Category: Illinois Marathon


Mar
2018

Illinois Marathon Training Recap, Week 16

categories: Brooks Running, Illinois Marathon, Marathon Training, Running, Weekly Recap

Illinois Marathon-2

Week #16, March 12-18

M Rest
T 3.77
W 2.51
TH 5.83
F Rest
S Ran 3.78
S Ran 13.00

I spent all day Tuesday in a meeting.  It was a long day and the last thing I wanted to do after school was run.  We also got more snow.  Not a lot but seriously crazy weather.  Oh but at least it isn’t as bad as on the east coast.

Illinois Marathon-151

I currently have 4 pairs of shoes in rotation.  They’re all Brooks Launch 4, except the green shoes on the lower right, those are the Launch 5.

On Wednesday it was warm enough to wear shorts.  Spring is so close!

Thursday’s run was fun but also hard!  I had to do 15 minute warm up, 5×5 minute @10:02 pace with 400m recovery, and 10 minute cool down.  I was nervous but knew I could do it.  The first three 5 minute reps felt comfortable.  The last two felt hard because of the wind.  I tried to keep going but just couldn’t take it anymore.  When I saw my splits I realized that I was also running too fast.

I wanted to do these without stopping but with the last two I did stop for a few seconds to catch my breath.  I feel like I cheated.  🙂  Overall, I am very pleased with my negative splits!!

I thought Saturday’s run was 45 minutes but instead it was supposed to be 40 minutes.  Oh well.  It was in the high 30s and I felt great out there.  I didn’t realize how tired I was and ended up taking a nap from 3-4pm.  Lola was very tired too from running around all day.

Illinois Marathon-157

I have mixed feelings about today’s long run (13 miles-4 warm up, 6 @10:45 pace, 3 cool down).  I understand the benefits of tempo runs but I still dislike them.  I always have a hard time holding the pace.  Today’s run felt hard.

Hanging out with Lola before making myself go out for my run.  It was a beautiful and warm afternoon.  

Illinois Marathon-158

I took one Huma Gel (affiliate link) before my run.  They’re my new favorite gels.  The originals are tasty but I also love the plus which have a natural electrolyte.  I took 3 extra ones and ended up taking one at mile 4 and then another one at mile 8.

I was smiling at the end of my run because I was done with it.  But deep down I was sore and tired.  And full of doubt.  As you can see, I did hit my target pace but tempo runs are supposed to be run without stopping and I didn’t do that here.  There were a few times that the pace felt comfortable, which was surprising, but there were times in which I was barely hanging on and had to stop.  A few times I wanted to quit too.  The reason I didn’t is because it was a very nice day for a run.  I’ve been complaining about how cold it has been and today it was just perfect.  So of course I couldn’t stop!

Total mileage for the week: 28.89
Total mileage for this training cycle: 329.93
Total mileage for the year: 251.11

Here’s how training has gone so far:
• Week 1
• Week 2
• Week 3
• Week 4
• Week 5
• Week 6
• Week 7
• Week 8
• Week 9
• Week 10
• Week 11
• Week 12
• Week 13
• Week 14
• Week 15

How was YOUR week?  

Link back to the host and let’s support other bloggers linking up as they train for a marathon, half marathon, or any other event.

 


Mar
2018

Illinois Marathon Training Recap, Week 15

categories: Brooks Running, Illinois Marathon, Marathon Training, Running, Weekly Recap

Illinois Marathon-2

Week #15, March 5-11

M Rest
T 3.36
W 5.21
TH 3.35
F Rest
S Ran 3.00
S Ran 12.01

Tuesday’s run was fantastic!  I received a new pair of the Brooks Launch 5 and ran 40 minutes in them.  I know I’ve raved about the Launch 4 but these new ones are so beautiful and makes me want to keep on running.  

Brooks Launch 5 Shamrock Shoes-1

On Wednesday I had to do 20 minutes warm up, 20 minutes @11:58, and 20 minutes cool down.  Not very exciting but did it anyway.  It was cold/chilly and windy.  I didn’t do my run exactly like I was supposed to.

Illinois Marathon-144

By Thursday I was tired.  I didn’t want to run.  I got home and stayed in bed for a little bit.  I think I just needed a quick break because a few minutes later I got up to run 40 minutes.  Cold and windy again.  I did see a gorgeous sunset!

