I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap.

Hoping everyone had a good week!

Chicago Marathon training is here!  I am excited (and nervous) to be training using the Hansons Marathon Method.  In a nutshell, this training is based on the concept of cumulative fatigue. You train your body to run often so that you are frequently running on tired legs.  The idea is to run this way so that during the last miles of a race you are prepared to push through the final miles. These plans are 18 weeks and have you running 6 days (easy, speed/strength, tempo, and long runs) a week with one rest day. 

Week #4, June 27-July 3

Monday:

• PLAN – 6 miles easy, 10:15-11:30 pace
• ACTUAL – 6 miles @10:46 average pace

I did this run on the treadmill.  I alternated a different song with paces of 11:07, 10:43, and 10:21 while also watching the last season of “Gilmore Girls”.  I’ve already watch all episodes but want to get ready for the upcoming “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life,” which is set to be released by the end of the year.

Tuesday:

• PLAN – 6×800, 8:33-8:55 pace
• ACTUAL – TRX and 6×800, total 6.5 miles @10:38 average pace

W/up and c/d @12:00.  Recovery @12:30.  Each interval was done at a different pace-8:57, 8:49, 8:42, 8:34, 8:42, 8:49.  I was pleased I was able to do one 800m at 8:34 pace.  Remember when two weeks ago I struggled to run one 400m @8:34 pace?

Wednesday:

• PLAN – OFF
• ACTUAL – OFF

Thursday:

• PLAN – 6 tempo miles, 9:44 pace
• ACTUAL – 8 miles @10:16 average pace

W/up and c/d @12:00.  I tried a new pair of headphones (Yurbuds Inspire 200 for Women<<not impressed with them on my first run but will try them again) and alternated a different song with paces of 9:50, 9:41, 9:31.  Again, went better than I expected.  I was soaking wet at the end of my run.  <<GROSS.

Friday: 

• PLAN – 6 easy miles, 10:15-11:30 pace
• ACTUAL – 6.02 miles @10:51 average pace

My first run in July!  I cannot believe half of the year is over.  A nice cool day for a run!  My goal was to run each mile under 11:00 and I did it except for mile 5.  Still pleased with myself.

Saturday:

• PLAN – 8 easy miles, 10:15-11:30
• ACTUAL – 9.02 @10:25 average pace

Again, woke up TIRED and just wanted to stay home.  But instead of dwelling about it, I just sucked it up.  I noticed the weather was in the 60s so that made me happy.  One of the blue pacers paced the 11:00 group so there were two of us pacing the 10:30 group.  I was at the front and was so proud of myself for staying on pace.  We try to be within 10:35-10:25 and most of the miles were in that range.  I got positive feedback from my group and that made me happy.  I ran the last mile with other runner (blue group ran 8 and red group ran 9)  and I did walk a little bit but overall still pleased with it because we finished in 10:28.

Sunday:

• PLAN – 8 easy miles, 10:15-11:30
• ACTUAL – 8.02 @13:10 average pace

For this run I went to Waterfall Glen to run with Chi City Running Club.  Some were running 12 or 18 but I had 8.  No problem right?  I had foam rolled last night so my legs felt good (lately my quads have been very sore but foam rolling has helped so much).  Well, I began running what I thought was a comfortable pace.  The girl I was running with was planning to run 18 miles (each loop is 9 miles) and was trying to convince me to run one loop with her.  No thanks.  Well, a bit later I told her I was tired and started to walk.  Imagine my surprise when I realized I had only run half a mile and my pace was 11:30.  For sure I thought I was running faster than that.  I then decided to run at whatever pace I wanted and to take it easy.  And that is exactly what I did!  It was gorgeous!  My favorite part was the smell.  I took deep breaths smelling the combination of the dirt, grass, and trees.  It is kind of weird to describe it but it was a wonderful smell.

Week 4 went very well.  I did not skip any of my workouts.  My tempo run went well and I am very pleased with my run on Saturday.  In week 5 I have 5×1 km and again 6 tempo miles.

Total mileage for the week: 43.56 miles

Total mileage for this training cycle: 134.80 miles

Total mileage for the year: 617.86 miles

Here’s how training has gone so far:

• Week 1
• Week 2
• Week 3

Tomorrow I am running the Elmhurst 4 on the 4th race.  I am supposed to run 6 miles tomorrow so I will either do a warm up before the race or run when I am done.

