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Tag Archives: marathon

Big Cottonwood Week 14: Peak Week and 18.12 Races

September 2, 2019 By in Big Cottonwood Marathon, Running, Training Tags: , , , , , 1 Comment
Big Cottonwood Week 14: Peak Week and 18.12 Races

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?

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Big Cottonwood Week 12: Rest and Philly 10k

August 26, 2019 By in Big Cottonwood Marathon, Running, Training Tags: , , , , , , ,
Big Cottonwood Week 12: Rest and Philly 10k

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? 

 

Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 Shoe Review

August 21, 2019 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , , , , 1 Comment
Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 Shoe Review

The Nike Pegasus is many people first shoes. (In fact, the Nike Pegasus was my first shoe). With 36 versions, it’s been around for several years. For the last two years, Nike has added a few versions of their Pegasus while still keeping the original Pegasus.

For the 36th version, there is the Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 (also known as the Nike Turbo 2) as well as the Nike Pegasus Trail.

Keep in mind, all of these Nike Pegasus are in the zoom series or zoom family and use zoom air as well. It’s just easier to remove the word Zoom, so the shoe name isn’t longer than the review. (How obnoxious would it be to write The Nike Zoom Pegasus 36 Turbo?)

The updated Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 is the faster and more workout oriented version of the Nike Pegasus 36. It’s lighter and uses the same foam (The Nike ZoomX Foam and React Foam) as the Nike Next%.  All three versions of the Pegasus can be used for daily running and training. Of the three, the Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo is could also be used for race day or long distance too.

Nike Zoom Pegasus 2 Shoe review

Quick Stats:

Weight: 7.2 oz (size 9)

Drop: 10 mm

Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 Fit:

The Nike Pegasus Turbo 1 (Nike Pegasus turbo 35), fit almost big. It remains one of the only shoes a women’s size 10 fit well. With the Nike Turbo 2, the fit is similar, and I find myself liking a women’s size ten as well. My usual size in any running shoe is between women’s size 10-11 wide.

For the Nike Turbo 2, the flywire is removed. It makes the shoe a bit wider and less snug through the midfoot. Nike also removed the racing stripe to increase breathability.

The upper has been redesigned to a thin and breathable engineered mesh. Between the brand new engineered mesh upper and removal of the flywire, the Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 weighs almost .3 of an ounce lighter. It also fits and breathes better.

Finally, the heel collar is higher, which Nike claims will irritate the Achilles less. I haven’t had an issue with it. Many of the “Nike Fast Shoes” have almost a fin-like heel. Nike claims the angled heel optimizes initial touchdown and helps to provide a smooth transition from heel to toe.

Nike Zoom Pegasus 2 Shoe review

The Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 Ride:

The  Nike Turbo 2 midsole is similar to the Nike Zoomx Vaporfly (now Next%) without the carbon plate. The Nike Turbo 2 combines both the Zoom X foam followed by the React Foam. With both foams going the full length of the shoe, the energy return is higher, and the Nike Pegasus 2 absorbs impact better than previous versions.

The Nike Turbo 2 is designed to run fast. While the Nike Pegasus 36 might be the everyday trainer, the Nike Turbo 2 is designed for workouts, long runs, and fast runs. Instead of wearing out your Nike Next%, use the Nike Turbo 2 for those hard workouts.

I appreciate that there is plenty of traction on the Turbo 2. It’s much better this year in elements like rain and ice. It’s not perfect, but better. The Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 is also much more durable than last year. Last year, the Pegasus Turbo probably got between 150-250 miles, but this year the zoom cushioning is lasting to about 300 miles.

Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2 Review

I’ve run a few workouts and long runs in the shoe. For me, it does fit best as a “fast shoe” and a shoe I know I want to run well. I wouldn’t use it as an easy run or recovery shoe. Last year, it was hard to justify the Nike Pegasus Turbo 1 over the Nike Zoom Fly, but this year the Turbo 2 is a faster, more quality shoe.

Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2 Review

Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 Conclusion:

The Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 has been updated well. It’s much more durable than previous versions as well as being more breathable. Of the three Nike “fast shoes” (the Next%, Zoom Fly, and Turbo), I think the Turbo 2 is the best update from Nike Running. Last year I couldn’t justify the $180 price cost, but this year I believe the shoe is worth it.

Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2 Review

Current Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Hoka Bondi 6,  Brooks Ghost 12

Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Hoka Rincon, Nike Pegasus Turbo 2

Long Runs: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Mizuno R2, Hoka Cavu 2

Races:  Reebok Run fast Pro

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

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 tried a new shoe lately?

What is your favorite running shoe?

