Chicago Marathon Training Week 6

*Week #6, July 14-20

Monday: Rest/Stretch

Tuesday: Strike Out ALS 5k
I had a great time running this race.  Fun time with friends for a wonderful organization. Was really thirsty prior to the beginning of the race but I am still trying to figure out this hydrating thing.  What’s to do for an evening race?

Wednesday:  Yoga

No yoga but instead took a spinning class at Flywheel.  Wow, what an amazing workout! I’ve heard so many great things about it.  It was my first time there  and overall was pleased with the class.  The staff was very helpful.  The check-in process was a breeze. There were towels for us to use and extra water bottles.  They gave me a seat cushion cover and showed me how to clip in and out of the bike (did OK with the “in” but had trouble with the “out”).  The instructor was great and even checked in on me a few times throughout the class.  It was only 45 minutes and I felt it was long enough.  They also offer a 60 minutes class.  Yikes!

I would love to take another one but they’re expensive (first class is free).  I did find a great deal on Groupon for another studio which offered 10 classes for $49.  Pretty good right?

Thursday:  5 mile run: 1 mile WU, 3 miles @ 10:00 pace, 1 mile CD
I did 1 mile WU and CD @10:32.  10:00 pace felt good but legs felt tired.  I alternated pace between 9:52 and 10:12.  I know I’ve complained about these runs pretty much every week.  Sorry.  But I think this time it went much better.  Let’s hope next week is even better.

Friday: 45 Min XTrain or Core Power Yoga
I had no desire to do anything but just to relax and that is exactly what I did.  In the evening, I met up with my book club and was out a bit later than I was hoping to.  I had a great time and made sure I did not drink too much wine.  I was tired when I left but then had trouble falling asleep that night. I hate it when that happens.

Did you hear about the Christmas in July races?  Yep, there were several distances for pretty much the whole family to partake in, ranging from a 5k to a 24 hour race.  My choice would have been the 6 hour race starting at midnight till 6am.  Karen and Erica did the 6 hour race while Anne and Natali ran the 5k.  I plan to be there next year for sure.

Saturday:  12 miles @ 11:00 min pace
Felt really good that morning.  I had so much energy and looked forward to my run.  Ran 11 miles. Quads and calves were sore after mile 6.  Took a couple of walking breaks (paused watch) so in total I guess I did run/walk 12 miles.

Sunday: Rest/Stretch
Had so much fun spectating at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon.  I saw so many friends and sometimes felt jealous because I also wanted to be out there.

*Runs on treadmill are done on 1% incline.

Thoughts:

• Don’t forget to sign up for ZOOMA Chicago, Saturday, August 2nd, Burnham Harbor.  It will be a fun weekend!

• Sign up for the Fort2Base race, Sunday, August 24.  Awesome course and great medal!

• Are you planning to run the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon in November?  I have a room at All Star Sports with a great rate of $133 but need a roommate.