I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap.

Hoping everyone had a good week!

Chicago Marathon training is here!  I am excited (and nervous) to be training using the Hansons Marathon Method.  In a nutshell, this training is based on the concept of cumulative fatigue. You train your body to run often so that you are frequently running on tired legs.  The idea is to run this way so that during the last miles of a race you are prepared to push through the final miles. These plans are 18 weeks and have you running 6 days (easy, speed/strength, tempo, and long runs) a week with one rest day. 

Week #3, June 20-26

Monday:

• PLAN – 6 miles easy, 10:15-11:30 pace
• ACTUAL – 6 miles @10:44 average pace

I did this run on the treadmill.  I wear wireless headphones and they weren’t working because of low battery.  So instead I used an interval timer and alternated running 4/5 minutes with paces of 11:07, 10:43, and 10:21.

Tuesday:

• PLAN – 8x600s, 8:33-8:55 pace
• ACTUAL – TRX and 8x600s, total 7 miles @10:49 average pace

This workout felt so much easier than last week.  W/up and c/d @12:00.  Recovery @12:30.  Each interval was done at a different pace-9:05, 8:57, 8:49, 8:42, 8:34, 8:42, 8:49, 8:57.  

Wednesday:

• PLAN – OFF
• ACTUAL – OFF

Another massage today.  The masseuse focused solely on the legs and I felt great afterwards.

Thursday:

• PLAN – 6 tempo miles, 9:44 pace
• ACTUAL – 8 miles @10:17 average pace

I was afraid of doing this run.  Tempo runs are not my favorite.  W/up and c/d @12:00.  I was not in the mood to listen to any music so I used my interval timer and alternated running 4/5 minutes with paces of 9:50, 9:41, 9:31.  Overall, it went better than I expected and that made me happy.  I know that in late September I will be running 10 tempo miles.  Yikes!

Friday: 

• PLAN – 7 easy miles, 10:15-11:30 pace
• ACTUAL – Skipped run.

I slept till 7:00 and knew I didn’t have enough time to run and make it to my dentist appointment at 9:30.  Plus, I had plans to meet with a friend afterwards for breakfast.  I figured I would go after but then I stopped at the post office and then went to Aldi’s with my mom.  I did not want to go too late because I had a long run the next day in the morning and I wanted enough time for my legs to recover.  And then I just got lazy.  I was mad at myself for skipping this run.

Saturday:

• PLAN – 10 long miles, 10:15-11:30
• ACTUAL – 5.08 @10:33 average pace

I woke up TIRED and just wanted to stay home.  I went to bed at 9 on Friday but could not fall asleep.  I had no desire to run 10 miles but then realized I missed Friday’s run so I got up, got ready, and left to meet my group.  The weather was pretty pleasant but of course it felt warmer throughout the run. There was one person in my red group and we had 6 on our schedule but she reminded me that she has already done 1 mile in the morning.  Ha, I quickly decided to do 5 instead.  I do not regret it.

Sunday:

• PLAN – 6 easy miles, 10:15-11:30
• ACTUAL – Did not run.

I am not sure what is going on but did not have any energy to run.  I tried to convince myself to go to the gym instead of running outside and dealing with the weather.  No luck.  Still felt really tired.  I went to bed (not intending to take a nap) because my cat was there and ended up napping with her.

I know I am running more than before but I am worried that I am always tired.  I mean I knew going into this plan that I would be tired but enough to always be napping and to the point of not wanting to go for a run?  That is what worries me.

Week 3 went OK.  My tempo run wasn’t too horrible.  In week 4 I have 6×800 (I’d rather do 400s and 600s) and again 6 tempo miles.  

Total mileage for the week: 26.08 miles

Total mileage for this training cycle: 91.24 miles

Total mileage for the year: 574.30 miles

Here’s how training has gone so far:

• Week 1
• Week 2

I finally finished watching “Parenthood”.  Wow, was not expecting for it to end that way.  I was happy but also sad.  I did enjoy the show but there were a few episodes that just really annoyed me.  Oh, and some of the characters annoyed me too.  My favorite characters were Julia and Joel.  I love their relationship and am glad they did not get divorced.  Oh, and Adam and Kristina were great ones too.  Now on to find another show to watch while running on the treadmill.  Any suggestions?

