Marathon training is hard, but somehow I manage to get through each week. I have to say though, when I get my weekly email from my coach describing the upcoming schedule I have a little panic attack and internally freak-out with worry about what is expected of me for that week. Then I talk myself down and remember to take it one day at a time. Baby steps…more like giant steps (Mother may I?).

You may have heard about my bout with Achilles tendonitis, (or not) either way I have now moved on from that little setback. My training came to a halt for almost 3 weeks but more importantly my confidence took a major blow. An injury can really mess with your head, but I’m not going to talk about that because I’m only allowing positive thoughts in right now as I approach the last 4 weeks of training.

Isn’t amazing how one good run can change the course of everything?! My running has been going really well and while there is always room for improvement, I’m feeling good about my training. At least now if I don’t BQ I will know that I tried my hardest. Only positive thoughts…

Here’s my week…

Monday: 19.25 miles

I knew I had a long run to do but hadn’t checked the actual mileage until the night before. Little anxiety when I saw 21 miles on my schedule. WHAT? I decided 21 was too much and planned on 20 (I know, one mile difference, but it’s a mind game thing for me).  My turn around point was at my favorite section of the beach which was 9.89 miles, I was okay with that. Then I took a slightly different route home that cut off a little, which gave me the 19.25. Close enough. My legs were pretty tired by the end but I wasn’t dying so I took that as a good sign. I can do this!

Tuesday & Wednesday : work days/no run days

I don’t run on work days (I work 6am – 6pm) but I try to do my arm workout with weights, squats and planks. This week I skipped the plank, no reason except I forgot. 😉

Thursday: 5 mile fast run.

I did a warm-up .75 mile to the high school track and was told I can’t run there during school hours and to come back before 7 am or after 4 pm. Bummer. So I ran from there a different route which added up to 5 miles. 

Squats and weights in the evening.

Friday: Track work

A .75 mi warm-up, then 10 x 800m with 10 x 400m recovery, .75 mi cool down. I ran or walked a 1/2 lap on my recovery laps. I really like speed work. I don’t know why I haven’t been doing this all these years. My only gripe would be I wish the high school track wasn’t dirt. I’m going to test out the local college track this week.

Saturday & Sunday: work days/ no run days.

Not a high mileage week but I felt good and now I know I will survive a 20 mile run. I’m happy. 

How was your week? Did you have a long run? Do you like running on a track? 

                                             I’m linking up with Taking the Long Way Home and HoHo Runs.

                                                        Take a minute to visit our hosts and show them some love!

Thanks for reading!

Keep running!

               Denise