I’m not gonna lie…this was a tough and whiny week for me. Maybe it’s because I expected too much from myself — or maybe it’s because I’m at the point in my training where I get whiny, but if I had to define this week in one word — it would be this one…
Sunday – Long Run – 9 miles 1:24/9:20 pace
This was a short run for us, but it truly kicked my ass. We started off at a 10:00 pace and then gained speed throughout. Don’t let the overall pace fool you — the last few miles were at an 8:30 pace! My legs could tell the next day – they were more sore after the 9-miler than they were after the 18-miler!
Monday – Off
Tuesday – Tempo Run (or Runs) – 6.20 miles 58:57/9:30 pace
You remember my two-a-day Tuesday, right??
First run sucked, Second run was MUCH better but I almost lost my dinner.
Aren’t you glad you didn’t ask?
Wednesday – Off
I was supposed to do my Upper Body workout – but I didn’t go to bed until LATE (thanks to running at night) and I couldn’t pull myself out of bed. Oh well, at least my workouts are flexible.
Thursday – Elliptical/Upper Body
I did 25 minutes on the elliptical and 25-30 minutes of upper body. I felt REALLY good (and STRONG) after this workout – so it wasn’t all bad this week. Promise 
Friday – Sprints – 3.75 – 34:21/9:09 pace
This weeks sprints were 800 (and 10k pace), 600 & 400 (at 5k pace) — with 200 rest in between. I was supposed to do 3 sets…but things just went all wrong!
First, my iPod died. I used my iPhone instead – but it’s not the same (plus I can’t clip it on me). Then while I was grabbing some water after the first 2 miles (and the first set) the treadmill reset itself. Thankfully, I was walking. I must have hit a button or something. It TOTALLY killed any motivation I had left in me to finish the run. I was SO close to just calling it quits and hopping on an elliptical, but I talked myself into running one more set. It wasn’t a BAD run — I ran the 800s at an 8:49 pace and the 600s & 400s at an 8:20 pace – it was really challenging mentally.
Saturday – Spin – 60 minutes
We had a sub teacher for spin this week — and the verdict is still out on her. I liked her music, but the ride wasn’t a “ride.” It was a lot of popping up and back and switching quickly through positions 1-4. I don’t know – I like that it was fast paced (and I was definitely sweating), but I don’t think I could take her class all the time. I need variation — I need hills, sprints, jumps, and intervals. And I need at least one song where I sit down the whole time (so it can kick my ass).
Whine, whine. whine…
If you’ve missed any or all of my riveting weekly marathon training recaps you can read them here:
If anything – they might help get you to sleep faster at night
I’m officially at the halfway point of my training!! So tell me seasoned marathoners — am I only going to get bitchier from here?
What do you find mentally challenging? (not mentally challenged!)
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I’ve only trained for one marathon so I wouldn’t call myself “seasoned”, however I do know that you will get very excited & antsy for the big day from this point on. I remember the second half of my training going to quickest too, so that’s a good thing
Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance recently posted..Saturday of New Beginnings
I’d say you are seasoned after one marathon! Ha ha. It’s definitely quite the learning experience
I am both freaked out and excited that I only have 10 long runs left! 20 miles next week — ack!!!
Hi Michelle.
Don’t worry about skipping one or two sessions from time to time.
We are not robots programmed to execute task on a schedule. There are many things that affects our strength and forcing yourself to training is simply a bad idea.
Feel weak ? Had a stressful day ? Skip the training, train less. Shorten the mileage, weight or tempo.
Feel strong ? Train more! Rise the tempo, rise your distance.
Fixed workouts/sessions are very unnatural in my opinion.
Luke recently posted..How to Install a Satellite Dish DIY
“We are not robots programmed to execute task on a schedule. There are many things that affects our strength and forcing yourself to training is simply a bad idea.”
So true – thanks for the reminder!! Training isn’t just about keeping physically fit – but mentally fit too!
Girl I’m right with you, not feeling motivated at all to get my runs done lately. I know it’s all cyclical & I just have to stick to it. We’re going to rock our marathons!
PS You’re doing 20 miles this weekend? Do you all do two 20 mile runs before the marathon? Good luck!
Carolina @ Peas in a Blog recently posted..The Mamas & The Papas.
We ARE most definitely going to rock our marathons. I know it!
We are doing two 20 milers and one 22-24 miler (which might just turn into a 20-miler knowing my pace leader!). Only 10 (or less!) weeks to go!!!
I’m officially impressed! My last week was a “blah” week and it consisted of my three scheduled shorter runs (including a VERY pathetic pyramid speed workout) and I completely skipped my 18 mile long run!
It is very inspiring to read your blog and see you push through it! Makes me want to keep my [lack of running] butt in gear!
Thank you!! Keep on running and working out – it doesn’t matter how “pathetic” one week seems to you – it’s all about what you do in the long run! Baby steps lead into bigger steps, right?
Hope you have a better week this week!