Marathon training is in full force! This week was my second week of official training and I’m trying to stay focused and keep to the schedule laid out for me. I signed up for the Revel Online Coaching Program for the Revel Big Bear Marathon thinking it would be my best option if I want to qualify for Boston.

I haven’t done a Weekly Wrap for a few weeks because I was feeling a little overwhelmed trying to fit it all in…the miles, work and family life. I was freaking out when I reviewed my marathon training and what the coming weeks held and then started wondering what the heck I was thinking. I have since relaxed some and accepted my fate, so here is how my latest week went.

I am linking up with Wendy and Hoho for the Weekly Wrap, so share the love and visit them, as well as others in the link-up. 

Monday: 

16 brutal miles.  This long run was scheduled for Saturday but I worked that weekend so I moved it to Monday. This was my 2nd long run, the first being 14 miles (which went well) and I either went into it worrying about how far it was so soon in training or I was tired after working two 12 hour shifts just prior, but it was a rough 16 miles. From mile 12, I ran/walked until the bitter end. 

Surprisingly I didn’t feel too tired that afternoon or sore the next day. I took that as a good sign…maybe I need to change my attitude.

Tuesday:

Work/Rest day. I don’t run on work days…yet. I am thinking about getting up super early to squeeze in a short run before work on occasion. I’ll let you know how that goes. 😉

Wednesday:

Hills. 2 mi. warm-up then 4 x 1/2 mile uphill followed by 1/2 mile downhill at same effort. 2-3 min rest between sets. 1 mi. cool down.

I had a hard time finding a 1/2 mile hill so I tried the best I could with some rolling hills and called it a day. I have since found a better hill for next time.

Thursday:

10 miles. I felt good for the whole run. No walking except when I was getting out my Gu. Salted caramel is my new favorite. I tried Sports Beans thinking they would be easier and less messy but then remembered that I don’t really like jelly beans. Duh!

Friday:

No run. My youngest was graduating that afternoon and I didn’t want to be tired. Plus I had some last minute things to do.

Saturday:

14 miles with the last 6 faster than the first 8. I took a new route for this run and as it turns out it is exactly 7 miles to one of my favorite beaches. I stopped for a picture and a potty break then headed back home.

After mile 8 I focused on running each mile individually. I was fortunate with the current June gloom conditions and a cool breeze for my whole run. There was a small headwind around mile 5 or 6 but decided to think of that as a positive…making me stronger and will push me when I turn around. I met my goal for this run, giving me a much needed confidence boost!

Sunday:

5 mile recovery run. The schedule said rest/recovery run/or cross train.  I should’ve chose rest. I got up before the rest of the family to get my run in before we all went to an early showing of Incredibles 2 (they all liked it, I think I dozed off half way through). My legs were tired and my plantar fasciitis bugged me for the rest of the day. Oh well, live and learn. 

That’s a wrap!

All in all it was a good week with perfect running weather. I’ve never been a fan of June gloom (usually when June comes around I am ready for beach weather and sunshine), but with all the miles I need to put in and not being able to get my butt out the door before 0800, this cool cloudy weather is working out just fine. 😉 I won’t think about the scorching temps we’ll probably get in August and September when I’ll be at the peak of training. :-/

Is there June gloom where you are?  What kind of sports energy to you prefer? Do you choose recovery run or rest?

Thanks for reading!

Keep running my friends!

                          Denise