This summer was a relatively productive summer as far as training goes. Like last year I managed to stay injury free and log some great miles. (Let us hope that I don’t develop a cyst two weeks into fall like last year though)
Summer I ended up PRing in:
And I also got my first glimpse of breaking a race tape and winning the Run for the Dream Half Marathon. (One of my most proud moments of running).
So as far as running, I had a great summer. I certainly had some lower points to accompany the high points but that is how life goes. I spent a good portion of the summer questioning whether I would make it through my training. After fracturing my elbow two weeks ago and thinking the worst I’m happy to report that I got the best situation out of it and can continue to train.
So now that I’m roughly 8 weeks away from the New York City Marathon and have my base in it’s time to start the bread and butter of “real training”. It’s not a secret I don’t have a coach, a real training plan or any clue what I’ve gotten myself into with marathon training…I’m not an expert and don’t claim to be. I will admit to have scoured the internet asking everyone and anyone for help, reading several books and articles and trying to figure out what will work for me. (That being said, I still don’t know).
With 8 weeks to go and soon to be settled in Texas, I know I will start longer runs. I plan to peak at 22-24 miles. For me personally I know I will feel far more comfortable doing a 22 mile run versus peaking at 20. I’ll probably take it very easy and hope Tim will do some or all with me. I don’t plan to do Yasso 800s or hit the track.
I do plan to do a few longer tempo runs. During the summer I did a few tempo runs ranging from 6-16 miles which were a big confidence boost for me. The area of Texas I’m moving does not have a plethora of races like VA Beach. Therefore I’ll have to make my own speed and that is something I’m not used too. I’ll probably take a weekend travel trip to do 1 or 2 races in the next two months but other than that I don’t have the luxury (or bank account) to race every weekend.
With 8 weeks to go and the amount of time I’ve already invested in training it’s time to hanker down.
Questions for you:
When do you start to real hanker down (does anyone even use the word hanker) for training? (Bonus points if you answer about a marathon).
Proudest athletic accomplishment?
I think you are SO ready for it. I have noticed that you are able to train harder when you have setbacks…such as the elbow situation. You are so goal-driven that I am expecting huge things from you 🙂 i think my proudest day would be completing my first 1/2 or my PR in the 100 fly
YES! You are seriously the best. I don’t think I could complete 100 fly now if I tried,
I did my longest run before my half marathon a month before the half, then shorter runs until the actual race. I wanted to know I could do the mileage atleast once before throwing myself to the wolves… Plus, it just set my mind at ease that I wouldn’t die midway through the race. My proudest day would be running the half marathon or the first time I struck someone out with a change up in high school. Weird, but true. Lol
hunker down
Thanks for letting me know Sandy, grammar is not my strong point. 🙂
Dude great summer. All of those PRs and staying injury free is amazing. I have nothing for you in the realm of hunking down though : )
I need to do some hankering/hunkering down soon too, have my first full marathon Oct 20th and even though I’ve increased my training a ton, it’s all triathlon stuff (little running, but more swimming and biking). I’m just hoping the cross training helps somewhat because I’ve definitely been slacking on getting some long runs in.
Awesome summer of PRing for you! You really don’t need a coach, you got this!
I hope you are loving being in Texas girl! I think running with Tim will bring you ease, and pushing yourself without races may be a good thing!
You are going to absolutely rock this race… I mean yeah, your summer of running has been EPIC and that is a perfect word for what you have accomplished via running!
You’re gonna rock it! 🙂
You are going to do awesome, and it is amazing how much you inspire me. You will find what works best for you and go with it- after all it’s YOUR race.
I typically try and hit it a littler harder about 7 weeks out all the way down to 2 weeks out.
Hanker down. Hunker down.
Tomayyyto. Tomaahhto.
…Because grammar is clearly the reason behind this post.
Anyways, I never really had a point where I really buckled down. During my half marathon training I’ve always incorporated my speed work in with my base training and I pushed hard until 2 weeks until goal race day. Then tapered.
If I do the buffalo full marathon next year, that all might change though. But the goal for that will be to just finish (ha, as if I couldn’t set a time goal…)
I definitely think 8 weeks is an appropriate time frame to start to get a little more serious, but I and definitely unfamiliar with marathons. 3 miles are my go to and I am not that much of a runner, haha. My biggest athletic accomplishment is probably placing 3rd at national agre groups for synchronized swimming. was so nice to get a medal!