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

Hoping everyone had a good week!

Last week training for the Chicago Marathon.  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 #18, October 3-9

Monday:

• PLAN – 6 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
• ACTUAL –6.02 miles @10:28 average pace

Great evening for a run!  Ran faster than I wanted to but overall felt great.

Below is a picture of this year’s medal.  Not sure how I feel about it.  I don’t love it but I find it to be plain and boring.  It features an engraving of the original starting line of the marathon, which once began next to the Picasso statute located in front of the Richard J. Daley Civic Center.

Here is the one from last year.

Tuesday:

• PLAN –5 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
• ACTUAL – 5.02 miles @10:41 average pace

Took it slow today and ran perfect negative splits!!! 

Wednesday:

• PLAN – OFF
• ACTUAL – OFF

After our building meeting I went back to the podiatrist for another cortisone shot.  It was painful but my foot feels better.  I went back because the bunion area in my foot was bothering me.

Major carbo load begins today.  I tried this new cream cheese and it is delicious!

Thursday:

• PLAN –6 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
• ACTUAL – Did not run.

The group I run with had everyone’s name written on a wall.  So cool to see my name.

Friday: 

• PLAN – 6 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
• ACTUAL – Did not run.

I went to the expo to get my bib.  I walked away with a bunch of cool stuff.  I also went to the KT Tape booth to get taped up.

Love this shirt!

Love this medal for this year’s Rock Little Marathon!

I saw Bart Yasso again.  I purchased a Runner’s World calendar and he signed it for me.

Saturday:

• PLAN – OFF
• ACTUAL – OFF

Sunday:

• PLAN – 26.2 miles
• ACTUAL – 26.94 miles

Chicago Marathon is done!  Recap coming soon.  Spoiler alert: I got a PR and bettered my time from my first marathon 10 years ago.

Total mileage for the week: 37.98 miles <<Including Chicago Marathon

Total mileage for this training cycle: 643.68 miles

Total mileage for the year: 1,126.74 miles 

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 #17, September 26-October 2

Monday:

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

I had a meeting after school followed by an appointment with the podiatrist.  She looked over my foot and I pointed out the pain and numbness.  She told me I had a pinched nerve and asked me what I wanted to do.  I told her I had a marathon in two weeks and that I could not run with my foot like that. She give me a cortisone shot.  She also used a small blade to shave off more callous (I could not believe how much it was).   My foot feels so much better.

I received my Chicago Marathon confirmation.  Yes!!!  The podiatrist told me to ice my foot when I got home.  Lola likes to take care of me.

Tuesday:

• PLAN – 6x1mile @10:08 pace (with 1 mile w/up and c/d and 400 recovery) 
• ACTUAL – Did not run.

Wednesday:

• PLAN – OFF
• ACTUAL – OFF

Sweet mexican bread is my favorite.  I had this with tea and it was delicious.

Thursday:

• PLAN – 10 tempo @10:18 pace (with 1 mile w/up and c/d)
• ACTUAL – Did not run.

Friday: 

• PLAN – 7 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
• ACTUAL – Did not run.

I love Fridays but I am always tired by then.

Time to stalk the weather reports for next Sunday.  No rain and no sun either.  Please.  Thank you.

Later that evening I went to my cousin’s house because there was a get together to celebrate his wife’s birthday.  It was fun! There was so much food!  

Tacos and pozole.  Delicious.

Saturday:

• PLAN –8 long @10:52-12:16 pace
• ACTUAL – 6.02 miles @10:52 average pace

Cool weather with a chance of rain.  I had a good pace going.  Kind of too fast for our group but everyone was OK with it till the last mile and that is when we slowed down a bit.  It did rain on our way back but it felt great running in the rain. 

Sunday:

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

I like this year’s shirt.

Better weather conditions for next week.  But what is up with that sun?

Barely any running this week.  Taper magic, right?  Next week is all easy runs – 6 easy miles on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and 5 on Tuesday.  Piece of cake.

Total mileage for the week: 6.02 miles

Total mileage for this training cycle: 605.70 miles

Total mileage for the year: 1,088.76 miles 

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
• Week 16

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 #15, September 19-25

Monday:

• PLAN – 6 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
• ACTUAL –6.02 miles @10:50 average pace

A great evening for a run.  Ran by feel even if it was a bit faster than I was supposed to.

Earlier in the day I got a new pair of shoes…Saucony Kinvara 7.  Aren’t they pretty?

