So who was glued to their TV or computer yesterday watching the NYC Marathon? I was. I watched for the first time last year and can guarantee that even if I hadn’t been a runner already, I would have been after that. I’m constantly amazed by people who hold a steady pace for 26 miles at a speed I can’t sustain for one. My mom summed it up perfectly when she watched the final minutes with me before a bike ride: comparing yourself to Mary Keitany is “like comparing a greyhound and a basset hound in a race.” Needless to say, on my next run I pictured myself a couple of inches off the ground with ears flapping. Thanks, Mom.
I wish I had realized the marathon date when I planned my training schedule — I would have loved to tack on a long run yesterday and feed off the energy I got from watching the race. I’ve never had ambitions for a full marathon (13.1 is hard enough!), but yesterday the idea did cross my mind. Don’t worry, I expect that feeling to pass by the end of the week.
Onto week 8: two more weeks until the big day!
Previous recaps:
- Philly half training: week 1
- Philly half training: week 2
- Philly half training: week 3
- Philly half training: week 4
- Philly half training: week 5
- Philly half training: week 6
- Philly half training: week 7
Plan:
Reality:
Monday:
I was determined to make up missed mileage from the previous week, so I hopped on the treadmill for four miles, alternating speeds between 6.5 and 7.0 to stay entertained. I had planned five miles but stopped at four. Still, it was a solid session.
Tuesday:
This turned into one of my most interrupted long runs. The trail was partly snowy and strewn with fallen trees, which made the 11 miles more interesting than expected. One stretch — a bridge over a creek — still had packed snow, so I had to pick my way carefully. The rest of the trail was manageable.
I also got pulled into several texts, calls and emails that needed immediate responses (the downside of using your phone for everything). Despite the interruptions, it was a great run. I ran two miles from home to the trail, seven miles on the trail, and two miles back. My average pace on the roads, excluding the messy parts, was about 8:40 per mile; on the trail it was closer to 9:00. I finished with an overall pace of 8:55 and felt great. Oddly, I was less sore after this 11-miler than I’ve been after some 10-mile runs.
Wednesday:
I reconnected with Jillian Michaels’ Yoga Meltdown and focused on stretching. It felt good to get some mobility work in and loosen up after the long run.
Thursday:
More Jillian — a 30 Day Shred session. Even with a consistent NROLFW strength plan recently, my arms were still sore afterward, and I was only using 5-pound weights. It’s a humbling workout.
Friday:
REST.
Saturday:
The bike trail finally cleared and I got out for a five-mile tempo run. I felt strong throughout.
Splits:
- 8:48
- 8:27
- 8:20
- 8:17
- 9:04
Sunday:
A relaxed 12-mile bike ride with my mom.
Total weekly round-up:
- Run: 20 miles
- Bike: 12 miles
- Strength: 2 sessions
I’m excited to have finally hit 20 miles this week. You may have noticed I didn’t do any NROLFW sessions — I’m considering postponing Stage 4 until after the race. I don’t want to risk injury from heavy lifting when my priority is finishing the half strong, and possibly earning a PR. I’ve also found it harder to fully recover from long runs when NROLFW is in the mix, so for now some Jillian Michaels DVDs seem to fit better for midweek strength work.
One other concern: I woke up Friday with a slight tingling under my left kneecap. It isn’t painful while I run, but when I’m not moving it feels a bit off. I haven’t diagnosed it online because I tend to assume the worst when I Google symptoms. If you have experience with knee sensations like that, I’d love to hear what it might be.
Have you ever dealt with knee pain?
Did you watch the NYC Marathon?