Zenaida Arroyo

24
Dec
2017

Illinois Marathon Training Recap, Week 4

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

Another great week of marathon training. I am loving these “easy” runs but I know that eventually they will not all be “easy”. The weather has been decent enough to continue running outside.

Week #4, December 18-December 24

M Ran 30 minutes for 2.58 miles
T Quality Session (10 minute warmup, 3.10 miles, 10 minute cooldown)
W OFF
TH Ran 45 minutes for 3.85 miles
F Ran 30 minutes for 2.59 miles
S Ran 90 minutes for 7.75 miles
S OFF

Started off the week with 30 minutes of running. It felt warm and I was tempted to wear shorts. I like running in the morning before work but don’t think I’ll continue when I have to run longer runs.

I was not looking forward to Tuesday’s run. I had to run 10 minute warm up, 3.10 miles, and then 10 minute cooldown. My plan was to run along the lakefront but instead decided to run around the airport. Despite it being 50 degrees, it was WINDY. I actually did good but know I can improve and do better. My fastest 5K is from May 2011 (29:48 with a 9:35 average pace).

The rest of the week were all easy runs. It also went by fast and before I knew it, it was Friday and almost time for Winter Break. My students made a present for their parents and had fun making their own wrapping paper.

Saturday’s run consisted of running 90 minutes. Honestly I was not looking forward to it. But as always, the runs we do not want to do are also the best ones. It was in the low 30s but it was also sunny and not windy at all which made the run even more pleasant.

Overall I am pleased with this week of training. I felt great and actually enjoyed my runs. Let’s see how long that lasts! 🙂

Total mileage for the week: 21.45
Total mileage for this training cycle: 66.38
Total mileage for the year: 760.76

Here’s how training has gone so far:
• Week 1
• Week 2
• Week 3

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.

17
Dec
2017

Illinois Marathon Training Recap, Week 3

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

Illinois Marathon training has begun. This week I did minimal running because I hurt my ankle. It feels better now but taking a few days off helped and I am ready to resume training.

Week #3, December 11-December 17

M Did not run
T Did not run
W Did not run
TH Did not run
F Did not run
S Did not run
S Ran 30 minutes for 2.62 miles

On Monday I went out too late for my run and by then it was snowing. It wasn’t a lot but enough to make it hard to see and slippery. I am afraid of falling in the snow/ice and hurting myself. I did run for about 3 minutes and then went back home. Spoiler alert: I didn’t slip that day but did fall the next day.

On Tuesday I did some errands and hurt my ankle. I was about to get into my car and I didn’t see that the curb was uneven. I sat in the carseat in disbelief because I couldn’t believe it. I had skipped my run on Monday because I didn’t want to slip in the snow but yet I fell/slipped while walking to my car?!?!? It didn’t hurt as much so I went on with my errands. The next day it was sore/tender but wasn’t painful. I did think that I had sprained it but realized it wasn’t swollen and it didn’t hurt to walk. I decided to take off the next few days just to make sure.

The rest of the went flew by. Work was busy but productive. The teachers in our District don’t have a contract but we have a tentative one and will vote on Monday. On Friday I substituted for a class and had 47 kids in my room. There is a shortage of substitute teachers and many of us either have to internal sub or double up. It went well. Lots of kids but we had a fun and productive day.

One more week till Winter Break!

Every year I give 2 books for Christmas to my kids. This year Lola helped!

I finally went out on Sunday for a run. It was gloomy but also in the high 30s and felt great being out there.

Another week of training for the Illinois Marathon. It didn’t go as I want it to go but life is full of surprises. 🙂

Total mileage for the week: 2.62
Total mileage for this training cycle: 44.93
Total mileage for the year: 739.31

Here’s how training has gone so far:
• Week 1
• Week 2

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.

10
Dec
2017

Illinois Marathon Training Recap, Week 2

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

Illinois Marathon training has begun. Now it feels like winter in Chicago. It was nice and warm on Monday and then dropped 30-40 degrees for the rest of the week. As mentioned in this post, I’m training with Mary from Lift | Run | Perform for a few weeks before I start my “official” training with a few other women that are training for the Boston Marathon.

Week #2, December 4-December 10

M Ran 45 minutes for 3.76 miles
T Ran 45 minutes and 4 strides for 4.16 miles
W Cross Training 45 minutes using bike
TH OFF
F OFF
S Ran 10.25 Miles
S Ran 45 minutes and 4 strides for 4.22 miles

I love seeing the holiday decorations. It was nice and warm on Monday and I could have worn shorts but opted to wear a new to me pair of Oiselle Aero Tights. Oh, and another new pair of Brooks Launch 4. They’re on sale on Running Warehouse and at the Brooks site. Have I told you how much I love my Oiselle Lightning Layer? Seriously, the BEST reflective piece of gear you need when running in the dark.

Tuesday workout was the same as Monday but I added 4 strides (20 seconds) and 60 seconds recovery. Easy. But I was cold. It was 31 degrees. Lola didn’t care.

The elliptical machine bores me so this week Mary had me use the bike. Much better. I did get tired of sitting down and found myself moving around a little to get comfortable. I know, I complain too much. If it isn’t one thing, it is another.