Tuesday:

• PLAN – 4×1.5 miles @10:08 pace (with 1 mile w/up and c/d and 400 recovery) 
• ACTUAL –10 miles @10:54 average pace

The first time I did this workout was on 8/23/16 @10:55 average pace.

Today it was w/up and c/d @11:07.  Recovery @13.02.  I alternated a different song with paces of 10:10, 10:00, and 9:50.  Overall, I felt great.  I wore my new shoes and had some discomfort in my right foot.  I did want to stop but I didn’t.  I did this run a little faster than in August and I am surprised my overall pace is just one second faster.  Oh well.  I got it done and I felt great and that is all that matters, right?

I have an appointment with my podiatrist on Monday.  The toes on my right foot get numb when I run. Sometimes they also get numb even when I am not running.  So weird.  I also have bad callus on my right foot and sometimes that makes it painful to run.  I finally bought an electronic foot file from Target.  My feet are smoother and it isn’t painful to run.  My toes still get numb.

Wednesday:

• PLAN – OFF
• ACTUAL – OFF

Thursday:

• PLAN – 10 tempo @10:18 pace (with 1 mile w/up and c/d)
• ACTUAL – Did not run.

Friday: 

• PLAN – 6 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
• ACTUAL – Did not run.

Saturday:

• PLAN –10 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
• ACTUAL – 10.10 miles @11:14 average pace

I woke up EXHAUSTED.  I did not want to run but I did not want miss another run to pace my group.  It was high 60s so ideally it was perfect weather.  It was also overcast so even better.  We ran slower than our normal pace of 11:00 which was fine with me.  Towards the end I was tired and just wanted to be done with the run so I picked up the pace.  The last 5 miles were at negative splits: 11:34/11:33/11:26/11:17/10:17.

Sunday:

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

Taper time means stay home and bond with the cat, right?

I went to Fleet Feet for the “Breaking Through the Wall” Marathon Seminar to see Meb, Amy, and Desi. Wow!  It was great listening to them share their experience and advice.  My favorite is Desi.  There is just something about her and I adore her.

Week 15 did not go well because I missed some runs.  However, I am not going to worry/stress about it. It is taper time and there is no madness going on here.  On of the coaches from my running group said it is “Taper Magic”.  Next week I have 6×1 mile repeats and a 10 tempo run.  We’ll see how I do.

Total mileage for the week: 26.12 miles

Total mileage for this training cycle: 599.68 miles

Total mileage for the year: 1,084.72 miles 

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

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 #15, September 12-18

Monday:

• PLAN – 8 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
• ACTUAL –5.02 miles @10:34 average pace

I had a meeting after school that I could not go to and instead stayed to work on stuff and get classroom ready for Open House on Thursday.  I was home around 6pm but went to bed to rest for a few minutes.  Finally got up and began running around 7.  It is getting darker much earlier so I was able to run 5 miles.  

Tuesday:

• PLAN – 3x2miles @10:08 pace (with 1 mile w/up and c/d and 400 recovery) 
• ACTUAL – Did not run.

I stayed after school to organize my classroom and grade some papers.  In the morning on my way to school I saw another gorgeous sunrise.

Wednesday:

• PLAN – OFF
• ACTUAL – OFF

Thursday:

• PLAN – 10 tempo @10:18 pace (with 1 mile w/up and c/d)
• ACTUAL – Did not run.

I stayed late again at school for Open House.  It went OK.  I have 23 students and 9 parents showed up. I’ve learned to not worry about things that are out of my control.  Parents knew about Open House in advance but if they did not make it then I will not stress nor worry about it.  

Friday: 

• PLAN – 7 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
• ACTUAL – Did not run.

Have I mentioned that I love Fridays?

Saturday:

• PLAN –16 long @10:29-11:05 pace
• ACTUAL – 9.02 miles @11:24 average pace

I was not ready for this run.  My training has not been going well these past two weeks so I knew I shouldn’t run 20 miles.  I thought maybe 16?  I would just wait and see how I felt Saturday morning.  The next morning I was up at 4am and arrived at the start location at 5.  I wanted to get there early to find a free parking spot and I did.  I saw my previous coach and I explained my situation.  She told me to do two loops of 5 miles and then see how I was feeling.  Good plan!

Deena Kastor was in Chicago and it was nice to hear her speak.  She got me motivated and excited for this run and for the marathon.  Then off we went!  It was a little humid but overcast.  Still pleasant enough for running.  I really wanted to do 10 but my knees began to bother me.  Also, the bottom of my right foot near the big toe was bothering me too.  Sigh, I stopped after mile 8 and then did my best to finish mile 9.  I am still pleased with this run.  I did the best I could and now it is taper time!!