Are you a “Game of Thrones” fan?  I feel like I am the only that does not watch the show.  Am I really missing out by not watching the show?

I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap.

Hoping everyone had a good week!

Chicago Marathon training is here!  I am excited (and nervous) to be training using the Hansons Marathon Method.  In a nutshell, this training is based on the concept of cumulative fatigue. You train your body to run often so that you are frequently running on tired legs.  The idea is to run this way so that during the last miles of a race you are prepared to push through the final miles. These plans are 18 weeks and have you running 6 days (easy, speed/strength, tempo, and long runs) a week with one rest day. 

Week #2, June 13-19

Monday:

• PLAN – 6 miles easy, 10:15-11:30 pace
• ACTUAL – 6.02 miles @11:54 average pace

I struggled during today’s run.  I felt tired and my legs did not want to run.  I cursed myself for not doing the beginner’s plan instead of the advanced.  Was so happy when I was done with my run.

Tuesday:

• PLAN – 12x400s, 8:33-8:55 pace
• ACTUAL – TRX and 12x400s, total 8 miles @11:07 average pace

This time I did make it to my TRX class.  Afterwards I stayed at the gym for my speed workout. W/up and c/d @12:00.  400m done at various paces (8:34-9:05).  Recovery @12:30.  I remember when 8:34 did not feel hard but today it did.  I did 45 minutes of TRX prior to running so maybe I was just too tired?  Still I am proud of completing this because I wanted to stop after the 4th one.  I don’t think I’ve ever done 12.  

Wednesday:

• PLAN – OFF
• ACTUAL – OFF

I went to visit a friend who had her 2nd baby a few months ago.  It was nice to eat, talk and hang out.  Plus, her newborn is adorable and I got to babysit while she went to pick up her oldest (2 years old) from daycare.  I helped her with the goodie bags and with stuffing the candy in the piñata for her daughter’s birthday party on Saturday.  Isn’t it the cutest?  I LOVE it!!

Thursday:

• PLAN – 6 easy miles, 10:15-11:30 pace
• ACTUAL – 6.02 miles @10:28 average pace

I took my time going out there today.  I thought about skipping it since my legs were still sore from Tuesday’s run.  Decided to just run slower and call it a day.  I was angry. Angry for all of the judging and blame going on in this world.  Angry for all of the horrible things happening in the world.  Angry for all of the negativism posted on social media.  I posted this on Instagram as a reminder to always be nice first.

Friday: 

• PLAN – 6 easy miles, 10:15-11:30 pace
• ACTUAL – 6.02 miles @12:55 average pace

I ran this very slow.  A big difference from Thursday’s run.  I was not motivated.  Plus, I wanted to take it easy because I knew I had 8 miles the next day.

Saturday:

• PLAN – 8 easy miles, 10:15-11:30
• ACTUAL – 8.02 @10:32 average pace

I woke up before my alarm went off and surprisingly did not feel as tired as I usually do before my Saturday run.  I try to be in bed by 9pm on Friday night and wake up at 5am.  It felt cooler in the morning and it made a big difference during my run.  I felt great and that made me happy.  The last two miles were my slowest (10:54 and 10:50) which were kind of disappointing but overall it was still a great run.

I got home, had a protein shake, showered and got ready to go to my cousin’s wedding.  It was pretty cool!  There was a total of 17 couples getting married at the same time.  The mass was about half hour longer than a mass for one couple.  The church was full and it was HOT as well. 

The reception was at a restaurant/banquet hall and there were a few televisions to watch the Mexico v. Chile soccer game.  I think most of us felt this way.

Sunday:

• PLAN – 6 easy miles, 10:15-11:30
• ACTUAL – 6:02 @13:02 average pace

A hot one today!  I meet a friend who is training for her first marathon.  I am very happy and excited for her.  We ran 5 miles together and then she left and I ran an additional mile.

Week 2 went well.  However, my run on Tuesday felt tough but I know that with time it will get easier.  I am a morning person (usually up between 5-6 am) so I need to make sure I run early in the morning.  I find myself drinking coffee and checking out social media and before I know it, it is later in the day and then I get too lazy/tired/hungry to go for a run.

