Things I’m Loving Lately – Marathon Training Kickoff Edition

by 14 Comments

Yep, that’s right. Marathon training is officially underway. Not that I’m really doing anything wildly different this week. This week I’m running 23-25 miles, which has become my norm. Next week, however I’ll start (gradually) upping the miles. I guess I’m ready?

Not only is marathon training back, but so is the ridiculous heat, humidity, and daily thunderstorms. For a few months I was actually managing to do my long runs at night after the kids were in bed (and I kind of liked it), but with thunderstorms rolling in anywhere between 4-9pm, I decided I need to commit to morning running again.

idontlikeit

Why is sooooo hard to get up??

There are a few perks to marathon training. Mainly, it’s a good excuse to buy new things. It helps that it was just my birthday so I can say things like “I’m buying these for myself, for my birthday.” Even though everyone knows that I would probably buy them anyways. It’s just fun to have an excuse.

So here a few recent buys that I have been worth buying (none of these links are affiliated, click away)…

1. Amphipod Hydraform Handheld In-Touch (20oz)

HydraformHandheldInTouch

So, this isn’t new. I bought it back in February and it was love at first run. I have never really been one to run with a water bottle, but it now goes with me on every run. Even the 3 milers. It’s very light and cozy in my hand and it holds my phone (I’m actually able to use my phone without taking it out as well). When it’s super dark outside I reverse my phone and use it as a flashlight. Basically, it’s great. I haven’t decided if I’ll use it on longer runs or on race day, but I will use it on runs up to about 13 miles.

2. Nike Breeze Tanks

nikebreeze

I finally found the PERFECT shirt for running in Florida! I probably could run with just my sports bra on, but I like having something to absorb my sweat (it dries fast) and protect me from those stupid gnats that are everywhere (if only I could find something that kept them from flying into my mouth). The material is so lightweight and bonus, it’s long.

image

If the shirts weren’t $35, I would probably have one in every color. Instead, I’m slowly adding them to my collection.

3. Salted Carmel Gu

SaltedCarmelGu

Don’t get me wrong, Gu is still disgusting and makes me gag, but this is the most tolerable flavor I’ve ever eaten. Maybe it’s the salt? I just realized it’s a winter flavor, and salted watermelon is their summer flavor. I can’t decide if that sounds gross or not.

4. Elta MD Sports Sunscreen

elta

My dermatologist probably makes a fortune off of selling this stuff, but I have to give him credit because it’s pretty great. It doesn’t make my skin breakout (and I have SUPER sensitive skin), it doesn’t smell too disgusting, it’s not sticky, and it doesn’t sting if it you’re a moron (like me) and it accidentally gets in your eyes. I also now use this on all of my kids – including Mr. Sensitive Baby Skin himself.

Oh, and I make my ginger husband use it so he doesn’t burst into flames the minute he walks out of the house.

5. Ridiculously Bright Colored Clothes

I’m all about the neon.

I'm obnoxious. #wooendorphins

I’m obnoxious and I know it.

6. Fitness Blender workouts

I’ve been wanting to add an extra strength/HIIT workout to my schedule — but I don’t have time (nor do I want to wake up early) to go to the gym, so I’ve been doing these Fitness Blender workouts from home. Here’s one that kicked my ass and only took 20 minutes….

I love that they visually include the countdown clock and have a pretty broad variety of workouts (which also list the calorie burn range). Maybe I’m the last person on Earth to discover these workouts, but if I’m not, check them out!

7. This book.

ilyjtwia

Ok, so it has nothing to do with marathon training, except it’s been keeping me up because I can’t put it down. If you want to read something and think, “Wow, she’s batshit crazy and we need to be best friends.” Then this book is for you.

8. Cute kids and a supportive husband

So, I’m pretty lucky (and nobody even paid me to say that). My husband may not understand my crazy hobbies, but he’s my biggest fan and cheerleader. I could not fathom training for these marathons (or writing this blog) without his support.

He seems really excited about this for some reason.

And as always, the cute kids help too. Especially, when they pretend to like each other.

IMG_9998

WHICH IS ALWAYS (ha).

Anything running (or non-running really) that you’re loving lately?

Marathon Training WITHOUT Speedwork

by 18 Comments

I haven’t 100 % fully committed to a marathon plan yet – but there’s one element of my plan that’s been decided: NO SPEEDWORK.

campfireface

But how do you expect to shave 15+ minutes off your PR, Michelle?  (my imaginary internet friends are asking)

Good question!

First let me defend my choice… While I really dislike speedwork, it’s not about love or hate… it’s all about my ankles. The peroneal tendonitis in my right ankle to be specific. I can either run higher mileage – or I can do speedwork, but I can’t do both.

I DO think you have to run fast in order to get faster, but I also think I’m capable of running a 4:15 marathon without it.

