Category: Big Cottonwood Marathon

me running winning 18.12 challenge
Big Cottonwood Marathon, Running, Training

September Training: Injury and New Races

Hollie

Like most of the month, this isn’t the training log I expected to write. I was hoping to write about how I conquered the Big Cottonwood Half Marathon. Sadly, that never happened.  While I’m sad, I don’t regret anything.

Miles Run: About 100
Rest days: 2 Full Weeks+2 during training
Range of Pace: 6:30-11:30-untimed
Races: 1812 Challenge (2:09.40/7:09 pace)
Cross Training: Swimming 5 times, Hiking 2X

Thoughts:

September went through a range of emotions for me.

Sad:

  • When I realized my injury was too deep to run my goal marathon: Big Cottonwood.
  • When I needed an MRI and I thought there was a possibility to something broken in the pelvis.

Mad:

  • Why did this happen less than 10 days before my marathon?
  • When 10 days of complete rest went by and nothing seemed to get better.

Relief:

  • When slowly I started feeling better
  • When my MRI showed I have no signs of stress reactions or stress fractures.

Happiness:

  • Winning the 18.12 Challenge, something I didn’t think was possible!
  • When my body slowly started to feel better.
  • When New Balance asked if I would like to run the New York City Marathon with Team New Balance.
  • Hiking. I just enjoy being out there.

Now that I’m going to do a mini buildup, towards New York, I have a new goal. My goal for New York is to start and finish healthy. I’m not going to force myself to run a lot of mileage. Ramping anything too quickly will result in another injury. I’ve told a few people but it’s hard to have a miserable time at New York City if you’re healthy.

As far as my hamstring goes, it never hurts when walking or living life. It only hurt with running. Early in the month, it hurt with any runner. Now, it doesn’t hurt with easy running, but I have yet to test it out with anything “fast”. I did a few strides a few days ago and while it felt tight, it didn’t feel bad.

I’m looking forward to seeing how it responds in a race setting.

My plan for October is just to slowly increase miles, get a few quality sessions and then run New York. I will be doing a few races to test out my hamstring as well. I don’t need any surprises at the marathon.

Posts from the Week:

Running Books
Aftershokz Aeropex Headphone Review
Vital Proteins RecoveryWave
Aftershokz Xtrainerz Headphone Review

Shoe Reviews:
New Balance Fuelcell 5280 Shoe Review
New Balance 880v9 Shoe Review
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next%
Nike Zoom Fly 3 Shoe Review

Hiking:
Hiking Sunrise Mountain at State Forest
Hiking Wissahickon Creek Gorge Loop Trail
Hiking Splitrock Reservoir

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. 

Questions for you:
Have you run NYCM?
How was your month of training? 

me running
Big Cottonwood Marathon, Running, Training

Big Cottonwood Week 14: Peak Week and 18.12 Races

Hollie

Big Cottonwood Marathon Training Week 14:

Week 14 was the last “big week” before simmering down to taper and the Big Cottonwood Marathon. I can’t believe it’s already been three months of training and getting ready for the race.

Monday: Easy 60 minutes
Tuesday: Easy 70 minutes
Wednesday: AM: 5X1000 meters averaging 6:40 pace, Total mileage 10
PM: 6 miles easy downhill (treadmill)
Thursday: Easy 60 minutes
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Easy 60 minutes
Sunday: 18.12 Race
Total:

Week 1: Hello Humidity
Week 2: Half Marathons and Workouts 57 mpw
Week 3: Travel and More Travel 53 MPW
Week 4: Training: Beach Runs and Long Runs 52 MPW
Week 5: Training: Workouts and 10ks 46.5 MPW
Week 6: Firecracker 5ks 47 MPW
Week 7: Swim Races and Running for Toilets 56 MPW
Week 8: It’s Very Hot 58 MPW
Week 9: Tetris Runner 56 MPW
Week 10: Long Week and Personal 5ks 54 MPW
Week 11:: Quality Miles
Week 12:  Altitude and Half Marathons
Week 13: Cutback Week and Philly 10k
Week 14: Peak Week and 18.12 Race

Thoughts:

This week flew by, and it’s nice to get a rhythm and routine back. I mentioned last week, I missed swimming, and I’m looking forward to getting back to it when I’m not running high mileage and exhausted.

