Slow and Steady Finishes the Race

Marathon training. …not going to lie, it’s been a struggle. Bouncing back from being sick, I’ve just felt like my legs each weigh 100 lbs and I’ve been wearing out fast. Also, I think I’m running too fast (for me, anyway). Before I officially started training for this marathon, I was running a mile, maybe 2 miles at a time, and I was averaging 9:15ish/minute miles. I’m usually like a 10:00-10:30/mile. Running 1 mile is not the same as running 5. I’ve been able to hit my goals, but running longer distances has been hard since I've been running way faster than I used to. Sometimes I end up walking for a bit. My legs are just tired.

Plan: RUN SLOWER. I just get so excited to get out there that I start pounding the pavement with a little too much zeal. Not good for training. Well, except for every once in a while. That’s what I’ve read, at least. Also, I’m going to get back on my bike and cross train. I used to go to an indoor cycling class, but I haven’t been in 3 weeks. At first it was because I was sick, but now it’s just hard to get up in the mornings because I stay up late talking to my roommate. The class starts at 5:30AM. And it’s like a 15-20 minute drive from my apt. Moral of the story: I need to get to bed earlier if I want to build my legs and endurance back up without so much impact.

Also, I’ve decided to take an extra rest day this week, so I’m not running today or tomorrow (I’m scheduled to run 3 miles today). But then on Saturday I’m shooting for 4-6 miles. Last Saturday I got 5 miles in, so hopefully with this extra rest I’m giving my legs, things will go well this weekend I’ll be able to keep progressing.

So overall, training’s fine, but it could be better. I’ll finish this week off, and then continue with training next week, but I’ll add cycling into the mix just to build my body up a little more. Right now my training plan has me running Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, but maybe I’ll switch out my Thursday runs for cycling so I can still fit it in without overworking my body. Either way, I’m optimistic, and still confident that I can run this race. :)

Life?

Life is good. :)

My first race EVER: A 5k for my little brother's friend who was diagnosed with brain cancer.

Quick Update!

This one's going to be quick, because I've been super busy lately and I actually have to get to bed but I wanted to update the documentary!

Soooo... I got worse sick. But I'm better! I found a 16-week training program (which is pretty similar to the 18-week one I was originally following), and I'm confident I can run this marathon. Today I ran an easy 2.5 (well... there was a good little hill for the first mile, so it wasn't easy peasy lemon squeezy, but the distance wasn't bad. Plus, what goes up must come down when you're running in a circle). Tomorrow I'm going to run 2-3 miles, and then 4-6 on Saturday. I'm actually running fewer miles than the program suggests (just by a little bit), but that's because I'm bouncing back from being sick and I've been counseled by a trusted X-Time Marathoner not to over-train. Therefore, I'm playing catch-up... kinda. The most they have me running before the marathon is 20 miles, but if I just run 18 or 19... it's like the same, right?

I'm confident that I can do this! I want that marathon BAD! AND, when it's over (and I've recovered), I have a possible Ragnar, and a probable Ragnar Trail relay (on an ultimate team)!! AHHHHHHH MY HAPPY PLACE. :) :) :)

...well, one of the many. :)

life?

life is good. :)

also... there are no volleyball games for a month.

I'm going through withdrawals already.

but life is still good. :)