Week 3 includes a speed workout and a tempo run.  I HATE tempo runs.  I know they’re beneficial during training but I still do not like them.

Total mileage for the week: 40.10 miles

Total mileage for this training cycle: 65.16 miles

Total mileage for the year: 548.22 miles

Here’s how training has gone so far:

• Week 1

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway that ends on Wednesday.  There will be two winners,  each receiving a NUUN container (I have various flavors), a Momentum Motivate Wrap and a Momentum Foot Notes. 

To enter, click on the image below where you will be directed to Gleam and enter several different ways such as leaving a blog post comment, following me on Instagram, commenting on any of my Instagram posts, or tweeting about the giveaway.  I am on summer break so I’ve included an extra entry for you.

I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap.

Hoping everyone had a good week!

Chicago Marathon training is here!  I am excited (and nervous) to be training using the Hansons Marathon Method.  In a nutshell, this training is based on the concept of cumulative fatigue. You train your body to run often so that you are frequently running on tired legs.  The idea is to run this way so that during the last miles of a race you are prepared to push through the final miles. These plans are 18 weeks and have you running 6 days (easy, speed/strength, tempo, and long runs) a week with one rest day.   Sounds exhausting right?  I know, I know.

Week #1, June 6-12

Monday:

• PLAN – OFF
• ACTUAL – OFF

It was the first day of summer break!  I did errands and took it easy the rest of the day.

This is how I was feeling too.

Tuesday:

• PLAN – OFF
• ACTUAL – OFF

I woke at 4:30am to make it to TRX.  Well, I got to the gym and there was a problem with the key so no one was able to go inside.  I went home and went back to sleep.

Later that day I got a special delivery from Running Warehouse.  It was my order with 4 pairs of Brooks PureFlow 4.  For some reason the Launch were not working out for me so I went back to my other favorite shoes.  They’re on sale and I am tempted to buy more pairs.

Wednesday:

• PLAN – OFF
• ACTUAL – OFF

I got a massage and it felt wonderful.  The masseuse mentioned that I was tensed (mostly in the shoulders).  I have appointments to get one every two weeks and I know they will help me during marathon training.

Thursday:

• PLAN – 6 easy miles, 10:15-11:30 pace
• ACTUAL – 6.02 miles @11:07 average pace

First official run of marathon training.  Felt tired and I was glad it was an easy run.  Later in the evening I attended a “Marathon Training Prep with Bart Yasso”.

Lola wants to make sure I stretch prior to my run.

Friday: 

• PLAN – 6 easy miles, 10:15-11:30 pace
• ACTUAL – 6 miles @10:50 average pace

Got a late start to my run.  By the time I was ready to head out, it was HOT so I went to the gym. I alternated a different song for paces 11:07, 10:43, and 10:21.  I enjoy the variety and before I know it, I am done with my run.

Saturday:

• PLAN – 8 easy miles, 10:15-11:30
• ACTUAL – 7.02 @11:08 average pace

It was a HOT one with CES.  I am a pacer for the 10:30 red group and run with two other pacers (1 blue and 1 red).  The difference between those two colors is that the red group runs one more mile than blue.  I am supposed to run with another pacer but she was asked to run with the blue group because it is a larger group than red.  They were scheduled to run 6 miles and when they turned around at 3 miles, I kept running to run another 1/2 mile and then turn around to add that extra mile to my run.  Well, I got so HOT and took many walking breaks.  I could not find the rhythm I had going during the first 3 miles and was so happy when I was done with my run.

Sunday:

• PLAN – 6 easy miles, 10:15-11:30
• ACTUAL – 6:02 @11:13 average pace

The weather was so much better than yesterday.  A big difference of about 30 degrees.  I started off too fast and then slowed down on my way back.  Also, the headwind bothered more than I wanted it to.  

Later that evening I finished reading “After You”.  I’ve already read the book and saw the movie for “Me Before You”.  Great book and movie!

Week 1 went well.  All of my run were easy so that helped.  Next week I start on my speed workout which consists of 12 x 400s.  Should be interesting.

Total mileage for the week: 25.06 miles

Total mileage for this training cycle: 25.06 miles

Total mileage for the year: 508.12 miles