Sunday, April 17, 2016

Big Sur Marathon Training Week 11

It's the final countdown to the Big Sur Marathon! One week to go until the race. This was my last full effort. And I am ready!

Big Sur Marathon Training Week 11


Monday: rest day. But I did stop on the way to work to steal me some sunshine. And a yoga pose.

Big Sur Marathon Training Week 11
Reverse warrior
Tuesday: I had 6 miles on the plan, so I went to the pool for some pool running. The lifeguards were very chipper this morning. One of the lifeguards was dancing as he patrolled around the dive well. Apparently earlier this year there was an issue with a swimmer who complained that the music was too loud. Long story short, OSHA came out to check the sound system and found that it was within acceptable limits. So the lifeguards got their groove back.

I didn't get a selfie, though because they were just too observant! I thought maybe I'd get one in the locker room, but all the pool noodlers were in there, getting ready for class. I did overhear this: when asked by another noodler how she was feeling since she got out of the hospital, a lady replied that her "stupid doctor" put her on some heart medication but she's not taking it because she's "mad at him". Don't you love that kind of logic? I wonder how that's working out for her.

Big Sur Marathon Training Week 11

Wednesday: There was speedwork on the plan but since I'm still taking it easy on my feet, I put my bike in the trainer for another GCN video. This one was called HIIT Intense Cycle Training Workout. It was supposed to be 40 minutes BUT there's a little surprise at the end. The instructor threw in an extra set of intervals. I laughed to myself because the people in the class did not look happy when he announced it. I wasn't either because this is another really tough workout. And dammit, there were ads in this video. One of them popped up right in the middle of that last interval too. That really threw me off. The other thing that I noticed is that there is one girl who is in every one of these GCN videos. I call her RBF because, RBF. She looks miserable in every video. At the end of this one she's talking with the girl next to her and I had the thought that this would be perfect for some bad lip reading. "How about that last interval?" "This guy is a real dick." "Let's go get Starbucks."

There was some yoga, after all that.
Big Sur Half Marathon Week 11
Twisted high lunge
Thursday: I headed to the pool for another hour of pool running aka aqua jogging around the dive well. For almost the whole time, I had the dive well to myself, with the exception of the lifeguards. With about 15 minutes left to go, the pool noodlers joined me for their warm up. One lady, a newbie, asked me if this was a class. I shook my head no, but thought to myself, do I look like a freaking pool noodler? I just picked up the pace and kept going.

Big Sur Marathon Training Week 11
He moves fast!
Later I went to see Becky for my final session until after the marathon. She had a tough workout planned for me. I pulled the sled, loaded up with plates, down the street. Every once in a while, she had me stop and do KB swings, KB deadlifts, or sidesteps with the resistance band. When she finally let me turn around, she got the idea to have me walk backwards, pulling the sled. At least I could see the cars coming at me before they might hit me, right? There were more KB swings and sidesteps. No rowing today, thankfully. My hips, glutes, and hamstrings were sore. This will be good for those hills of California.

Big Sur Marathon Training Week 11
This one's for the downhills

Friday: rest day.

Saturday: I had 4 miles on the plan and that's what I set out to do before work. It was a perfect morning for a run. 45 degrees, no wind, bright sunshine--oh my! Spring, where have you been? I took it easy, my legs felt good, and nope, no foot pain. I even picked up a penny for good luck. Could this be happening? 4.31m/8:39m/m

Big Sur Marathon Training Week 11
Warrior 2
Sunday: I had eight miles on the plan and I wanted to enjoy them since this would be my last run until Big Sur. I ran to my favorite place to train, the retention pond with the 2 mile loop. I haven't run much there since my injury. Even though it was early, the parking lot was packed. My foot didn't bother me much but the temperatures did. I haven't run in warm weather since Florida, 6 weeks ago. I'm not complaining, but it did make things a little tougher for me! What a great way to wrap up my marathon training cycle! 8.34 miles/8:54m/m

Big Sur Marathon Training Week 11
It doesn't get any better than this.
And now the final countdown begins. I'm not planning on running at all this week. Fresh feet is the goal. A little cycling, pool running, and yoga just to keep me from going completely nuts.

