Category: Chicago Marathon

2016 Chicago Marathon Training Week 8

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

Hoping everyone had a good week!

WeeklyWrap

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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 #8, July 25-31

Monday:

  • PLAN – 6 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
  • ACTUAL – 6 miles @11:33 average pace

Too hot to run outside so did run on the treadmill.  Alternated a different song with paces of 12:00, 11:32, and 11:07. 

Tuesday:

  • PLAN – 3×1600 @9:04-9:27 pace (with 1 mile w/up and c/d) 
  • ACTUAL – Total 6.11 @10:33 average pace

W/up and c/d @11:07.  Recovery @13.02.  I was nervous about this run.  I mean I did run a 1 mile repeat last week but this time I had to run 2 more.  It definitely went better than I expected.  I alternated a different song with paces of 9:23, 9:14, 9:05.  

Wednesday:

  • PLAN – OFF
  • ACTUAL – OFF

I had an appointment for TSA Precheck.  I was there for about 5 minutes.  I got there at 11am., checked in, used the bathroom, and was sitting down for about 1 minute before my name was called. The agent then asked me to verify some information I had submitted in my application, scanned my passport, and processed my credit card to pay for it ($85).

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Thursday:

  • PLAN – 7 tempo @10:18 pace (with 1 mile w/up and c/d)
  • ACTUAL – Total 9 miles @10:23 average pace

I really had NO desire to do this run.  I kept thinking of every excuse I could think of until I had no excuses.  But I put on a new Oiselle top, colorful Pro Compression socks, and wore new Brooks shoes and got it done.  I had to buy a new pair (size 10) of shoes because the other pair I had were a little tight and were hurting my big toe on my right foot.

W/up and c/d @11:07.  I alternated a different song with paces of 10:21, 10:10, and 10:00. 

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Friday: 

  • PLAN – 6 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
  • ACTUAL – 6 miles @11:34 average pace

Rain and thunder outside?  No thanks.  Ran on the treadmill.  Alternated a different song with paces of 12:00, 11:32, and 11:07.  Oh and a tall iced coffee from Starbucks helped too!

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Saturday:

  • PLAN – 10 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
  • ACTUAL – 11.02 miles @ 11:03 average pace

Wow, this run was so much better than last week.  It was in the 70s when I left my house in the morning.  It did rain for a little bit (which felt great) and luckily I had my phone in a plastic bag but I was worried about my watch.  I remember last year it rained so much during one of my runs that the built-in heart rate monitor stopped working.

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Another pacer had the same shoes but I like the navy blue color more than the white.

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Sunday:

  • PLAN – 10 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
  • ACTUAL –9 miles @11:36 average pace

Another morning to sleep in and I missed my run with Chi City Running Club.  Some were out there at 5:30am.  Me?  I think I was in my second dream or so.

I did order 3 new pairs of shoes for school.  Usually I buy shoes in black because well black goes with everything.  But now I have a pair in taupe and wine and now I love the ones on top.  I mean how pretty is that floral printed pattern?

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I did make it to the gym and ran 9 miles.  I was shooting for 10.  Really.  However, then I realized I only needed 8.61 to get to the Black Level on the Nike+ running app.  Then I convinced myself to just do the 10.  Then I remembered that I did 11 yesterday when I only had to do 10.  So by doing 9 today sort of balanced it out, right?  The treadmill stopped at 99 minutes which was 8.55 miles so I started again and ran an additional .45 of a mile.  Done.

Finally at Black Level which means that I need over 6,000 miles to get to Volt Level and it will probably take me a few years to get there. 

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Week 8 went well.  My tempo run went well (again) and I’m glad I did not miss a workout.  In week 9 I have 6×800 (which I am excited about) and 8 miles tempo run on Thursday.

Also, this month I ran my highest mileage – 186.27 miles.  

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Total mileage for the week: 47.13 miles

Total mileage for this training cycle: 298.08 miles

Total mileage for the year: 781.14 miles

Here’s how training has gone so far:

Summer Scenes from my Run

Linking up with Marcia, Patti, and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run.

TuesdaysOnTheRun

I am currently training for my 8th marathon, the Chicago Marathon.  For this marathon training I decided to use the Hansons Marathon Training 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. 

