All that worrying yesterday – and I didn’t see ANY rain until I was driving home from my run!
My run this morning was decent. A little on the slow side (it was just David and I and we did 13.5 miles in 2:21 — so a 10:26 pace), but not terrible! In an effort to avoid a lot of the Saturday runners who decided to run today instead (wusses – they COULD have attempted to just run on the treadmill like this girl), we did the reverse of what we usually do (not that I know where I am most of the time). It was kinda weird seeing everything from a different view! We also didn’t run as much on brick, which my ankles appreciate.
One thing I was NOT expecting today was for my legs to feel as tired as they did. Today really should have felt effortless. 14 (or almost) miles was daunting a year ago, but now it is considered an “easy” long run. It didn’t help that I didn’t have the drive today to go faster. I was OK with a 10:30 pace.
All of this said, there are some things I need to do to prep for my 23-miler next Sunday. I probably should have been doing these past 2 months as training kicked into high year – but instead, I started to sink into a rut. Here’s my plan – not just for this week, but for the next 4 weeks:
1. Foam roll and stretch DAILY. It feels so good when I DO remember to roll/stretch. I don’t understand why it’s not a daily habit. YET.
2. Water, water, water – even if I hate every minute of it. Maybe I should just bring my CamelBak everywhere?
3. Cut out the alcohol. No wine Mon-Thurs (and Saturday) – and if there’s wine on Friday/Sunday it’s just a glass or two. I’ll miss you Cupcake Red Velvet.
4. Follow the training plan. I’m good about the long runs – but not necessary the tempos, hills and sprints. It’s not that I’m not running (most of the time), I need to push all 3 runs.
5. Cut out spinning on Saturday – at least for this week. I might need to move my spin class to earlier in the week (tomorrow?), but I do think yesterday’s class played a role in my leg tiredness today. I love my spin though. I’m NEVER giving it up for good!
6. Sleep. No more going to bed at midnight and waking up at 5 to workout. This means going to bed at 10. This also means I’m going to modify my blogging to one post a day. I know, I know it will be hard not to see my 2 posts every day. Dry your tears.
7. Eat healthy. So I am healthy for the most part – but meals things like grilled cheese and processed frozen dinners aren’t giving me the balance I need. I need to focus on the basics: protein and good carbs.
I’m sure this sounds like the boring Michelle, but don’t you fear – there will still be moderation and I will return to my non-water drinking, anti-stretching, lush self once the race is over. I figure that a marathon is not something you do all the time. Might as well make the most of it and maximize what I have, right?
What have you “sacrificed” for your well being? Anyone want to volunteer to drink wine for me? I need to live vicariously through you (Melissa??).
All of these are great mini goals for yourself– I’ve had to do the whole sacrificing thing when I was going through my weight-loss journey. From soda, to artificial sweeteners, to midnight cookie dough-eating, I’ve done it all.
The best part about it all is to know that you can enjoy the things you love in moderation 🙂
Yes – so true!!
Well, I was going to yell at you for spinning the day before a long run but then I got to that part of your list and now I don’t have to. Not that I’m any better. I did Crossfit on Friday and the workout we did had 250 squats in it and it hurts to sit down and stand up. So yeah, I did my 14 miles on that and it SUCKED. But it was totally my fault. Next Friday is soooo a rest day. And I think I’ll take your foam rolling every day tip too! I wanna make our run next weekend a good one!
I know you love Crossfit — and I love spinning. Why must these workouts happen the day before our long runs?? I would go to other spinning classes, but they typically interfere with my running. They just started doing Monday morning spin again – so I might suck it up and try that, even though I hate working out Monday mornings, especially when my legs are sore!
I am really trying to pump myself up for our last LONG run next weekend.
I miss spinning. I love that too! Is Monday morning the same teacher?
Oh my dear. I would be happy to take that on for you. 😀 Last night, I went to a wine party (well, it was a jewelry party, but I was much more interested in the wine), so I’ve even got a head start!
This is all really good stuff that you’re doing, though, and I need to do some of it, too! Especially the stretching, water and sleep. And I could stand to eat better considering I just housed 3/4 of a loaf of Great Harvest Honey Wheat. It was awesome, though, so no regrets.
Oh good. Ha ha. I need to rely on someone to drink my share of the wine – Paula’s not a fan!
Mmmm bread. I could go for some of that right now.
No wine for Whine and Wine Wednesday? I’ll forgive you for a few weeks! I think your rocking your training, but those are some great goals!
I’ll do a Whine and Wine Friday instead 🙂 I feel like I was rocking my training 2 months ago and I’m now I’m just “blerg.”
Did you finish your Chicago recap yet? I’m on pins and needles!!