Week 11 was a super low mileage week where I tried to keep my runs at a decent pace. The temperatures were still in the mid 80's so I am glad that it was an easy week. This week will be even easier with two really short and easy paced runs.
Week 11 consisted of the following:
Run 1: 7 Miles@8:44 on the TM
Run 2: 10 Miles @8:29
Run 3: 5 Miles@8:46
Total Miles: 22
Race week is finally here! For some reason I
am more nervous than excited about this race than any other race that I have ever ran. Is it because I haven’t ran a marathon in over a year or simply because
it’s a marathon? 26.2 Miles is no joke! I have a love/hate relationship with the marathon but I have
to conquer this distance to continue my journey to get to Boston someday.
I have been recapping my training for the past eleven
weeks to keep myself accountable and to track my progress. I ran a total of 323 miles (which includes 9 miles I will run this week) in the past 11 weeks which included two 20 milers and one 22 miler. I opted for a
12-week training period at the last minute to avoid training through the summer
for a winter marathon. I am hoping this shorter training cycle does not result in an upsetting race since I normally train for 16 weeks. I never follow any specific training plan since I have problems sticking to them due to my busy schedule. I usually look at a few different plans and create one that works for me.
I felt pretty strong on my long runs but know that I still need lots of
work to make them feel much easier. I had a lumbar strain in my
lower back which forced me to miss a planned 20 miler in Week 3 but other than
that I had no major setbacks. In Week 7, I ran the So. Cal Ragnar Relay so I rested up and
kept the miles low since my body is not used to running 3 times in a 24-hour
period. I didn't want to risk an injury so I lost some mileage in Week 7 as well but I think I played it safe.
So having said this, it is time for me to trust my
training and start preparing myself mentally for this challenge. I haven’t
figured out my race strategy quite yet. I tend not do this since it
completely throws my race off if I get derailed and can’t meet the goal. The
only numbers that are sticking in my head right now are 9:09, which is
the average pace needed to run this marathon in under 4 hours (3:59:59)!
You've got this! I cannot WAIT to hear about race weekend - you've trained hard, have had some AWESOME long runs. M2B is all yours! Goooooo Sandy!
ReplyDeleteThank You Megan! I am super nervous but I am going to give it my best shot. I would love to meet one of my goals but if not I will just keep on trying!
DeleteYes, to the plan to keep trying - that's me, too! The workout where you did 10 Miles @8:29 sounds like great prep for the race, running faster than 9:09 for such a long distance! What a confidence builder!
DeleteThank You Tina! I am hoping to have a better experience this time around with a course that seems to be somewhat of a help.
DeleteBest of luck to you, Sandy......we're both going to out there this coming Sunday on our respective sides of the country! Your training cycle seems to have gone really well, whereas mine.....well, it is what it is. I hope you have a wonderful time on Sunday.....and I know you'll put up a wonderful time! :>) Can't wait to read all about it!!!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you too Bill! The marathon is a distance that I really struggle with no matter what so the conditions on race day and how we feel are what truly make or break a race. I only trained 12 weeks so I am not sure if that was enough. In any case, lets go out there and give it our best shot and whatever happens happens, right?
DeleteYou have this!!!! You have put in a lot of hard training...you now need to trust it and know that you are ready!!! You're going to rock it!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Nancy! I am going to give it everything I have and as long as I do that I will have something to be proud of!
DeleteWOot for race week! Oh gosh I so remember when I too focused on 9:09. It will be ingrained in my brain for ever!
ReplyDeleteI hope to be saying these same words someday soon! I will accept a PR but a sub four would be huge for me!
DeleteSo excited for your race day Sandy! from what I've followed, your training's gone well, so trust in it and enjoy the adventure that is 26.2 miles.
ReplyDeleteI wish you cooler temperatures, but if it can't be cool, I wish you the ability to readjust as needed so you can own this race :)
Thank You Lisa. This will be one of the most stressful races so far because I am putting a time on it! It looks like the weather is going to be in the mid 50's at the start and will work it's way up to around 80 degrees. I am hoping to be finished by the time the heat arrives. In any case, I will try to run a smart race and whatever time I finish will be an accomplishment :)
DeleteGood luck! I'm rooting for you from AL! My favorite mantra lately has been "dig deep." So when all else fails, dig deep!
ReplyDeleteThank You! I will keep that mantra in my mind and also YOU! You are an awesome runner and a big motivation!
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