Illinois Marathon-16

Saturday’s run was tough. Another cold but also WINDY day. The first 5 miles were fine but struggled the last 5. Well, we ran nonstop for a little over 3 miles and then I told the group that I needed to walk a little. Not surprisingly, the last two miles were my slowest. Overall, my average pace was 11:28 which made me very happy.

I missed my workout on Friday because I was cold and tired. I came home from a long day of meetings and just wanted to stay in bed. I sent an email to Mary explaining the situation and she responded saying to get some rest and to do the workout on Sunday. I thought for sure she was going to tell me to just skip it. Nope. It wasn’t as cold as on Saturday and luckily it was 45 minutes instead of 10 miles. 🙂 I think I did pretty good!

Another week of training for the Illinois Marathon. It was colder than I wanted it to be but that is expected for December. 🙂

Total mileage for the week: 22.40
Total mileage for this training cycle: 42.31
Total mileage for the year: 736.69

Here’s how training has gone so far:
• Week 1

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.

03
Dec
2017

Illinois Marathon Training Recap, Week 1

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

Illinois Marathon training has begun. It doesn’t feel like winter here in Chicago so it has been awesome to run outside. As mentioned in this post, I’m training with Mary from Lift | Run | Perform for a few weeks before I start my “official” training with a few other women that are training for the Boston Marathon.

Week #1, November 27-December 3

M Ran 45 minutes for 3.74 miles
T Cross Training 45 minutes using elliptical machine
W Ran 45 minutes for 3.79 miles
TH OFF
F Ran 40 minutes for 3.33 miles
S Ran 9.05 Miles
S OFF

New shoes, socks, and Oiselle spandos to start off my week and my training.

Illinois Marathon-3 The two 45 minute runs were actually fun! I asked Mary what pace I should do these runs and she told me “easy, very easy pace”. No problem at all.

Tuesday workout bore me. I detest the elliptical machine. I did get to watch 45 minutes of the “Sex and the City” movie. I still think Carrie should have married Aidan.

December started off with running 3.33 miles in 40 minutes. Again, easy pace. I had planned to go in the morning but woke up very cold. It turned out that the heat was off. I did text the owner to let him know and it was working again later on in the day. He didn’t explain what had happened and I did not ask.

How is it that 62 degrees feels great outside but inside a house it is very cold?

Saturday mornings I help pace the 11:00 group out of Fleet Feet. The past couple of weeks I’ve struggled to maintain that pace. The 11:30 group didn’t have a pacer on Saturday and I offered to pace it. It was awesome! I felt great! It could have been the weather, pace or some new to me energy chews. I requested to be moved to the 11:30 and from now on that will be my group to pace.

My first week went well. I did all of my workouts and am pleased with my results. Next week I have 3 days of easy run, cross training on the bike on Wednesday, and 10 miles on Saturday.

Total mileage for the week: 19.91
Total mileage for this training cycle: 19.91
Total mileage for the year: 714.30

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.

28
Nov
2017

Art Van Turkey Trot Chicago 5k Recap

categories: Ambassador, BibRave Pro, Race Recap, Running, Tuesdays on the Run

Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Art Van Turkey Trot Chicago part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

I had originally signed up for the 8K. However, I know it is always cold in November so when I picked up my bib, I changed it to run the 5K. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t that cold. 🙂

I picked up my bib on Sunday afternoon. I was in and out in about 10 minutes. I did not read the information carefully because later on that week I found out that there was race day packet pickup. That is what I get for not reading carefully the race information.

One thing I dislike about racing in Lincoln Park is the parking. I knew it would be a hassle so I made sure to get there early to get a spot. Indeed I did (5 minutes from the start) but I had to wait about 2 hours in my car. Not sure if it was worth it. My friend Michelle joined me at about 8:30 and then at 8:50 we left my warm car to use the port-a-potties and run the race.

There were 2 waves in this race. We did not plan it carefully because we missed the 1st wave. By the time we made it to the race and were done using the port-a-potties, people were lining up for the 2nd wave which began at 9:30. I was annoyed (mainly at myself) because I could have been in the 1st wave if I had left earlier.

Finally it was time to run and it was a total mess. The path was narrow and there were so many people on it. There were lots of walkers (which is fine) but I wished they would have moved over to the right. I had no time goal for this race but just to have fun. I tried. I was happy with the weather because it did warm up. I wore a Oiselle wazzie wool top and a flyout jacket and was HOT. But it was CROWDED. I am not a fast runner at all and found myself weaving around to pass the runners.

The turnaround was a little before Irving Park Road. I don’t remember at what point the 5k and 8K runners split up but eventually we were reunited. Yeah, I don’t think this merging area was suitable.

By now my goal was just to get to the finish line. And that is exactly what I did. Happy to be done and collect my medal. But before I could do that, I had to get through a gridlock of people also trying to collect their medal.

I didn’t stay afterwards to enjoy the festivities. It looked like people were having a good time after the race.

The medal is cute.

I was really hoping to enjoy the race. I just couldn’t. It sold out before Thursday so I am not sure how many people in total participated in this race. I am glad the sun came out and it wasn’t too cold but that particular area of the lakefront is not a good choice for a race.

Did you run a Turkey Trot Race on Thursday? How did it go?

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