Illinois Marathon-145

Saturday morning I got a massage.  The last time I got one was about 5 months ago.  It felt so great!  I could literally feel the tingling from my toes to my fingertips.  I made another appointment for the 24th and cannot wait.

Illinois Marathon-146

After my massage I ran 3 miles.  I was supposed to run 35 minutes.  At 35 minutes my watch was showing about 2.97 miles or something like that.  I knew it would drive me crazy if I stopped at that number so I kept running and finished 3 miles at 35:16.  🙂

Congrats to my coaches, Mary and Rochelle!  Mary placed 2nd in the RnR DC 5k and Rochelle placed 1st in the marathon.

Illinois Marathon-147Illinois Marathon-148

Sunday’s run was 12 miles.  I procrastinated as long as I could and finally went out running around 3:30pm.  The plan was to run them at an easy pace (11:58-13:06).  Usually when I do easy runs I am TIRED and am grateful that it is “just” 30, 40, or 45 minutes.  I was nervous about 12 miles.  But I can say that I felt GREAT during my run.  The sun made it warm and there was a little wind which helped cool me down a bit.  Only 2 miles were done over 12:00 and that made me very happy!

Total mileage for the week: 26.93
Total mileage for this training cycle: 301.04
Total mileage for the year: 222.22

Here’s how training has gone so far:
• Week 1
• Week 2
• Week 3
• Week 4
• Week 5
• Week 6
• Week 7
• Week 8
• Week 9
• Week 10
• Week 11
• Week 12
• Week 13
• Week 14

How was YOUR week?  

Link back to the host and let’s support other bloggers linking up as they train for a marathon, half marathon, or any other event.

 


Mar
2018

Illinois Marathon Training Recap, Week 14

categories: Illinois Marathon, Marathon Training, Running, Weekly Recap

Illinois Marathon-2

Week #14, February 26-March 4

M Rest
T 3.28
W 6.40
TH 2.92
F Rest
S Ran 3.33
S Ran 11.00

Tuesday was warm enough to wear a skirt!  I did my run in the morning and it was 44 degrees.  Perfect!

Illinois Marathon-136

I procrastinated on Wednesday to hang out with Lola.  I didn’t want to get out but then remembered it was the end of the month and I wanted to get it more miles to meet my goal.  I didn’t.  I missed it by 8.42 miles.  Bummer.

I actually enjoyed my run and again hit the paces I was supposed to (10:02 for each 3 minute intervals).  I need to work on my recovery since those I am running too slow.

Illinois Marathon-139

March began with 35 minutes of easy running.  It was a beautiful evening with a full moon outside.

Illinois Marathon-140

I was very tired on Saturday and stayed in bed till about 10.  I watched TV and caught up on a few shows.  I still didn’t go out for my run till about 2pm.  The sun was out and did get warm but I also got cold being in the shade.  Still it was a beautiful afternoon for a run.

I remember how before I would do my long runs on Saturday and would have no trouble getting up in the morning.  Now?  Lately I’ve been struggling.  I still prefer to do my long runs on Saturday so I can recover the rest of the day and if needed, on Sunday too.

Sunday’s run had 2×2 miles @10:45 pace and then repeat.  I was a bit nervous about it.  I’ve been able to hold that pace for 2, 3 or 15 minutes but NOT 2 miles.  It wasn’t easy and unfortunately did have to stop for a few seconds to catch my breath.  The headwind did not help and that just aggravated me even more.  Still pleased with my run.

Illinois Marathon-143

Another great week of marathon training.  March is here and I am hoping that we get warmer weather so I can wear shorts.  🙂  I’ve managed to hit the paces on my workouts but still need to work on pacing for my tempo/longer runs.  I tend to start off too fast and then get burnt out too soon.

Total mileage for the week: 26.93
Total mileage for this training cycle: 274.11
Total mileage for the year: 195.30

Here’s how training has gone so far:
• Week 1
• Week 2
• Week 3
• Week 4
• Week 5
• Week 6
• Week 7
• Week 8
• Week 9
• Week 10
• Week 11
• Week 12
• Week 13

How was YOUR week?  How is the weather in your city or town?