Workout Wednesday: 5X1000 6:40 pace

I didn’t feel good at all during this workout. My legs were stiff, and I couldn’t seem to loosen them up. We all have those workouts, and I was glad to get it done and move on.

 

 

1812 Challenge:

I went into the 1812 Challenge, hoping to run roughly 7:30 miles for 18.12 miles and finish strong. I wanted to use the race as my last long run before the marathon. I did that and even better.

All of my miles after 14 were around 7: 00-minute pace and my last mile was 6:51.  I was not expecting to win, so it was a great feeling. The race itself was far from perfect, and I forgot to stop my watch, and 2 (out of 3) of my gels fell out of my pocket.

Next week begins slowly cutting down miles and relaxing before Big Cottonwood in 2 weeks.

Posts from the Week:

Hoka Clifton 6 Shoe Review

Exploring Ridgway State Park (Colorado)

Philly 10k (42:15)

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport.  This week is all about fueling. 

Questions for you:

What’s your favorite workout?

Me Ouray Colorado
Big Cottonwood Marathon, Running, Training

Big Cottonwood Week 12: Rest and Philly 10k

Hollie

Last week was the week I didn’t realize I needed to catch up on sleep and rest…until I realized it. My body told me it wanted to sleep and so I said: ok.  I’ve gone out west a few times, and typically I don’t have an issue readjusting back to East Coast time. This time coming back home was different, and I found myself wanting and needing sleep. I could have run later at night, but I chose not too.

Monday: 10 miles with Angela
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: Rest
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Easy 60 minutes
Sunday: Philly 10k: 42:15 Total mileage 15
Total Mileage: 33.5 miles

Week 1: Hello Humidity
Week 2: Half Marathons and Workouts 57 mpw
Week 3: Travel and More Travel 53 MPW
Week 4: Training: Beach Runs and Long Runs 52 MPW
Week 5: Training: Workouts and 10ks 46.5 MPW
Week 6: Firecracker 5ks 47 MPW
Week 7: Swim Races and Running for Toilets 56 MPW
Week 8: It’s Very Hot 58 MPW
Week 9: Tetris Runner 56 MPW
Week 10: Long Week and Personal 5ks 54 MPW
Week 11:: Quality Miles
Week 12:  Altitude and Half Marathons

Week 13: Cutback Week and Philly 10k

Thoughts:

Well, this wasn’t exactly the week I planned, but my body clearly needed it. Truthfully, I’m wondering how I’m supposed to run a marathon in a few weeks, but I know I’ll make it through.

I don’t have any regrets with taking time off. We need that sometimes. Due to running three times, there isn’t much to say. Running with Angela on Monday was tough. She lives at altitude in Colorado, but there were no flat areas to run at all. We climbed nearly 900 feet, including a mile-long climb. It was a lot of fun, but all I wanted to do was sleep afterward.

Philly 10k: 42:15

I’ve always wanted to do this race, but the timing has never worked out for me. This year, my coworkers and I decided to sign up and race the Philly 10k together.

Sometimes after a lot of rest, you feel great. This particular time, I did not, and I feel like I’m still catching up on sleep. Race morning came early, and I woke up, “not feeling it.” I raced the best for the day, and at the Philly 10k, it was a 42:15.  That is actually one of my faster 5ks recently, so I have no complaints.

I’m happy for the day, and it was fun to hang out with my workers. This training cycle has been adjusting to my right now normal. It’s been frustrating after 4 minutes faster about two years ago, but I know I’ll get back eventually.

Next week will be my last long run before the Big Cottonwood Marathon, then off to taper. There have been a lot of challenging days, training for a marathon through the summer but I’m looking forward to it.

