My training is going well. I had a progressive 20-miler on Friday, an easy 8-miler on Saturday, and then a 12-miler this morning with 8 miles at goal marathon pace or slightly faster. It was a really fun run. This week I have 90 miles on the schedule. 90! I have done 85 miles quite a few times now and it is only a few miles more, but 90 sure sounds like a lot. There is a lot of intensity in those 90 miles (including today's run) but I feel really good/excited/confident about it.
I have really, really enjoyed this training schedule. It has been short (only since Boston in April) but I have loved the workouts. I have been able to find the "razor's edge" of pushing it, yet not pushing it too far. We have built mileage and intensity cautiously, and am evaluating how I am feeling mentally and physically. I have gotten to this point feeling good all the way around.
Since I went into Boston feeling confident and ready, this has been sort of "bonus" training, so I am feeling even more confident and ready. Boston did shake my confidence and discourage me some (it was just an extremely difficult race, physically and mentally) but I have been working on that a lot too. The mental aspect of training and racing is so important and I want to go into Utah Valley feeling happy, strong, and confident, and believing in myself, my training, and my abilities.
This morning I ran alone, without any music. It was a BEAUTIFUL clear morning, with the sun coming up over the mountains, and the roads empty and quiet the way that they are in a small town on a Sunday morning. I focused on my form, my breathing, and thinking positive thoughts. My splits were 8:23, 7:57, 7:27, 7:10, 7:06, 7:07, 7:13, 7:08, 7:05, 7:10, 6:59, 8:34. I finished up with 5x100m strides.
This week I will be paying extra attention to getting sleep/rest, eating well, rolling and stretching, and taking care of my body every way that I can. For the 20-mile progressive run on Friday, Josh is going to pace me on his bike, which I am really looking forward to. And then after Friday's run, it will be taper time! I am doing a two-week taper for Utah Valley Marathon since the two-week taper I did for Boston left me feeling rested but fresh (and was the first time I felt that I had gotten taper "right" for me).
So, it's the final push this week before Utah Valley Marathon. My goals for the week are to stay healthy, stay motivated, and get to taper tired, but happy, knowing I have put the work in.
What do you have going on this week?
Here is a funny for you!
9 comments:
This cartoon is you and me!!!! Do you smell the smoke yet? ;-) you're goin down punk!
your training has been AMAZING! no doubt you have earned this race, and the taper will treat you right. i am so excited for you erin! the comic is so cute too. happy monday!
90 miles? I can't even imagine it! But you'll do great. You've been doing a lot of good endurance work. I like that speed on tired legs stuff!
Mega miles, there! So great that it is working well for you. You're going to have a fantastic race--I think the confidence is already there.
I, on the other hand, had a disaster of a race this weekend. Time to cut back and rest, and get my legs back.
Every time I read your weekly mileage my legs ache and I get just a little bit jealous. Well, okay, a lot a bit jealous. And jealousy and envy are stupid and for excuse makers and all of that (you know,like when you plan a vacation, and someone says "It must be nice". And you think, "well, yes, it is nice. So why don't you get a job, go on a travel site, and get your butt in gear, because then it can be nice for you too.")
In other words, what I got going on is about 30 miles a week and one more week of training until I plan to do a progressively faster 22 miler, and then a 3 week taper before the ann arbor marathon.
Oh, but you got 90 a week in? must be nice. **que Laugh Track**
You're amazing and I can't wait to watch you at the Olympic Qualifier one day, in my basement, running on my treadmill, watching on my big screen, pretending we're racing and that I'm keeping up.
I'm so glad that things just keep clicking for you!!! You're doing amazing!! 90 miles?!!! Wowzer!!!
Love the cartoon! Too funny!
I love that cartoon!!!!! Your workouts have been looking amazing and I would be absolutely confident for your marathon with your progress you have made since January. I will be stalking my computer that day to see how you do. :)
Kudos to Coach Rick for planning the perfect workouts to challenge you and bring out your best and to you for your enthusiasm and dedication. All the best with 90 this week!
I've got too much going on unfortunately. Tomorrow I'm going to visit a sick aunt, and in the afternoon I have to do some serious gardening. Unfortunately.
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