Sunday:

• PLAN – 8 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
• ACTUAL – 8.02 miles @9:50 average pace

The plan was to run 8 and that is what I did.  Gorgeous morning but sunny!  I met up with a friend and told her I wanted to run slow.  But we were running faster than I was planning to but I was feeling OK.  I mean, it wasn’t easy but not too hard either.  It felt more like a tempo run.  I am pleased with how I ran and felt on this run.  It was definitely a confidence booster and just what I needed to experience just weeks before the Chicago Marathon.

I’ve been having problems with my Brooks Launch 3 so I bought the Saucony Ride 9.  I like them!

Week 15 did not go well.  I missed 3 runs as I was still in a funky mood and did not want to run.  I am very happy with my run from today.  Next week I have 4×1.5 mile repeats and a 10 tempo run.  I am feeling better about running and with my workload so I am hoping to NOT miss any more runs.  Let’s do this marathon!!!

Total mileage for the week: 22.06 miles

Total mileage for this training cycle: 573.56 miles

Total mileage for the year: 1,056.56 miles

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

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 #14, September 5-11

I reached the point in my training in which I had no desire to run.  I did not want to.  Looking at my calendar listing the number of miles I had that day kind of made me cry.  

Monday:

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

It was a day off from school and I spent the day catching up on grading and working on lesson plans. We have a new reading curriculum which I like but am struggling with it because it has so information. I feel kind of lost but I know eventually I will get the hang of it.

Tuesday:

• PLAN – 2x3miles @10:08 pace (with 1 mile w/up and c/d and 400 recovery) 
• ACTUAL – Did not run.

I stayed after school to organize my classroom and grade some papers.  In the morning on my way to school I saw another gorgeous sunrise.  And one of my students gave me a cute and sweet picture of a cat.

Wednesday:

• PLAN – OFF
• ACTUAL – OFF

Thursday:

• PLAN – 9 tempo @10:18 pace (with 1 mile w/up and c/d)
• ACTUAL – Did not run.

I stayed late again at school to work on some stuff.  We have a new grading system that I am still learning how to use.  I know midterm report cards will be due in a few weeks and I want to be ready and have some grades already entered instead of waiting till the last minute.

I couldn’t believe it when I realized that the Chicago Marathon is a month away!

Friday: 

• PLAN – 6 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
• ACTUAL – Did not run.

My favorite day of the week!

Saturday:

• PLAN –10 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
• ACTUAL – 10.02 miles @10:48 average pace

I missed 4 runs this week so I was not sure how today was going to go.  I didn’t even know if I was going to end up running 10 miles.  Well, guess what?  I did!  My alarm went off at 4:50am but I didn’t get up till 20 minutes later.  Then I drank coffee, ate a Clif Bar and got ready to head to the lake.  

I saw a gorgeous sunrise!  Isn’t it beautiful!!

It was a great run today!  I ran by feel and tried not to look too much at my watch.  It was a little humid but overcast with a little rain.  Thank goodness!  Overall, I am pleased with this run.  My fastest mile was 10:14 and my slowest was 11:40.  

Sunday:

• PLAN – 10 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
• ACTUAL – 10.02 miles @10:48 average pace

A late night last night meant a late start this morning.  I did wake up early (too early) but did not want to get up.  I finally did and was at the lakefront before 8am.  Gorgeous day!  Sunny but not too hot.  I was tired and legs were a little sore.  I forgot my watch at home and instead used the Nike +app on my phone.  I ran by feel again and it felt good to not be constantly checking my pace like I usually do with my watch (my phone was inside the pouch of my belt).  Overall, I am pleased with this workout with 11:01 being my fastest mile and 12:09 being my slowest.

Week 14 did not go well.  I missed 4 runs (the most I’ve missed in a week this training season) as I was in a funky mood and did not want to run.  I am very happy with my long run on Saturday.  Next week I have 3x2mile repeats and a 10 tempo run.  I am thinking of running my tempo run on Wednesday since I have Open House at school and it will be over at 8pm <<No way will I do my run at that time.  Also, Saturday is the 20 mile run with CES.  Per the Hansons Marathon Method, the longest I need to run is 16 miles.  But I feel like I need to runmore.  I need another confidence booster to get me through the remaining weeks of training.  I guess I should wait and see how I feel on Saturday.  

Total mileage for the week: 20.04 miles <<The least I’ve run in a week this training season.

Total mileage for this training cycle: 551.50 miles

Total mileage for the year: 1,034.56 miles 

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