What I’ve learned so far is that I am CONSTANTLY TIRED.  I mean, definitely more tired than usual.  I try to go to sleep no later than 10 and have been sleeping in till almost 8.  When I go back to work next month, I need to be up at 6; so it will be interesting to see how that goes.

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I do my runs on the treadmill, by my house, and along the lakefront.  On Tuesday I have a speed workout and on Thursday a tempo run.  For those two I run them on the treadmill because they help me stay on pace.  I don’t mind it too much.  I do like running on the treadmill.  Most people call it dreadmill but I don’t.  🙂  Time goes faster for me when I listen to fun music and watch a show on my Ipad.

treadmillrunning

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Sometime I like to match.  Why not?

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Saturday and Sunday are for easy/long runs.  I pace the 11:00 group beginning at 6:30 and we get to run along the lakefront.  Gorgeous views and I love it!  Lately, it has been hot outside that I’ve run some of my easy/long runs on the treadmill.  Just this past Sunday I ran 14 miles on the treadmill.  I was definitely exhausted afterwards.

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I live close to Midway Airport and I love to see the planes take off and land.  Sometimes I think about where the plane is going to and where I would go if I had the chance to go anywhere at the moment (Answer: Greece, Hawaii, Costa Rica, and Alaska).

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Loved my run on the trail.  Have not been back.  I was supposed to go this past Sunday but I overslept.

That time it was icy and slippery!

  I welcome this now but will be complaining when it is here.

I like a variety for my runs but I know I still need to explore a little bit more in this great city.

2016 Chicago Marathon Training Week 7

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

Hoping everyone had a good week!

WeeklyWrap

2016ChicagoMarathonRecap1

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 #7, July 18-24

Monday:

  • PLAN – 6 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
  • ACTUAL – 6 miles @11:10 average pace

Done on the treadmill.  Alternated a different song with paces of 11:32, 11:07, and 10:43. 

Tuesday:

  • PLAN – 400-800-1200-1600-1200-800 with 400m jog recovery (with 1 mile w/up and c/d) 
  • ACTUAL – Total 7.37 @10:35 average pace

A fun workout!  W/up and c/d @11:07.  Recovery @13.02.  Each interval was done at a different pace-9:23, 9:14, 9:05.  I will definitely do this one again.

I have about a month left of summer break.  Some days I feel like I am ready to go back to work; a new school year with a new a Assistant Principal and Dean, new students, and new supplies.  But then reality hits and I am not ready to go back.  🙂 Saw this and it made me smile. 

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Wednesday:

  • PLAN – OFF
  • ACTUAL – OFF

I went to get a massage and while it hurt in some parts, it also felt good.  I had some discomfort in my calves, IT band, and iliopsoas (inner hip muscles).  I did not know it (iliopsoas) were hurting till the massage.  Of course all of this is from running and not stretching like I am supposed to after each run.  I am going back in two weeks and she warned me that she is is going to dig in deep and that it will hurt.

Then, of course, I went home to rest with Lola.  No shame.

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Thursday:

  • PLAN – 7 tempo @10:18 pace (with 1 mile w/up and c/d)
  • ACTUAL – Total 9 miles @10:25 average pace

W/up and c/d @11:07.  Another run on the treadmill.  I alternated a different song with paces of 10:22, 10:10, and 10:00 and was done 1 second slower that last week.  Not bad.  I did stop after an hour to change my shirt because it was soaking wet.  It was gross!  Even my shorts were wet and my mom told me it looks like I peed on them.

Friday: 

  • PLAN – 7 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
  • ACTUAL – 7 miles @11:08 average pace

Done on the treadmill.  Alternated a different song with paces of 11:32, 11:07, and 10:43.  Usually I listen to fast paced music but today was a good day to listen to something not so fast.  Any “Grey’s Anatomy” fans?  This song reminded me of THAT scene and made me cry.

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Saturday:

  • PLAN – 14 long @10:29-11:05 pace
  • ACTUAL – 7.02 miles @11:52 average pace

I decided to do Sunday’s run today.  It was a HOT one.  I mean really HOT.  We were told to go 30 seconds slower because of the heat.  It was my first time pacing with the 11:00 group and we kept a good and slow place.  Not bad considering it was HOT<<did I mention that?  Plus, we walked during one of the hills/incline which was nice because I already had goosebumps/feeling chills from dehydration. 

