with the flu you still crushed your workouts this week! I'm sorry to hear you got sick - it's no fun regardless of training for a marathon or not.
    Are you going to do a triathlon or duathlon someday? You do so well at the bike, running, and those brick workouts that I know you would be amazing at them!

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    1. I won't lie, I panicked when I got sick--since I'm not running much, I don't want to miss any workouts at this point!

      If only I liked to swim...does pool running count?

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  32. Love how you always turn something awful like the 'flu' to it being laughable. I'm sure you weren't laughing when you were in the midst of it. I've never ran Big Sur but I used to live in Monterey. It's absolutely beautiful and scenic! Your positive and creative ways will take you to the start line then it's just a mile at a time to the finish.

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    1. What else can you do but laugh? It was awful but I'm all better now. The only person I'd wish that thing on is Donald Trump...

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  33. Wendy, you must be in fantastic shape to get over your virus so quickly. My sister is 2 weeks & counting. No, I did not say hi to her.

    The cross training will help. The positive attitude will help. And bouncing back so quickly means your stamina will come back sooner rather than later, too.

    Sure, it's unlike to be a PR, but even with the best training cycle, they can't all be a PR. What it will be, if you let it be, is a blast!

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    1. Idk Judy, I felt like those 2 days on the couch were an eternity! And my run on Saturday was tough--I was so tired! But seriously, who has time to "recover"? I'm still having a few stomach issues, but I'm just pushing through it...

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  34. I had to laugh at your throwing out the training plan - hey, being flexible should help get you through life without an ulcer, right?

    BTW, I love whatever you do to your pictures - filter, or ?? - the sky always looks so cool in them!

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    1. Thank you! I use Snapseed to filter my photos. The only bad thing is when I use it for closeups it makes me look old!

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  35. Dang it the stomach flu is the worse :( And you still got a lot of working out in - amazing! You will find a way to that start line Wendy I have no doubt about that! Hope this week is better for you!

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    1. I'm still pushing forward...and all that time on the couch gave me time to plan the rest of our trip. All good!

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  36. Oh, Wendy, I'm so sorry. It's awful being sidelined by illness and injury, especially with such a big event on the horizon. You are tough and I am thinking of you!

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    1. What doesn't kill me will make stronger, right? I won't lie, this was a tough week, mentally!

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  37. I'm so sorry to hear all this Wendy. You and I were both so determined last week, and then we just couldn't execute on our motivation. I'm sure you'll be more than strong enough to get to the start and finish lines next month.

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  38. We should get finisher medals and age group awards for those nasty bugs! I think mixing up your training is a great idea. It was hard for me to cycle for over 4 hours at the time. But, I had no choice -- no weight on my foot. I think you've probably got enough training behind you at this point. You'll soon be in taper mode. Just do a couple of long cardio sessions during the next two weeks and call it a day! Getting to the starting line healthy is more important than anything else. I KNOW you'll get there and have a fantastic race. Thanks for linking Wendy.

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    1. I don't think I could ride for 4 hours. That 3 hour ride was tough, mentally. I'm glad I get to do a little running, at least...

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  39. We deserve a medal for that stomach flu- I agree! Happy you are feeling better! Eye of the Tiger is right! This may not be the training plan you hoped for but it will still be a run adventure of a lifetime! :)

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    1. Wasn't that an epic illness? I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Damn! I consider it part of my training.

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  40. Talk about a tough week--I hope your foot pain subsides! Way to get out there and do the work/stay optimistic-thats the kind of attitude that makes us runners stronger!!

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    1. I have that big goal in 4 weeks and there's no way I'm not lining up! I'll get there no matter what.

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  41. Awww...thank you...I don't think I need the HRM at this point. Less than 4 weeks to go. I go from excited to anxious at least 1000 times/day.

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  42. SOunds like an amazing week despite your set backs, you are a warrior for sure. I am sorry about your illness and your foot pain. I wish I was as strong as you.

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    1. I think we are all strong! If I didn't have this race coming up, trust me, none of this would be happening...

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  43. Good job on getting out there and giving it your all! ouchies on being sick! being sick is the worst!

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    1. I'm just glad I was able to bounce back quickly from that yuck!

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  44. Hang in there! You're doing a great job getting out there and getting those workouts in. I think it's going to help you to have thrown out the original training plan and just focus on what you CAN do. I've kind of been doing the same thing last week and somewhat this week. Technically I'm in taper mode now, but it feels more like I'm building up to a regular workout schedule still. So sorry you caught the stomach bug. That stuff really takes it out of you. I hope that by now you are feeling back to your usual self, energy-wise.

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    1. It's still hard to resist the pull to run outside! Today is gorgeous, perfect running weather but it's taking every ounce of self control to hop on the bike trainer and do my hill repeats.

      Must stay focused....

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  45. You're doing great, Wendy! Being flexible has to be one of the most important aspects of marathon training. Life happens and the training planning has to adapt accordingly. Life sure doesn't adapt for the training plan :) Keep moving forward and being smart about your running and recovery! I loved your bike racing story with that other biking woman. When I was out running back when my oldest was around 4 months old, some guy went sprinting by me and then starting walking. So maybe he was doing intervals, who knows, but my inner competitive mama had to woop him with the jogging stroller! Oh #awkwardrunnermoments. Gotta love them!

    Amy @ http://www.livinglifetruth.com/

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    1. Haha! Today while I was riding my bike, a car pulled out in front of me and started going so slow that I passed him. Seriously.

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  46. Great yoga pictures! I admire your attitude about Big Sur. Very frustrating when you can't get in the running miles, but I do think you've received a lot of good advice. Funny story about the woman on the bike next to you. I often find that cyclists are pretty social people and like to ride in groups and really take care of each other. However, there's always those one-offs that just aren't inclined to be friendly (most cyclists assume those are triathletes, although I'll defend my own and say it isn't necessarily true. Although triathletes tend to train alone more as they don't draft in races). Good luck with the modified plan, Wendy. I'm rooting for you!

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