How was your week? Is spring happening where you are? Do you pick up pennies for good luck?

Good luck to everyone running Boston tomorrow!!!

I'm linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap. It's the place to be. You don't want to miss out, do you?












I'm also linking up with Erin at Her Heartland Soul for her Weekend Snapshot. Got a few of those in this post...

114 comments :

  1. Nice job last week! You have put in some solid training and it seems like you are ready for your race. Sounds like a smart plan to stay off your feet this week!

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    1. Fingers and toes crossed that everything goes well! thank you Lisa!

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  2. Wasn't it just the most gorgeous week and weekend :D And YAY for you getting to the end of it all! That is awesome. Now just to keep everything together :D
    And That is hilarious that the patient stopped taking meds as a WHAT NOW to her doctor. SMH

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    1. Exactly, Suz! Hoping that everything stays rainbows and sunshine.

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  3. You are ready!! Also, what is a pool noodler?? LOL LOL!!!

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    1. That's what I call the elderly ladies who use those pool noodles for exercise. Someday it will be me. I know.

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  4. Sounds like you are ready ! Fingers crossed for great running conditions.

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  5. So now that your training is done, does this mean no more macking on the lifeguards...er, I mean pool running? ;)

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    1. No, pretty sure there will still be pool running in my future! Haha!

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  6. You have such a great sky in your outdoor selfies. Is that a filter?
    I would have never thought about pulling. A sled with weights. That will absolutely be great training for those Big Sur hills!

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    1. I use Snapseed for my photos. It's been a lot of fun playing with the filters.

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  7. We're back in So Cal for a few weeks - highs in the 80s. You're gonna love the Big Sur area! Hope this weeks goes really quickly for you.

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  8. Sounds like you had a great week of training. I'm glad your foot is doing so good! That cracked me up about the lifeguards being too observant. I’m that way when I take selfies too. I try to make sure no one is looking at me. Lol Your bad lip reading of your cycling video also made me laugh too! Good luck next week! I can't wait to read all about it!

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  9. I'm so excited for you!! Can't wait to hear about Big Sur and California running!

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  10. Gosh, pool running has been a great source for story-telling! Too funny! I'm so glad you had a great week. Big Sur, here you come!

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    1. Who knew, right? I guess there's always a way to entertain yourself.

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  11. Wendy you are so ready! I'm excited for you and can't wait to hear how it goes!

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    1. Praying that my foot behaves! All the rest of the pieces are in place!

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  12. Sounds like you are ready! I am really excited for you have a great week and rest up

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    1. Yes! My feet are a little sore after yesterday's run and Matthew's rugby game.

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  13. WOOT!!!!! I am SOOOO excited for you! I look forward to seeing (and hearing) how it goes for you and Kristina! (and, YES, I pickup pennies, and nickels, and dimes....one time, I even found a $20!)

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  14. Sounds like you are ready for Big Sur! You will do awesome!!

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  15. Wendy - I can't believe your Big Sur Marathon is almost here - time flies! Following your training for this run was awesome. I think I told you many times what a great inspiration you are, and those Yoga pics truly rock! You will be great! Can't wait to read all about it!

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    1. Thank! I wondered if I was wearing everyone out with all my ups and down. It's been a challenging training cycle, for sure!

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  16. Hooray for race week! It's so exciting that it's finally here. I'm glad to read that you feel ready to go and that the foot has been feeling good. You are going to have a great time at Big Sur, I know it. Glad you were able to sneak that one selfie in at the pool when the lifeguard's back was turned - you crack me up!

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  17. While dealing with an injury with a big race on the horizon, you have stayed so positive. I think all that pool running will help you so much at Big Sur. Your training last week was really solid and you must feel great about the race. Yay for vacation races!

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    1. I'm looking forward to hearing all about London! Good luck to you, Pam!

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  18. Looks like a great week! I pick up pennies for good luck :) Love your beautiful yoga pics. I love your life guard/pool selfie battle it really cracks me up.

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  19. I am so excited for you and I really loved following along with your journey. You've. Got. This.