Link back to the host and let’s support other bloggers linking up as they train for a marathon, half marathon, or any other event.

 


Feb
2018

February was good for me!

categories: Illinois Marathon, Running, Tuesdays on the Run

I cannot believe tomorrow is the last day of February!  Two months done for the year.  If you have been following along my training for the Illinois Marathon, you know that this winter has sucked.  I’ve run in freezing weather and in the snow.  It hasn’t been easy and I had to talk myself into getting out there.  

• To date I’ve run 81.90 miles.  I have a run today and Wednesday.  I still won’t make my goal of running 100 miles per month.  I know it is my fault because I did miss 2 workouts and didn’t complete another one that was 11 miles.  Oh well.  My marathon is in two months and I know there will be heavy mileage coming up and for sure will go over 100 miles each month.  As long as I have at least 1,200 miles for the year I will be happy.

100miles

2018 Goal

• Total time run is 16:11:13.  That is about the same amount of hours from the time I wake up in the morning to the time I am in bed at night and start all over.  Fascinating!

• I’ve run 16 days.  This training cycle has me running 5 days a week.  I’ve been doing pretty good even with this crappy weather.  I am proud of myself for getting out there.

February 2018 Calendar

• I’ve had some great quality session workouts.  Not only have they been great but they’ve been fun!  I’ve managed to hit the required paces and that has been a great confidence booster.  I remember how before I would do these workouts on the treadmill because it would help me stay on pace.  Now I can do these on my own with no help from it.

• I have not kept up with strength workouts.  I slacked off.  I had signed up to do a February Challenge (Supermans, Squats, and Russian Twists) with a few other bloggers and did good for the first few days and then stopped.  I got tired and lazy.  Hopefully there will be another challenge in March that I can participate.

February 2018 Report Card

So how did February go for you?

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

TuesdaysOnTheRun


Feb
2018

Illinois Marathon Training Recap, Week 13

categories: Illinois Marathon, Marathon Training, Running, Weekly Recap

Illinois Marathon-2

Week #13, February 19-25

M Rest
T 3.76
W 2.51
TH 4.91
F Rest
S Ran 3.80
S Ran 11.38

Another great week of training for the Illinois Marathon!  I didn’t miss/skip any of my workouts.  Mother Nature cannot make up her mind about the weather.  It rains one day and then cold the next day.  Hopefully in March we’ll have decent weather.

Tuesday’s run was in the rain.  Well, maybe not exactly rain but more like a mist.  I was still cold but glad it was a 45 minute run.  Lola didn’t care that I was cold.  

It was cold again on Wednesday and honestly I did not want to run.  Sucked it up and did it anyway.

Illinois Marathon-130

I was looking forward to and excited about my run on Thursday (2 mile warmup, 5 minutes @10:45, 5 minutes @10:02, 3 minute rest, repeat and then 1 mile cool down). Pretty cool huh? Well, during the first 5 minute session I was curious to see my pace so instead of pressing the light button, I pressed the lap button.  No! I almost wanted to cry. I know, stupid.🤦🏻‍♀️ It was a long day plus we had a practice lockdown so you can imagine how emotional that was during school.  Anyway, I quickly snapped out of it and continued with my run and it was AWESOME!  Moral of the story: Trust the process and don’t mess with your Garmin.

After cuddling with Lola in the morning I went out for 45 minutes of running.  It was cloudy and not too cold.  I should have done my long run on Saturday instead of Sunday.

Saw these shoes on Running Warehouse and want to get them.

Illinois Marathon-133

I was NOT looking forward to my long run on Sunday.  Total time to run was 2 hours and 2 minutes.  It was cold and windy.  The sun did come out but also decided to hide.  I was very tired towards the end but pleased to get it done.

Total mileage for the week: 26.37
Total mileage for this training cycle: 247.18
Total mileage for the year: 168.37

Here’s how training has gone so far:
• Week 1
• Week 2
• Week 3
• Week 4
• Week 5
• Week 6
• Week 7
• Week 8
• Week 9
• Week 10
• Week 11
• Week 12

How was YOUR week?

Link back to the host and let’s support other bloggers linking up as they train for a marathon, half marathon, or any other event.