So what DO I plan to do?  (the imaginary internet friends are still skeptical)

*I’ll be running higher mileage than my first marathon, for starters. For Savannah, I peaked at 30-35 miles. That’s really not THAT high. Actually it’s pretty low, although it’s also not horrible for only running 3 times a week. For Chicago, I’m hoping to peak at 50-55 miles and run at least 4 times a week – with one of my mid-week runs between 7-10 miles.

*I’m planning on incorporating Hal Higdeon’s 3/1 Runs into my long runs —  where the last quarter of a run (so 4 out of 16, 5 out of 20) I will be running at a faster pace (although not necessarily race pace). I tested this out with my 12-miler this weekend. I ran the last 3 miles at a faster pace and I was surprised I could do it. Apparently I just need to apply myself (nope.. never hear that one before).

*And then of course, I plan on running some runs at marathon pace… if I can tolerate running a 9:30 pace in ridiculous humidity.

*I also plan on running the majority of my runs OUTSIDE. I spent a lot of time on the treadmill during marathon training last time – and I can’t say I enjoyed it or that it was really THAT helpful.

*I’m going to continue to do strength training. While I’d like to do two strength training workouts a week – I will be happy with one. Squats, Kettlebell Swings, and Deadlifts have been ESPECIALLY helpful this past year while I’ve transitioned from postpartum blob into a badassmotherrunner (that’s sarcasm, but I’m serious about the strength workouts) – and I’m not giving those up.

*And finally… I’m going to live every week like it’s shark week. Duh.

sharkweek

I will probably be getting up earlier than ever. I predict I will be hungry 24/7. I already know I’m going to be tired — but when I cross the finish line at Chicago (regardless of a PR or not – but definitely a PR) I know it’s going to be worth it!

And if it DOESN’T work? At least now I’ll know — and the next time I train I’ll focus on speedwork — but not mileage. You never know until you try, right?

Have you trained without speedwork?

Do you have imaginary friends?

What’s your favorite {upbeat} song right now? I need some new music.

Pre-Planning Planning

by 22 Comments

I’m not always Type A, but when I decide to commit to something, I go all in.

merman

Maybe “all in” isn’t the term I’m looking for… more like obsessed? It’s like I can’t stop my brain from trying to plan for the future. What’s funny is that I’m really not all that obsessive about small details. So I don’t stress about things like what day an event is, how I’m going to there, or what time I need to be there (this drives my husband insane), but I do like to have a general perspective on what’s going on during the week, month, year, etc. I’m a big picture person and I like to set goals and accomplish them. Sometimes.

And by perspective I mean – spend hours and hours doing research. Obsessive, research. And I love every minute of it.

weird

Truthfully, I love doing research, especially comparative research. It’s partially why I love my career – and also why I love Google so much. I will Google the crap out of anything. Sidenote: Need something Googled? Let me know.

The best part? My love for research carries over into running.

jlaw

In fact, even though training for Chicago doesn’t start until June/July  – I am totally geeking out over here researching training plans.

babyanimal

Kinda like Jimmy Fallon and this lamb goat. Well, not really — I just really wanted to share this gif. Edited: Kara informed that it’s actually a GOAT. Derp.

I don’t know what my time goal is going to be (OK, I’m lying – my goal is sub 4:15 – but I would be happy with a sub-4:30 because… PR), and I don’t know what kind of speed work I want to incorporate. I SO know that I want to try a 4-day running schedule (like time I did 3 days) – with at least one day of cross training, if not two.

So these are some of the training schedule I’m currently looking into:

I’m actually NOT opposed to hiring a coach – because isn’t it GREAT to have someone hold you accountable???

I am also mentally trying to easy my way into “training season.” I think my biggest challenge is going to be waking up EARLY on a Sunday without a running group. I also want to do at least one longer run during the week (7-9 miles), so I’m going to try to figure out which morning works best.

So, as you can see, I am pre-planning planning.

What makes you nerd out??? Any marathon plans or maybe a coach you can recommend??

Marathon Talk

by 31 Comments

When I crossed the finish-line in Savannah 2 years ago (wow, has it really been that long?), I wasn’t DYING to run another marathon. I was disappointed in my marathon experience (mostly miles 20-24) and knew that I would run another one someday, just not right that second. Or year.

Screen shot 2011-11-07 at 8.37.39 PM

I also knew, for various reasons, that I wanted that second marathon to be Chicago.

Chicago

Not only is this lady from Chicago, but I’ve never been. Plus, I’ve heard the crowd support is like no other… and I definitely THRIVE on crowd support. Bonus — the whole family will be there. Yes, I want to drag all FIVE of us to Chicago. My kids need to see The Bean, right?

A glimpse of things to come. #trouble

Traveling with me when I’m almost 18 months old seems like an excellent idea. Bwhahahaha.

So, the plan was pitched. Chicago in 2014. This gave me time to get pregnant (check!) and have a baby (check check!). And maybe get some sleep (ummm… sure).

And then yesterday the race organizers made an announcement. The Chicago Marathon was going to be a lottery.

DANG.