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    1. Thanks Carla! I hope I didn't wear you out with all my ups and downs.

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  20. eeek so excited for you! any interest in an easy run this week while i'm in your town? let me know!

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    1. I wish I could--I don't know if I'll be able to squeeze it in. :(

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  21. I'm so excited for you, Wendy. You've been smart with your training the past couple of weeks and I have no doubt that it'll pay off on race day.

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  22. GREAT job Wendy!!!! May I ask, what is a pool noodler? LOL, sorry I have NO swimming lingo in my vocabulary!

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    1. I don't think it's an official term--I made it up for those ladies who swim with the pool noodles.

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    2. OOOO, LOL!!! I assumed that is what you meant, but had to make sure. LOL!

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  23. I hope you really are as upbeat as you sound! And I hope all the alternative training works for you (and what about the PT?). It sure worked for Holly!

    May you have bright blue skies & no wind. It's such a beautiful place! What a great area to run a race in. If only their half were actually in Big Sur (it's in Monterey which is also pretty, but not quite the same).

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    1. I am! You'd know if I wasn't upbeat. I'm not good at hiding my emotions. I am nervous tho!

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  24. What a week...what a great variety of training.... your workout pics with Becky and the crazy things she has you do are always my favorite.... You're going to have a great marathon....enjoy the scenery!

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    1. Oh I love those CrossFit workouts! There will be more fun to come after the marathon. I've got some new different goals.

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  25. You've done the hard work, now just go out, soak up the scenery and enjoy! Whatever BS can dish out, know that you are stronger. You've proven it. Wheeeee for race week!

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    1. Thank you, my friend! Going to run this one on mental strength.

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  26. Alright, it's taper time! I can't to hear all about Big Sur! You finished your last big training week strong! Glad to hear you're feeling better overall.

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    1. I really am so pleasantly surprised that my foot (while still somewhat painful) has really calmed down. Grateful too.

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  27. I can't believe you only have one week left. I hope you have a great time next weekend!

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  28. Well enjoy your taper week, Wendy! Promise to take tons of pictures at Big Sur for us. :)

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  29. You are going to do very good in your Marathon!!

    The warm weather finally is in PA! and we have seen a lot of sun the last few days! I just need the next three days of rain, so we can get it out of the way before the Marathon.

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  30. Awesome week of workouts! And OMG that lady needs to take her heart medication! That is no joke. At least she is doing an excercise that is good for her.. sigh people..

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  31. So excited for you!! You will do awesome! Have a great time in CA! :) Can't wait to hear all bout it!

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  32. You crack me UP! Totally. I don't pick up pennies for good luck. Maybe I should?!

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  33. You sounds so ready and I am so excited for you!!!!! that trainer of yours, man she is tough! Safe travels my friend! We will both be running again this weekend!!!!

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    1. Wish it was together! Guess I'll have to wait until December...

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  34. So glad your foot doesn't hurt! And I would absolutely love to see a pool noodler class. That just sounds hysterical.

    Big Sur is going to be amazing for you! I'm so excited for you - I know all your training will pay off and you will love every minute of it!

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    1. Thank you, Jen! My foot hurts a little ( I won't lie) but it is so much better. I'm so grateful!

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  35. Good luck on Sunday!! I'm happy it's warming up, but it's definitely something to get used to again.

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  36. I may regret this but, Ok I have to ask what is a pool noodler anyway? All I can picture is women with noodles doing some kind of dance in the water, bad I know!! :)
    You are so ready and I am just as excited for you. What kind of weather is it like in Big Sur, we wondered if you'll be dealing with wind like us?

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    1. Pretty sure it will be windy. But that's not problem--it's so windy in Chicago that I'm used to it.

      Those pool noodlers are the older women who just swim with the noodles. I guess it's better than nothing, but it doesn't seem very strenuous to me!

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  37. I can't believe your race is so soon! I hope you have an amazing race!

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  38. I always love your pictures, you use a great filter for them, so fitting for running and working out!!!
    Rest up, get a little walking in to keep yourself loose and you are going to have an awesome race this weekend! Hope you get perfect running conditions and that the fog clears a bit by the time you get down around the cliff view areas, it's absolutely stunning to look down around the coast when it starts to clear! Have a great race, and a great trip!!!

