Ah yes the marathon that I’m training for…the whole point of my blogging. I skipped a post about training last week since I was out busy living my life so I guess I’ll catch you up to speed on how my training has been going.
Here is two weeks ago:
| Monday: | AM: 11.11 miles untimed |
| PM: 6.5 miles tempo (6:47 pace) and Strength class | |
| Tuesday: | Elliptical shakeout |
| Wednesday: | 12.25 untimed |
| Thursday: | Independence Day 5k (19:10) total miles: 15.5 |
| Friday: | 11.0 untimed (hilly) Lake Monticello with Tim |
| Saturday: | 11.2 untimed (hilly) Lake Monticello |
| Sunday: | 12.2 (8:31 pace) |
| Total: | 80 |
What are my thoughts about that week? Well it was pretty much perfect…it just feels like so long ago I don’t remember. Plus i was also on vacation so I try to think less of running when I’m doing that. I was really happy with my tempo run Monday since it was in the dead of the heat and I was so unmotivated to do it. My race is recapped so not much to say about that. I was also happy to get to run with Tim and get some hill training in when I was vacationing to Charlottesville.
This week:
| Monday: | AM: 12.2 miles untimed (legs felt heavy) |
| PM: Strength class | |
| Tuesday: | 12.6 miles untimed |
| Wednesday: | Off |
| Thursday: | Elliptical |
| Friday: | 12.6 miles with Dave (8:29 pace) |
| Saturday: | 12.6 miles (8:17 pace) |
| Sunday: | 12.5 miles untimed |
| Total: | 62 |
I guess this last week could best be described as my cut week.
On Wednesday, I became suddenly unmotivated to run in the morning. I just wanted a rest day…not because I had had any hard runs the day prior just because I wanted to sleep in. So I did. Then while researching my training a little more in depeth, I realized that I had logged 70+ mile weeks for the last 6 weeks and I could use another day or two from running.
We have been hosting one of my brothers classmates as he does an internship with the Navy so I was able to run with him Friday morning otherwise I probably wouldn’t haven’t have run Friday either. That somewhat sparked my interest back into running again and I felt a lot better then the beginning of the week. I won’t go into depth on my thoughts of recovery weeks and how I don’t think the body is made to run all year round all the time because they are just personal thoughts. Anyways, so I cut out all speed and a long run this week in turn for some easier runs.
Training next week?
I hope to get back on the speed bandwagon and I’m doing the Allen Stone Run Swim Run on Saturday. (1k run on the beach, 1k swim in the ocean and 5k run on the boardwalk). Past that I’m not sure.
Questions for you:
How often do you take easier weeks?
What was your favorite workout of the week?
Since you are logging high mileage weeks, what is your opinion on breaking up your runs and running once in the morning and then at night again (maybe three times a week)?
I would love to be able to do doubles but unfortunately with my work schedule and working 11 hours most days, I don’t have that sort of time. I personally think doubles are your own preference and single long runs or two shorter runs both have their advantages/disadvantages.
Lately I have had a lot of rest days/ weeks and have learnt to go with feeling, rather than push myself to the extremes and go no where! Although in saying that I think I need a rest haha… raced today and it was so crap but then I was like “oh wait I did a 10k and half marathon last weekend silly” oh dear… anyway good luck in advanced for Allen Stone just in case I don’t come back on before 🙂
Man, you’re weeks are intense. I just did a 40-mile week and I’m exhausted! I usually take easier weeks every 3/4 weeks or whenever my body tells me too. 🙂 My favorite workout days are my tempo days!
I can’t wait to read your recap on the run-swim-run. This is the one you do every year, right? I’ve been taking easier weeks for a while but I’ve actually been moving more in general lately. Hopefully it doesn’t bite me in the ass. I tried running around with my dog in my yard which was kind of painful but AHH it felt so good. I miss running so much! I’m just happy you’re doing what you think is right for yourself! It’s hard to find your own personal way of training but you’re getting there!
I love reading about your training. Super inspiring and actually put me in the mood to go out and run! Do you run with music or not? I’m thinking about starting up a half marathon training plan and am not sure how well I’d be able to run without my iPhone!
I am on an easier week right now… I think extra rest days or easy days or easy weeks definitely helps. You can only train hard for so long and not get hurt or burnt out, and then there’s the law of diminishing returns. I’m excited to read your recap of the run swim run, and it’s neat that you have a new running partner with the Navy guy you’re hosting, always good to get out with new people.
Rest days make me antsy, so when I feel like I really need one, I know it’s the real deal. You’re probably the same way. It’s one thing when you’re not wanting to go out, but things go ok once you get out there. It’s another when you are, like, unable to lift your legs out of bed.
I don’t usually take rest weeks unless I’ve had a pretty hard, long race the week before. I’ll take a day or two off and then get back to it. I hate speed workouts but I know they’re the best training runs…long runs are always my preferred workout.
I always, always dial it back in the summer. My body just DES NOT handle the southern heat and humidity well. Now that I spend my week days on the treadmill though I have a bit more flexibility.
What kind of strength class have you been taking? I just started Body Pump, and am totally on the bandwagon, I love it!
Easier weeks are a necessity in my opinion. They make coming back sweeter and you healthier both mind and body! The Allen Stone sounds fun I wish it could have worked out for me to come and see that. sadly research calls, but I realized next weekend is my last summer weekend here… crazy
Oh, another swim race?! Let me know if you want to borrow a wetsuit! 😉
Cut back weeks during marathon training are great! We always have had two or so of them built-in to our plan. We take it a lot easier during the months of November and December, and even at the beginning of January. This past year we started marathon training the middle of January. The beginning of winter is all about recovering, but still running enough to not lose our base completely.
I have a scale back week once a month – usually 30 – 40 miles with more cross training. It is a nice break from the 65+ mile weeks. Makes me look forward to running even more haha. Plus in this heat, sometimes I just want to sleep in