And not just that… there is guaranteed entry for those who qualify (3:45 for women, 3:15 for men — which, in case you’re new here, that is not me) and those who have run the race 5 times in the past 10 years (also, not me). Nothing was said about how many lottery spots there would be (probably because they don’t know at this point). All I could think was — this going to be another NY marathon. AKA a race I will never get into, although not from a lack of trying.

Paula and I briefly discussed the likelihood that we would BOTH be chosen to run it — and realistically I think those chances are small. And also, I’m not that lucky.

However, I am determined. We aren’t going to let some lottery system determine what we can and can’t race together! Paula still might apply to run it — but I’m skipping that whole lottery business. Yeah, my heart is set. I’m running it for charity.

Charities

I haven’t decided which one quite yet, although there are a few at the top of my list. (Have you run for any of these charities? Let me know!)I actually feel a little relief with this decision and excitement. And while $1000 is a lot of money to raise, I think I can do it.

However, that’s not the end of the story. In “I might be crazy news” I also want to run a local(ish) marathon. I’m currently leaning towards either the Jacksonville Bank Marathon or Space Coast. Space Coast is the closest, but it’s notoriously warm in November because… well, it’s Florida.I guess Celebration could be on that list too — depending on how next weekend’s race goes.

Point is, I have big plans to run TWO marathons in the next 12 months. And while I’m not ready to talk goals and time — one of these marathons is going to be a PR. I also know that also one of these marathons is going include a picture just like this….

Untitled

Maybe with even cuter throw-away sweatshirts.

So basically… I’m really excited about running for charity, running two marathons, and really just running. Lots of running. And also writing the word “marathong.” That never gets old.

Confession Wednesday: Marathon Edition

by 11 Comments

Remember how I was going to stop writing about the marathon when I finished the marathon? Well, Paula told me that I should milk it until AT LEAST the end of the week. So blame her for this post :)

When I decided to run a marathon earlier this year I went in with a few preconceived notions. And a WHOLE lot of “what the hell was I thinkings?” Over the months and months (and MONTHS) of training – I’ve realized that signing up for a marathon is like being pregnant. You think you know it all. Training for the marathon is like having a baby and realizing you have NO idea what you got yourself into. And then comes the marathon. I’d like to think it’s like watching your baby graduate. The outcome of the training can go into many different directions during the race. Some you have control over with your training. Some you can’t anticipate or even train for.

So now that I’m a graduate — there are a few things I’d like to get a few things off my chest. Hope you don’t mind…

Sometimes “short” long runs, can be harder than the “long” long runs.
I really had no issues with the 18-20+ mile runs. I actually looked forward to them! But the 14-milers?? Woah. Sometimes those runs killed me. Maybe it’s psychological or maybe it’s because we generally ran harder during the short runs, but I was really beat up after some of them! That is one thing I DID NOT expect.

IMG_2569

I still hate speedwork – but I LOVE Yasso 800s.
800 meters are my jam. Who would have thought?

BartYasso

Also the jam? Bart Yasso. He  is the man.

I cannot find my tempo to save my life.
I think I ran maybe one actual tempo run – where each mile was at the same pace as the previous. As I would type “Tempo Week XX” in Daily Mile each Tuesday I would feel like a fraud. So, I was REALLY surprised to see how consistently I ran during the race.

Running amnesia exists.
I vaguely remember the heat and humidity of this summer – even though it last for MONTHS and it was intense. The only thing I really remember about how uncomfortable the running was is being able to wring out my clothes with sweat at a water stop — after only running 2 miles. Seriously.

IMG_3315

You can actually ENJOY marathon training.
Call me crazy, but I mostly enjoyed the last 5 months of training. The schedule gave me focus and the race gave me a goal. That is SO up my alley!

IMG_3697

There is such a thing as training for “too long.”
5 months of training for one race is just REALLLLLLY long. Since it was my first marathon, I didn’t really know what I was getting into and I think I peaked too soon. I burned out in the last month and I was not pushing my weekly (shorter) runs hard enough. If/when I do it again, I may train for a similar amount of time, but I will take the first few months easy. I will gradually ease into the speedwork/hills/tempo runs. I won’t start out full throttle like I did this time.

Your appetite doesn’t have to increase.

I’ve heard so many stories about people gaining weight during training and having an increase in appetite, so what’s wrong with me? Sure, I had hungry days here and there – but nothing insane. I also didn’t lose weight (I probably gained a few lbs – maybe more muscle related?) – so I guess I was doing something right. Or maybe I’m just lucky. Everything in moderation!

IMG_3491

There may not be tears.
Whenever I thought about crossing the finish line in Savannah I would tear up. Get a little ferklempt. Yet, while I was IN Savannah that didn’t happen. AT ALL. I imagined myself bawling once I crossed – and instead I just wanted a banana, a beer, and to sit down. Sitting never felt so good!

Screen shot 2011-11-07 at 8.37.08 PM

 Have you ever had any preconceived notions that surprised you? Anything you have to confess?