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    1. Thank you! This is truly a dream come true--I want to just soak it all in!

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  39. I had to deal with the geriatric aqua aerobics class. Most of them could barely walk. I was kicked out of their lanes a few times. At least they were making an effort. You've.so.got.this! I hope you have a wonderful experience and a truly incredible trip to the west coast. Think about pool running during the race. It will give you extra motivation. Thanks for linking with us Wendy.

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    1. Thank you! I will draw on that pool running to motivate me. I so appreciate all your guidance and support!

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  40. LOL at the dancing lifeguards at the pool. Better than one of the pools I went to recently where the lifeguard was literally dozing off in the corner. Nice to get paid to guard peoples' lives and take a nap at the same time, too, eh?

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    1. These lifeguards are really diligent. One of the guys doesn't take his eyes off me. It's a little unnerving!

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  41. Great week Wendy! Can't wait to see how your race goes!

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  42. So amazing! What a great week...so excited for you. I can't wait to read all about your Big Sur marathon experience!

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    1. I'm really excited and I still can't believe I get to do this!

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  43. Yes, I always pick up pennies! Good job on your training!

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  44. Congrats on the pain free runs!! I hope you continue to run pain free and enjoy all of that wonderful CA sunshine!

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    1. Thank you! Hoping for 26.2 pain free miles. I know, I know...it's a lot to ask!

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  45. What a fun energetic feel good post Wendy. Yes spring is finally here, but I'm not sure if it's here to stay.

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  46. sounds like you are prepared for your marathon! good luck!!!

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  47. Pool noodlers--lol! You are definitely ready for Big Sur! I've been hiking there and am jealous that you get to run on such a beautiful course. Rest up this week and have at Big Sur!

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  48. Such a pretty warrior picture!!! So excited for you!!! I hope it's everything you dreamed of!!!

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  49. you've totally got this! you've put in the work! best of luck to you :)

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  50. Woohoo, only several days left until Big Sur! Your motivation and determination will get you to the finish line. And since you're resting your feet all week, hope the PF will stay quiet during the entire race. Enjoy the scenery as it will be amazing and have a great time with your husband in Monterey!

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    1. Hoping for complete silence from that foot. For 26.2! Thank you!

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  51. Love the sled pulls and too funny about the noodle folks! Great week recap.

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  52. Well done, seems like an awesome week! I love how versatile your workouts are

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  53. OMG wendy! If I had a dollar for every person that tells me " It's just genetics, that's why I'm getting cavities and bleeding" Yup - you're right, you're bleeding like a stuck pig because of genetics! :) Oh and that "cottage cheese on your teeth AKA: plaque just somehow 'got' there. " Mmmm hmmmm.. why don't you listen to my advice and maybe floss a bit and pick up a brush every now and again. * insert soap box here. Wishing you all of the luck and fast feet at Big Sur - enjoy every moment!

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    1. LOL! And I floss every day. So there you go. I'd be your favorite patient.

      Thank you Gina! I'm so so excited! Can you tell?

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  54. Wow you are doing awesome, even with having a bought of PF

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    1. This bout of PF has been the worst. I'm grateful to have it down to a dull roar.

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  55. So close. I cannot wait to hear how it goes. Take lots of pictures.

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    1. Thank you Abby! There will be lots of pictures. That's the goal. This one's all about the experience.

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  56. I'm so excited for you!!!!!! And can't you just die from the pool noodlers conversations? OMG!!! And, for the record, you do NOT look like one of them!

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    1. Every week I hear the funniest things from these ladies. I'm sure we will all be the same way!

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  57. Nice job! I'm SO EXCITED FOR YOU! 3 days left according to your countdown timer!!!! Best of luck Wendy and most importantly, ENJOY IT. I can't wait to read your recap!

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    1. Thanks Phaedra! I plan on enjoying every bit of it. Except maybe that big hill in the middle...

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  58. I'm a little late on commenting on this one but...can't wait to hear how Big Sur went this weekend!

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