When I got home I drank a protein shake, showered, got ready, and went to see “Ice Age: Collision Course” with my nephew.  Cute movie but this is number 4 and I think I’ve had enough of those movies.  We also picked up “Jurassic World”.  I am late to the party because within the last 2 days I’ve watched movies 1-3 of the Jurassic Park series.  The last one was definitely the best one!

Sunday:

  • PLAN – 8 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
  • ACTUAL –14 long @10:46 average pace

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I slept in till 7 and then stayed in bed deciding whether to get up or not to run.  The group from Chi City Running Club were meeting at Waterfall Glen and I knew I did not want to run outside because of the heat.  Another HOT one today.  Finally, 4 hours later I went to the gym and did Saturday’s run. I alternated a different song with paces of 11:07, 10:43, and 10:21.  I almost stopped around mile 3 because I felt a little dizzy.  I took a quick break, drank water, and continued.  Then, I wanted to quit (again) after two hours but still had 2.82 miles to go.  I began to wonder if it was worth it to keep on running.  I did continue while reminding myself that it was only 2 miles.

Week 7 went well.  My tempo run went well (again) and I’m glad I did not miss a workout.  In week 8 I have 3 mile repeats which should be interesting and another 7 mile tempo run on Thursday.

Total mileage for the week: 50.39 miles <<The most I’ve run in a week!!

Total mileage for this training cycle: 250.95 miles

Total mileage for the year: 734.01 miles

Here’s how training has gone so far:

2016 Chicago Marathon Training Week 6

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

Hoping everyone had a good week!

WeeklyWrap

2016ChicagoMarathonRecap1

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 #6, July 11-17

Monday:

  • PLAN – 6 miles easy, 10:15-11:30 pace
  • ACTUAL – 6.02 miles @12:02 average pace

A late start to my run and it was HOT.  Ran slow but faster than Sunday’s run.  Afterwards I took my nephews to see “Finding Dory”.  Have you seen it?  It is a very cute movie.  Yes, sometimes I match my socks with my running outfit.  Don’t you?

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Tuesday:

  • PLAN – 4×1200, 9:04-9:27 pace
  • ACTUAL – Total 6 miles @10:44 average pace

W/up @12:00 and c/d @11:45.  Recovery @13.02.  Each interval was done at a different pace-9:23, 9:14, 9:05, 8:57.  Pleased with this workout.  I had to go slower with my speed workouts because I had been doing them too fast due to a lofty marathon finish time but now I feel much more comfortable with these paces.

Wednesday:

  • PLAN – OFF
  • ACTUAL – OFF

We had some crazy weather in the evening; check out my picture below of two rainbows.  I’ve never seen anything like it.

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Thursday:

  • PLAN – 7 tempo miles, 10:18 pace
  • ACTUAL – Total 9 miles @10:24 average pace

W/up and c/d @11:07.  I did this run on the treadmill.  I alternated a different song with paces of 10:22, 10:10, and 10:00 and was soaking wet when I was done.

Friday: 

  • PLAN – 6 easy miles, 10:52-12:16 pace
  • ACTUAL – 6.02 miles @11:16 average pace

Ran in the new Brooks Launch 3 shoes.  Love them!  Even Lola thinks they’re cool.

Saturday:

  • PLAN – 10 easy  miles, 10:52-12:16 pace
  • ACTUAL – 10.31 miles @10:46 average pace

I decided to switch my run and do Sunday’s run today because I knew tomorrow would be an even busier day.  Felt great during most of the run then during last 2 miles I could not keep up with my group. Felt bad because I made a commitment to be a pacer for that specific group and felt like I have failed.  After the run I spoke with one of the coaches and told him how I felt and suggested to move me to the 11:00 group.  He agreed.  I am afraid that as our runs get longer, I will not keep up with my group.  I was a pacer during the fall and winter seasons and did OK but our longest run was 12 miles.

I forgot to stop my watch during our water breaks but overall it was still a great run.

I did a few errands with my mom and stopped at two Office Max to buy pencils for school.  I must have bought about 30 packs. I am obsessed with Ticonderoga pencils.  If you have kids in school, please buy these pencils for them.  Their teacher will thank you.