 

Big Cottonwood Week 9: Tetris Running

July 29, 2019 By in Big Cottonwood Marathon, Running, Training Tags: , , , , , , , 1 Comment
Big Cottonwood Week 9: Tetris Running

Last week was exhausting. Truthfully, I’m surprised I got all of my mileage done because there were a couple of days that it felt like a Tetris game fitting in my distance, but I was able to.  I had to let swimming go for the week for the sake of time and sleep.

Monday: Easy 60 minutes
Tuesday: Easy 60 minutes
Wednesday: Easy 60 minutes
Thursday: 12X400 meters with 400-meter jog (total mileage 10)
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Easy 60 minutes
Sunday: Sea Legs Shuffle 10 Miler 1:13.03 (Total Mileage 20)

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

Thoughts:

This week I didn’t have time to swim. I don’t have any more swimming events coming up, so it made sense to let it go for the week. I want to continue swimming and cross-training but not if it stresses me out. Fitness isn’t supposed to be stressful.  While I was sad I didn’t have the time to swim, sometimes that’s how it goes.

Thursday Workout:

I planned to do the workout on Wednesday, but I woke up exhausted and didn’t have the time to fit it in. So I opted for Thursday when I was better rested as well as had more time. I’m glad I did because the workout went well.

12x400s with 400 jog (on streets). It’s my favorite workout, and today I averaged 6:01 pace with many 400s under 6 min pace. It felt good.

Sunday’s Race: Sea Legs Shuffle 10 Miler (1:13.03)

The goal for the race was to get a total of 20 miles in with ten being productive and quality miles. That’s precisely what I did. It wasn’t easy to double my miles (from a mental and physical standpoint), but I’m glad I was able to have a quality long run. Am I ecstatic about a 1:13 10 mile race? No, but while the race was important, it wasn’t the main goal here. I’m not tapered and increasing mileage. Plus it was a hot, hilly, course.

Post(s) from the Week:

Hoka Carbon Rocket Shoe Review
Stargate Diner (Seaford, De)
Dockside Diner (Long Beach Island)

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 running on the treadmill. 

Questions for you:

What is the furthest you’ve run for marathon training?

How was your week of workouts? 

 

Training: Workouts and 10ks

July 1, 2019 By in Big Cottonwood Marathon, Running, Training Tags: , , , , , , ,
Training: Workouts and 10ks

Is it July 1st already? It’s hard to believe that half of the year is gone. 

Anyway, last week went relatively better than the week before. I still had hiccups in training, but what is marathon training without that?

Monday: Easy 60 minutes
Tuesday: Easy 60 minutes
Wednesday: AM: 6X800s with 800 jog rest
PM: 5 Miles easy (Total mileage for the day 13)
Thursday: Swim 2 miles
Friday: Easy 60 minutes
Saturday: Pineland Striders 10k (44:04) Total mileage 10
Sunday: 15 Miles easy

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: 57.5 

Thoughts:

Training wise, I’m happy with how the week went. On Instagram, I mentioned that swimming 1-2X per week was my balance right now. Trying to cram in a third day, felt forced and I don’t want to burn out of it. I want to swim because I want to, not because I have to.

Workout Wednesday: 6X800 averaging 6:30 pace

I was happy to get this in. It was a jam-packed day between dropping my husband off for a deployment and then running.  Workout wise, I felt good. Originally I wanted to do these on the track, but there wasn’t enough time to get to one, so I settled for the road.

Pineland Striders 10k: 44:o4

It’s been years since I’ve done this race (I think since 2014 or 2015).  The last time I ran a 41: XX and I thought it was my slowest yet! On Saturday, we had the highest dew point yet (74). It was hot and humid, and my body did not respond well to the weather. I ran as hard as I could for the day. I’m happy with my effort for the race.  As I begin building mileage, I can feel it in my legs, and racing has gotten increasingly harder.

Long Run: 15 Miles

This was supposed to be a moderate effort, but it ultimately became an easy run, and I struggled through the heat. Looking back, I was hydrated but probably not enough. Around mile 8, I felt as though I hit a wall. Unfortunately, I was at the furthest spot from my house and (besides getting a ride), running back was the easiest way. So after taking a few mins to cool off and hydrating (I also keep a form of payment on my run), I got back out and finished. Was it my best run ever? No. Did it humble me? Yes.

Next Week I’ll do a Fourth of July Race and try a more productive long run.

Posts from the Week:

Hoka Carbon X Shoe Review

Does Collagen Help Post Workout Recovery?

Bungalow Beach 5 Miler (34:14)

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. This week I talked about dealing with heat and humidity. PLUS AN ENTIRE OUTFIT GIVEAWAY FROM RUNNERS LOVE YOGA. 

In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. There are often giveaways as well as discount codes.

Questions for you:

What is something you’ve burned out with before? While I have running, I stopped swimming competitively in 2011 and never looked back.

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