Posts from the Week:

Mt. Sneffels Half Marathon (1:33.58)
Exploring Box Canyon Falls (Ouray, Co)
Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 Shoe Review

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. 

Questions for you:

When was your last cutback week?

What is the race you’ve always wanted to run? 

 

me running workout
Big Cottonwood Marathon, Running, Training

Big Cottonwood Training Week 12: Altitude and Half Marathons

Hollie

Last week of training was fun. How can it not be when you are traveling? My husband and I decided to take a mini trip out to Colorado. Since we were in town, we thought we would do the Mt. Sneffels Half Marathon. I had no goals other than finish the half marathon and spoiler I did just that.

Monday: Easy 45 minutes
Tuesday: Easy 75 minutes
Wednesday: AM: 4X1 mile with 2 minutes rest (total miles 16)
PM: Easy 6 minutes downhill
Thursday: Rest and travel to Colorado
Friday: 60 minutes shakeout run in Vail
Saturday: Mt. Sneffels Half Marathon (1:33.58) Total Mileage 20
Sunday: Easy 30 minutes

Week 1: Hello Humidity
Week 2: Half Marathons and Workouts 57 mpw
Week 3: Travel and More Travel 53 MPW
Week 4: Training: Beach Runs and Long Runs 52 MPW
Week 5: Training: Workouts and 10ks 46.5 MPW
Week 6: Firecracker 5ks 47 MPW
Week 7: Swim Races and Running for Toilets 56 MPW
Week 8: It’s Very Hot 58 MPW
Week 9: Tetris Runner 56 MPW
Week 10: Long Week and Personal 5ks 54 MPW

Week 11:: Quality Miles

Thoughts:

What a week, my runs, for the most part, went well. My weekly mileage has been good, and I’m happy to get the running distance in. I was bummed I didn’t have the time to swim, but with travel, cross-training didn’t work out.  I’ve mentioned before, but swimming will always be there, and I’m not competing in swimming, so there isn’t a point to make myself miserable to get to the pool.

Workout Wednesday: 4X1 mile

I got to run with my fast friend, Skip. Originally we had planned the track, but it was completely occupied, and there was no way to get on. We decided to head to a local paved path which worked out well, and I had my best workout in a long time.

Since Big Cottonwood Marathon is a downhill race, the race says “a speedy downhill slope,” I opted for 6 miles in the afternoon on the treadmill. I set my treadmill on a decline and run for an hour to get my quads adjusted to that. After running Phoenix and not being prepared appropriately, I asked for training tips for Big Cottonwood. Runnin downhill should have been a no brainer, but I’m glad someone suggested it.

Mt. Sneffels Half Marathon 1:33.58:

I’ll have a full recap this week, but I had no plans for the Mt. Sneffels Half Marathon other than to run smart. I took out the race very easy (for a race), and my first mile was 7:37. I didn’t know how I would feel. Looking back, I probably could have taken it out faster, but I haven’t done a road half marathon at altitude (I raced the trail Copper Mountain 25k last year).

The race itself is mostly on gravel, and it was one of the most beautiful races I’ve ever run. It’s a remarkably beautiful road race, and I would recommend it to anyone. I was able to negative split the race. Around mile 10.5 was the hardest hill I’ve ever climbed. It was a steep 300-foot climb in about a quarter of a mile. I found myself extremely winded for the rest of mile 10 and 11. I’m happy with the race, and afterward, I ran an extra 7 miles to get in 20 miles. I wouldn’t have done that, but that’s marathon training for you. For Big Cottonwood Marathon, all of my 20 milers will be on race day, and I appreciate that (but it does not make it any easier when it’s time to run after the race).

In all, I’m happy with the week of training. It’s hard to believe the Big Cottonwood Marathon is less than a month away.  My goal has always been to get to Salt Lake City and the start line healthy. My marathon training plan has been just to stay healthy and run smart. I’m running enough miles per week to feel prepared without being overcooked when it’s time to run 26.2 miles.