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Sunday:

  • PLAN – 8 easy miles, 10:52-12:16 pace
  • ACTUAL – Did not run.

The plan was to get up early and spectate the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon.  Did not happen.  I slept in till 8 and then did a few things around the house and got things ready for my nephew because he was heading back home to San Antonio.  We were invited to my cousin’s house for his birthday.  We had a great time but had to leave the party early to take my nephew to the airport.  It was 10:00 by the time I got home and I went straight to bed.

Week 6 went well.  My tempo run went well (again) and I missed another workout on Sunday.  Oh well, life happens.  In week 7 I have a ladder workout (400-800-1200-1600-1200-800 with 400m jog recovery) which should be interesting and another 7 mile tempo run on Thursday.

Total mileage for the week: 37.35 miles

Total mileage for this training cycle: 200.56 miles

Total mileage for the year: 683.62 miles

Here’s how training has gone so far:

2016 Chicago Marathon Training Week 5

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

Hoping everyone had a good week!

WeeklyWrap

2016ChicagoMarathonRecap1

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 #5, July 4-10

Monday:

  • PLAN – 6 miles easy, 10:15-11:30 pace
  • ACTUAL – 6.02 miles @10:40 average pace

Ran the Elmhurst 4 on the 4th Race.  Finished race in 41:24. Not a PR but I still did pretty good and am pleased with my time.  After I finished race I ran additional 2 miles for total of 6.02.

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Tuesday:

  • PLAN – 5x1km, 8:33-8:55 pace
  • ACTUAL – Total 6.35 miles @10:28 average pace

W/up @12:00 and c/d @11:45.  Recovery @12:30.  Each interval was done at a different pace-8:57, 8:49, 8:42, 8:34, 8:27.  Pleased with this workout.  Also, pleased with holding on to the 8:34 and 8:27 paces.  

But first I had to charge my Fitbit.

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Later in the afternoon I went to Target with my mother and saw something I was NOT ready to see.

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Wednesday:

  • PLAN – OFF
  • ACTUAL – OFF

Thursday:

  • PLAN – 6 tempo miles, 9:44 pace
  • ACTUAL – Did not run.

One word>>LAZY.

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Friday: 

  • PLAN – 7 easy miles, 10:15-11:30 pace
  • ACTUAL – Did not run.

See Thursday. 

Saturday:

  • PLAN – 12  miles, 9:53-10:30
  • ACTUAL – 10.02 miles @10:59 average pace

This run started off so well, in the middle not so good, and then ended OK.  The weather was perfect; definitely not hot.  I was doing very well running on pace with my group.  Around mile 6 I started to get a headache.  I walked for a little bit and could not keep up with my pace.  It was at the water station where I began feeling very hot and another runner told me that I had goosebumps in my arms and therefore I was dehydrated.  One of the volunteers poured water on my head and arms.  I sent a text to one of the coaches to explain the situation.  I also her know that the other runner in my group was running alone and to be on the lookout for her.  Luckily I wasn’t too far away from the Fleet Feet Store and I walked and ran whenever I could.  I did start to feel better but still had a headache.  

Eventually I did feel better and once I got home I drank more water and had a protein shake.  Then I took a shower.  By then I was hungry and luckily my mother had tamales for me.  It hit the spot.

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Sunday:

  • PLAN – 6 easy miles, 10:15-11:30
  • ACTUAL – 6.02 @13:39 average pace

We had family over on Saturday night (we had a GREAT time!) and I went to sleep around midnight. I woke up at 4am to use the restroom and then again after 6.  I did not want to get up for my run. Eventually  I did and met a few others runners from Chi City Running Club.  I ran my SLOWEST 6 miles.  Seriously, I could not figure out what was wrong with me.  Tired.  Probably.  

I will never get tired of this view.  Love it!

Week 5 went OK.  My tempo run went well (again) but I am mad at myself for skipping two workouts.  So far I’ve missed 4 workouts in the training season.  In week 6 I have 4x1200s and 7 tempo miles.

Total mileage for the week: 28.41 miles

Total mileage for this training cycle: 163.21 miles

Total mileage for the year: 646.27 miles

Here’s how training has gone so far: