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

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 #13, August 29-September 4

Monday:

• PLAN – 8 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
• ACTUAL – Total 8.02 miles @10:59 average pace

I woke up EXHAUSTED on Monday morning.  See picture below.  That is how I felt.

I did my run outside after school.  It was a warm and humid evening.  I had a headache and was debating whether or not to go.  I did go and felt much better afterwards.  

Tuesday:

• PLAN – 3x2miles @10:08 pace (with 1 mile w/up and c/d and 400 recovery) 
• ACTUAL – Total 6 miles @10:39 average pace

W/up and c/d @11:07.  Recovery @13.02.  I alternated a different song with paces of 10:10 and 10:00.   I did not do all repeats but at least I did half of this workout.  And that was my last workout for August.  I managed to finish the month with 191.34 miles.

Wednesday:

• PLAN – OFF
• ACTUAL – OFF

Thursday:

• PLAN – 9 tempo @10:18 pace (with 1 mile w/up and c/d)
• ACTUAL – Total 11 miles @10:17 average pace

A new month!  I was looking forward to this run.  W/up and c/d @11:07.  Alternated a different song with paces of 10:21, 10:10, 10:00, and 9:50.  Prior to my run I had a Generation UCAN snack bar and water.  I was doing great till mile 8.5 and then had to stop and take a break before continuing.  It wasn’t a horrible nor a great run but it was just OK.  Overall I am pleased with it because it was a bit faster than what I should have run these tempo miles.

Friday: 

• PLAN – 7 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
• ACTUAL – 7 miles @11:48 average pace

Another run on the treadmill before work.  I alternated a different song with paces of 12:00, 11:47, and 11:32. 

Saturday:

• PLAN – 16 long @10:29-11:05 pace
• ACTUAL – 16.02 miles @11:26 average pace

A gorgeous morning for running.  Temperatures were in the mid 60s.  Pleased with how I paced my CES group for 10 miles because most of them were under 11:00 minutes.  Once I was done, I walked to my car (1/2 mile) and on the way stopped for coffee while I ate a Cliff Bar.  I was hungry.  I lost my motivation to run.  My friend, Claudia, told me to just run because I had already run 10 miles and what is 6 more.  True.  But I was tired.  So I ran but I also walked.  Those last 6 miles were done very slow. After my run Claudia met me at Portillo’s for burgers, fries, and beer.  The best!

Sunday:

• PLAN – 8 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
• ACTUAL – 8.02 miles @13:45 average pace

Another gorgeous morning to run 8 miles.  I met up with Claudia for this run.  We both did 16 on Saturday so we were tired.  We ran slow and enjoyed it.  We saw a gorgeous sunrise and stopped to admire it.  

Week 13 went well.  I felt tired but did not skip any runs (I did not complete all of the Tuesday run but did most of it).  I am very pleased with my tempo run on Thursday.  Next week I have 2×3 mile repeats and a 9 tempo run.

Also, don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a Headsweats visor and a tube of Nuun.  They’re both perfect for the remaining weeks of marathon/half marathon/other training.

Total mileage for the week: 56.06 miles <<The most I’ve run in a week.

Total mileage for this training cycle: 531.46 miles

Total mileage for the year: 1,014.52 miles <<Crazy to see that about half of those miles are from training for the Chicago Marathon.

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

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 #12, August 22-28

Monday:

• PLAN – 6 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
• ACTUAL – Total 6.02 miles @10:44 average pace

First day back at work.  To say that I was tired is an understatement…no kids yet just a day full of fun meetings.  Obviously I wanted to skip this run but made myself go (after a short nap).  I had so much energy and ran faster than I should have. 

Tuesday:

• PLAN – 4×1.5 miles @10:08 pace (with 1 mile w/up and c/d and 400 recovery) 
• ACTUAL – Total 10 @10:55 average pace

Another day full of meetings.  Gosh, those are more tiring than a run!  W/up and c/d @11:07.  Recovery @13.02.  I alternated a different song with paces of 10:10 and 10:00.  Tired afterwards but felt great throughout my run.  Legs were sore from TRX in the morning.

Wednesday:

• PLAN – OFF
• ACTUAL – OFF

Thursday:

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

First day with the kids.  It was HECTIC and I was not prepared.  I did the best I could and saw many happy faces.  Some told me already that I was their favorite teacher.  I have a good group of kids. They’re well behaved and excited to come to school and learn.

Friday: 

• PLAN – 6 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
• ACTUAL – 6 miles @12:00 average pace

I was still sore and tired from Thursday.  I went to the gym in the morning because I did not want to run after school.  I alternated a different song with paces of 12:15, 12:00, and 11:46.  

I saw this gorgeous sunrise after I picked up coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts.

Saturday:

• PLAN – 10 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
• ACTUAL – 10.02 miles @12:58 average pace

I decided not to run with CES because they were running 16 miles.  Instead, I ran with my friend, Claudia.  She runs with a different group and they were meeting at 5am and that meant a 4am wake up call.  Oh well.  It had to be done.  I did not know it was raining and was NOT looking forward to running in the rain.  However, it did not rain as bad as last week and it was actually run.  We took our time and we enjoyed it.  I was hoping to see the sunrise but it was very foggy and cloudy.  