Posts from the Week:

Hiking Cheesequake State Park

Hoka One One Rincon Shoe Review

Asbury Park Sheehan Classic 5k (20:04)

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. 

Questions for you:

Have you run at altitude?

What is the most beautiful race you’ve run? 

me running track
Big Cottonwood Marathon, Running, Training

Big Cottonwood Marathon Week 11: Quality Miles

Hollie

The goal of this week was to get the mileage in. Isn’t it always? In general, my week of marathon training was good.

Anyway-

Monday: Easy 45 minutes
Tuesday: Easy 60 minutes
Wednesday: AM: 4X1 mile averaging 6:40 pace with 2 minutes recovery
PM:  6 Easy downhill miles on the treadmill (elevation drop 750)
Thursday: 3000 Meter swim
Friday: Easy 60 minutes
Saturday: Asbury Park Sheehan Classic 5k: 20:04 Total mileage: 10
Sunday: 17 mile Long Run Averaging 7:59

Week 1: Hello Humidity
Week 2: Half Marathons and Workouts 57 mpw
Week 3: Travel and More Travel 53 MPW
Week 4: Training: Beach Runs and Long Runs 52 MPW
Week 5: Training: Workouts and 10ks 46.5 MPW
Week 6: Firecracker 5ks 47 MPW
Week 7: Swim Races and Running for Toilets 56 MPW
Week 8: It’s Very Hot 58 MPW
Week 9: Tetris Runner 56 MPW
Week 10: Long Week and Personal 5ks 54 MPW

Week 11:

Thoughts:

The week started slow, but I felt strong towards the end. Everything seemed to go off with no significant issues. I had some personal life stuff, but nothing that kept me from running. My weekly mileage remained high, and my peak weeks with 20 miles will come hopefully in the next two weeks.

Swimming:

I was able to get into the pool once last week, which I’m happy about. I’ve been hard on myself because as marathon miles increase, once in the pool seems to be about all I have time for. It’s nice to get some cross-training each week. Due to travel, I don’t think I’ll be able to next week.

Workout Wednesday: 4X1 mile averaging 6:40 with 2 minutes rest in between

My good friend, Skip, and I decided to head to the track on Wednesday. He was much faster, but it was nice to have someone running around with me. It was already 85 degrees when we were running, so it felt tough, but I’m glad we got it done and ten total miles for the day.

In the afternoon, I did six downhill treadmill miles. Since the Big Cottonwood Marathon is downhill, I’ve been trying to get a few downhill miles in each week. Big Cottonwood is known to be a remarkably beautiful road race with a speedy downhill slope. When I ran another downhill marathon, the Mesa-Phx, I wasn’t prepared, and it shredded my quads.

Asbury Park Sheehan Classic 5k: 20:04

This was the race that almost wasn’t. I didn’t get a lot of sleep the night before. At 5:40, I found myself desperately wanting to sleep before the race. I decided since it was a beautiful day I would o anyway. I’m glad I did, and I ran my fastest 5k in a while. My splits were 6:17, 6:26, and 6:35. Of course, I wish I broke 20 minutes again, but I’m happy with my effort for the day.

Long Run 17 miles averaging 7:59 pace:

I knew I wanted to run hard, but I wasn’t sure what my body would allow. I’ve been enjoying running in Philadelphia lately. I did the 8.4-mile loop twice around the Schuylkill River Trail and added on. My last few miles were my fastest with a 7:33 and 7:36 in there.

In all, I’m happy with the week. It’s one of the few that has gone by with no hiccups, which is great because there are only five weeks until the Big Cottonwood Marathon in Utah.

Posts from the Week:

Brooks Ghost 12 Shoe Review

Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer vs Collagen Latte

Town Square Diner (Matawan)

Shoreline Diner and Vegetarian Enclave (Guilford, CT)

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. This week is all about the Nike Next%, Turbo 2, and Fly. 

Questions for you:

Where is your favorite spot to run?

How much sleep do you get on average?