The Chicago Marathon is less than 4 months ago.  This past week was the official start of marathon training.  Yep, that is 18 weeks of speedwork, easy, tempo, and long runs.  I will be working with Coach Sara to not only get me ready for the race but also to PR.  Of course my ultimate goal is to BQ but I know I won’t do it at this race.  Step by step is how I will get there.

My coach develops my running plan on a weekly basis.  She enters my workouts into Google calendar every Sunday for the week.  Each time I finish a workout, I let her know how I did, how I felt, and anything else I want her to know.  So easy and convenient.  I have been working with her since the beginning of May and love how she gives me a variety of runs and am never bored with any of them. However, I am finding out that I dislike tempo runs.

Week #1, June 9-15
Monday: 1 mile WU, 2 x 15 mins at 9:40 pace (2 min RI), 1 mile CD
I was in a bad mood that not even running made me feel better.  I only did 1 mile WU and then ran/walked for another 15 minutes for a total of 2.10 miles. Seriously, everything just bothered me (the sweaty gym, the smelly people around me, the songs on my iPod, etc).  I was mad at myself for letting things get to me.

Tuesday: Run 45 mins @ 10:45 pace
Ran on treadmill for 45 minutes for 4.19 miles @10:44.  I forgot my socks at home but did not want to go back for them.  So I ran without them.  My feet felt fine afterwards.  I was afraid I would get blisters but none at all.

Wednesday: Rest/Stretch

Thursday: 1 mile WU, 3 miles @10:00 pace, 1 mile CD
Last day of school.  Left school at 5.  Was tired and hungry and no desire to run at all.  I went home and took a long nap.

Friday: 45 minutes cross-train
Skipped it.

Saturday: 7 miles @ 11:00 min pace
Ran with the Clocktower Runners for 7 miles @10:50.  It was a gorgeous day to run.  There were so many people running along the lakefront and everyone looked happy and excited to be running.  

Sunday: Rest/Stretch
My plan was to wake up early for yoga.  That didn’t happen.  I did relaxed but cleaned a bit around the apartment, read a bit of “Mockingjay” and watched a few episodes of “Burn Notice”.  

Thoughts:

• As you can see, each run is different which I love.  I know this week I missed my tempo run (not on purpose) but in the past weeks when I’ve done them, I realized that I do not like them.  The reason is because I cannot hold the pace (and I do try) for the number of miles I am supposed to.  I know they’re not supposed to be easy but I find myself stopping a few times to catch my breath.  I know it is petty and hopefully one day I will run them without stopping at all.

• My favorite speed workouts are the 400s.  Yeah, those are fast but yet long (or short) enough and they’re over before you know it.  Hint, hint, Coach Sara.

• I did not run with a water belt for my long run on Saturday.  Coach suggested I run with one and not rely so much on the water fountains along the lake.  It is getting hot outside and I need to make sure I am hydrated during these runs.  I hate carrying a water bottle in my hand but luckily I have a water belt.

• I had a great run last Saturday and am looking forward to my run (8 miles) this Saturday.