After our run we went to The Original Pancake House for a well deserved breakfast.

Sunday:

• PLAN – 10 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
• ACTUAL – 9.02 miles @12:34 average pace

Another 4am wake up call to run this morning.  Luckily it did not rain but it was humid.  It was close to 80 degrees and 85% humidity.  I took it slow and felt great throughout my run.  I was pleased to see the sunrise and it was gorgeous.  However, I ran 9 miles instead of 10.  Next week we have 16 miles on our schedule and I might start earlier.  But it all depends on how warm it will be that day.

Week 12 went well.  I was very tired and missed two runs.  I am very pleased with my strength run on Tuesday.  Next week I have 3×2 mile repeats and a 9 tempo run.

Total mileage for the week: 41.06 miles

Total mileage for this training cycle: 475.40 miles

Total mileage for the year: 958.46 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

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 #11, August 15-21

Monday:

• PLAN – 8 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
• ACTUAL – Total 8 miles @11:31 average pace

I did this run on the treadmill and alternated a different song with paces of 12:00, 11:32, and 11:07.

That evening I went to an event sponsored by Fleet Feet Chicago and Generation UCAN to meet Dathan Ritzenhein.  We got to hear a bit about the product he uses to fuel his runs, how he become a runner, and his accomplishments.  There was a fun run prior to the Q&A session (I did not run) so I got a chance to talk to him and ask him specifically how he fuels.  Also, there were samples of their new snack bars (Peach Passion and Coffee Bean) and they were both delicious!  I ended up buying a box of the Peach Passion bars and the Berry UCAN Hydrate.  Overall, it was worth the trip to the store.

Tuesday:

• PLAN – 6×1600 @10:08 pace (with 1 mile w/up and c/d and 400 recovery) 
• ACTUAL – Total 9.50 @10:48 average pace

W/up and c/d @11:07.  Recovery @13.02.  I was not looking forward to this run.  It is a very intimidating run.  Surprisingly I felt great and it was a confidence booster.  I did get a little tired at the last mile but managed to power through. The first 3 repeats were done at 10:10 and the last 3 I alternated a different song with paces of 10:10 and 10:00.

Prior to my run I ate a UCAN snack bar and drank coffee.  Maybe that’s why I felt great?

Wednesday:

• PLAN – OFF
• ACTUAL – OFF

I finally got a haircut!  It has been two years since I’ve had one.  I cut off 8 inches and will be donating it to Pantene Beautiful Lengths.

Short but not too short to put it up in a ponytail for when I run.

Thursday:

• PLAN – 8 tempo @10:18 pace (with 1 mile w/up and c/d)
• ACTUAL – 10 miles @10:10 average pace

I had a doctor appointment in the morning for a yearly physical.  Then I hung out at Panera for coffee and a bagel before heading to the gym.  W/up and c/d @11:07.  Alternated a different song with paces of 10:21, 10:10, 10:00, and 9:50.  Yikes, this was a little bit faster than I was supposed to run but I felt great so I just kept running.  Prior to my run I had a Generation UCAN snack bar and coffee.

Friday: 

• PLAN – 7 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
• ACTUAL – 7 miles @11:34 average pace

In the morning I got a massage which felt great.  Then went to Target and also had lunch with a friend. I did not want to go right away to the gym so I waited a bit and hung out with Lola.  

I alternated a different song with paces of 12:00, 11:32, and 11:07.  I was on a roll and was surprised when the treadmill stopped.  Bummer.  I did not know that was going to happen.  Oh well.  I started the machine again and finished my run.  I was tired.  TIRED.  Sigh, I think I need to do these a bit slower.  

Saturday:

• PLAN – 16 long @10:29-11:05 pace
• ACTUAL – 13.02 miles @12:27 average pace

I was looking forward to this run.  I checked the weather and it was ideal (or so I thought) and that is always something to look forward to in a long run.  Well, about 6 miles into the run it began to POUR. Literally it rained cats and dogs.  Then it cleared up for a little bit.  However, I was not feeling it.  I was tired.  I could not get my legs to run fast enough.  For the rest of the way I ran and walked.  And it rained again TWICE.   I was over the rain and just wanted to be done.  I also chafed in my arms and near my lady parts.  Not fun.

I will admit that this run left me questioning why I was even training for the marathon.  I think that if it wasn’t for the fact that it has a sentimental meaning, I would have stopped my training on Saturday.  Yes, that is how much it affected me.  But I also know there will always be bad runs during marathon training and it is part of the experience.  

Sunday:

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

Just one of those days.  No energy and no desire.

Week 11 went well.  I was very tired and missed one run.  I am very pleased with my strength and tempo runs and how they went better than I expected.  Next week I have 4×1.5 mile repeats and a 9 tempo run.

Summer break is over and I go back to work tomorrow.  I am excited and looking forward to the new school year.

Total mileage for the week: 47.52 miles

Total mileage for this training cycle: 434.34 miles

Total mileage for the year: 917.40 miles <<Yikes!!

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